Latest news with #Piranesi
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Susanna Clarke: coming back from a vanishing act
Photo: Bloomsbury Booker Prize long-listed English author Susanna Clarke is one of the most influential fantasy writers of our time. Twenty-one years after the publication of her smash-hit debut fantasy novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell , bestselling author Susanna Clarke is returning to this world with several short stories. There has only been one other large piece of writing in two decades. Her novel Piranesi won the Women's Prize For Fiction in 2021. In between, a bit like the magic she writes of, she vanished. After writing Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell in 2004 Susanna was diagnosed with ME, finding herself unable to write or even think of herself as a writer anymore. Susanne speaks with Susie.
RTÉ News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Fresh reads - 7 recent Irish debut novels you might have missed
The Irish literary scene has never not been in rude health - but its robustness is found in the new writers and work that is coming through. This year alone, there has been an abundance of stellar debut novels from Irish authors. Here are a few that may have slipped through the cracks, but which you really ought to read. Louise Hegarty - Fair Play If you're a fan of novels like Susanna Clarke's Piranesi, which blended mystery with elements of fantasy, then Fair Play will be right up your street. Having previously been published in journals including The Stinging Fly and Banshee, the Cork native's debut novel puts a clever spin on crime fiction with a story involves a party, a murder mystery and an unexpected death. Hegarty brilliantly harnesses humour and compassion in one of the most unique books you'll read this year (Picador). Róisín O'Donnell - Nesting Much like Ciara, the protagonist of her debut novel, Meath-based author Róisín O'Donnell was born in Sheffield to parents from Derry, before her family moved to Dublin when she was a teenager. Her sense of 'otherness' permeates both Ciara and this utterly gripping story about a woman attempting to escape an abusive marriage and a despicable husband to create a new life for her young children. With superbly-drawn characters, beautiful prose and a heartbreakingly tender story of coercive control and inner strength, you will not be able to put it down (Simon & Schuster). Catherine Airey - Confessions: A Novel The road from Ireland to the USA has been well-trodden in both a geographical and literary sense, but Catherine Airey's first novel offers a new take on the emigrant trope. Airey, an English-born author of Irish descent who now lives in Cork, tells the story of three generations of women set against several backdrops and eras, from the 1970s to post-9/11 New York and the 2010s. An absorbing read about family, belonging and the secrets that are sometimes necessary to keep (Penguin). Garret Carr - The Boy from the Sea What would you do if you found an abandoned baby on a beach? The Donegal-born Carr, who lectures in Creative Writing at Belfast's Queen's University, aptly weaves a tender story about a fisherman, Ambrose, who brings a new baby, Brendan, into his family in the 1970s - and the repercussions and impact that decision has. Carr has written for a YA audience in the past, but his debut novel for adults is an elegantly-written, beautiful story about compassion, love and landscape (Picador). Róisín Lanigan - I Want To Go Home But I'm Already There When it comes to genre, "ghost stories set in the rental crisis" are few-and-far-between - but that's precisely what makes Belfast-born Róisin Lanigan's debut novel so compelling. Áine, a twentysomething Irishwoman, moves into a flat in a bougie area of London with her English boyfriend Elliott, but it soon becomes apparent that all is not as it seems with their new abode. Encompassing themes of loneliness, social commentary and millennial angst, Lanigan's nimble storytelling - which often veers from eerie to existential - leaves the reader with plenty to think about (Penguin) Claire Gleeson - Show Me Where It Hurts With a starting point that is unimaginably horrifying - a husband one day deliberately crashes his car with his family inside - you might imagine that Show Me Where it Hurts is a difficult read. Well, it is. You will cry. Yet it's also a story of compassion, resilience and love. Gleeson deftly splits the story into two timelines - before and after the crash - to striking effect, making it a book that you won't forget any time soon. Gleeson has had numerous short stories published in the past, but her debut novel is a stunning effort (Sceptre). Elaine Garvey - The Wardrobe Department Here is a story set in a world that we don't read enough about. Written by Sligo native Elaine Garvey - who has previously had short stories published in Winter Papers and Dublin Review - her debut novel follows young Irish woman Mairéad, who works in the wardrobe department of the fictional rundown St. Leonard's Theatre in London. Unmoored and lonely, she returns to Leitrim when her grandmother dies, where she is forced to confront difficulties from her past. A quietly thought-provoking work (Canongate).
