Michael Harding meditates on religion, love and marriage

Michael Harding, author of the bestselling memoir, Staring at Lakes, feels privileged to be touring, reading from his book and chatting to audiences. He will be at the Ballymaloe Grainstore on Nov 7 as part of a national tour.

Harding, who writes a column in the Irish Times and is also a playwright, does not regret revealing his thoughts and anxieties, and often with self-deprecating humour. “I think it’s a relief to reveal myself. It’s like therapy. I went to a therapist when I was depressed, but I’ve found that there’s nothing better for me than to express what’s on my mind. I’m lucky to have people willing to listen to me. I feel hugely blessed to be blathering to people about the size of my prostate, or whatever. I also find it fun, being able to ridicule myself.”