The Independent
30-01-2025
- The Independent
5 of the best views in Rome for a breathtaking look at the Italian capital
The trouble with Rome is that it has so many treasures. Its heady mix of must-see classical ruins, flamboyant fountains, Renaissance palaces and masterpiece-filled museums can make a trip to the Eternal City as exhausting as it is exhilarating – and that's before you've even set an aching foot in a designer store or strolled along a cobbled street in search of a(nother) delicious scoop of gelato. So, it's a good thing that there's another 'must' in Rome, and that's to experience il dolce fa niente – the sweet doing of nothing. And there's no better way to idle away the time than by enjoying a glorious view, perched high above the chaos of the capital's traffic. There are plenty of vantage points – well, the ancient centre was founded on seven hills and has since spread over several more – but these are five of the best. Of course, if you prefer a view that's literally breathtaking, you can always climb all 551 steps to the dome of St Peter's. Cameras at the ready… Aventine Hill Rising above the Circus Maximus, the ancient city's venue for chariot races, the Aventine is the most southerly of Rome's seven hills. Originally a plebian area, it later became home to the aristocracy who built pagan temples and lavish palaces, and is still a desirable, delightfully tranquil, residential district. It's worth the climb just to visit the church of Santa Sabina, which was built in the 5 th century. Zoom in on the carved cedarwood panels on its main door, which depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, then step into the scented shade of the neighbouring Giardino degli Aranci, the Garden of Oranges, and enjoy the panorama of the Roman skyline. But don't go yet; walk the short distance to the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, designed by Piranesi for the chivalric order of the Knights of Malta, then peep through the keyhole of the Priory door; you'll see the distant dome of St Peter's, perfectly framed by foliage. Belvedere del Gianicolo The Gianicolo (or Janiculum Hill) is the place where locals come to watch the sunset. Although it wasn't one of the original seven hills, as it sits on the other side of the Tiber outside the boundaries of the ancient city, it's higher than the others and makes a wonderful vantage point. Rising above the maze of narrow streets and pretty squares that characterise Trastevere, traditionally Rome's artisan quarter, it was named for the two-faced god Janus who was once worshipped here. Today it's topped with an equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, hero of the Risorgimento – the revolution that led to Italy's unification. Follow Via Garibaldi to get up to the terrace, stopping on the way up to see Vasari's works in the church of San Pietro in Montorio, then relax and enjoy the drama as the sun sinks over the city. Piazza di Campidoglio This majestic Renaissance piazza, designed by Michelangelo, is celebrated for its elegant proportions and is home to the Capitoline Museums with their stunning collections of art and sculpture. However, it's the path to the back of the piazza (head behind the statue of Marcus Aurelius) that will have you drawing breath; it offers an unforgettable outlook onto the Foro Romano, the Roman Forum, which was the religious, political and commercial heart of Republican Rome. You'll see the columns of the Temple of Saturn, which once housed the state treasury, and the distant walls of the Colosseum. The Campidoglio, or Capitoline Hill, may have been the smallest of the seven hills but it was the power hub of the ancient world. Pincio Terrace Rome isn't well served with parks; if you're feeling the need to escape to a green space then the chances are that you'll make for the Villa Borghese, where the grounds offer winding paths, lakes and pretty flowerbeds. While there, make for the formal Pincio Gardens, where a terrace offers a splendid view of Piazza del Popolo, with the dome of St Peter's beyond. The People's Square (as it translates today) is perhaps Rome's most impressive (it's actually oval) and has at its centre an Egyptian obelisk taken from Heliopolis by Augustus for the Circus Maximus – where it served as a turning point in chariot races. The Vittoriano Many say that the outlook from the Vittorio Emanuele Monument, or Vittoriano, is the best of all – as it's the one place you can't see the monument itself. This vast white edifice, which dominates Piazza Venezia, was erected at the end of the 19 th century in honour of the first king of a unified Italy and has been disparagingly nicknamed 'the typewriter' by locals. It costs €15 to take the lift to its panoramic terrace, but you're well rewarded with an outstanding 360-degree view of the city and the hills beyond.
Emirates Woman
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
10 editor-approved books to add to your reading list
Life by Ruman Baig 26 seconds ago Winter is still ongoing in Dubai and if you're looking for ways on how to spend time indoors, we've got you. Lately, we've mad a conscious effort to put down our digital devices at the end of the day and pick a book that will keep us hooked. From light reads to historical fiction adventure — we've put together a list that covers it all. This season gives you the perfect excuse to stay indoors and curl up with captivating books. via GIPHY But with so many options, where do you begin? Fear not, fellow bibliophiles. This list offers 10 tantalizing books across various genres, guaranteed to transport you to their thrilling worlds, igniting your imaginations further. Historical Fiction Adventure: 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with amnesia. Thrust into a thrilling quest for survival, he must piece together his mission and uncover the secrets of a global catastrophe. Weir, the mastermind behind 'The Martian,' delivers another science fiction masterpiece that will leave you breathless. Find the book at: Cozy Mystery Caper: 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by T.J. Klune Linus Baker, a caseworker for a magical youth care agency, embarks on an unusual assignment – evaluating a young orphan with questionable magical abilities. This heartwarming and humorous fantasy with a touch of mystery will melt your heart. Find the book at: Non-Fiction Must-Read: 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer Experience the beauty and wisdom of the natural world through the eyes of a Potawatomi botanist. Kimmerer's lyrical prose explores indigenous knowledge, ecological balance, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Find the book at: Young Adult Fantasy: 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood Olive, a brilliant PhD student, devises a fake-dating scheme to avoid her matchmaking friends. But the lines between reality and fiction blur when she chooses an infuriatingly attractive (and accomplished) professor as her pretend witty and charming romance is perfect for fans of slow-burn love stories. Find the book at: Chilling Horror: 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Travel to the mist-shrouded Mexican countryside with Noemi Taboada, a socialite sent to check on her ailing cousin. This gothic horror masterpiece will keep you guessing until the very last page. Find the book at: Poetic Adventure: 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke Find it at: Get swept away by this captivating blend of mystery and fantasy. Piranesi, a man who has lived his entire life in a vast House filled with statues, embarks on a journey to unravel the truth about his world and himself. So, grab your favorite iced beverage, settle into a comfy spot, and let these ten captivating reads transport you to unforgettable summer destinations. Happy reading! You can buy the above mentioned books by clicking on the image, it will redirect you to the website. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied Amazon & Feature Image: Instagram @thewhiteocean
