A question of taste with author Sarah Crossan

Dublin-born author Sarah Crossan is the current Laureate na nÓg(Ireland’s Children’s Literature Laureate).

Currently based near London, she is a poet and novelist writing for young adults. An Evening with Sebastian Barry and Sarah Crossan will take place on Monday, July 15, at 8.30pm in the Maritime Hotel as part of the West Cork Literary Festival which is in and around the town of Bantry from July 12-19.

Best recent book you’ve read:

The Heavens by Sandra Newman.

Best recent reading you’ve been to:

I’ve watched many young Irish poets performing original work as part of the #WeAreThePoets project and it’s been inspiring.

Best recent show or gig:

Kate Tempest.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately (new or old):

My six-year-old has just discovered the Spice Girls and so, apparently, have I.

First book that really moved you:

The Pigman by Paul Zindel.

The best gig or show you’ve ever seen (if you had to pick one!):

Hamilton — I can’t admit to the number of times I’ve seen it.

Tell us about your TV viewing:

It’s very rare but recently I loved Fleabag.

Radio listening and/or podcasts:

I listen to BBC Radio 4 most days. Podcasts vary depending on my mood. I loved West Cork and like true crime generally.

Your best celebrity encounter:

Paul Daniels pushed in front of me when I was waiting in the road to be served by an ice-cream van. He was with Debbie.

You can portal back to any period of human cultural history or music event — where, when,and why?

I’d like to watch something at the Globe pre-Fire of London.

You are curating your dream festival — which three artists are on the bill (living or dead)?

- Virginia Woolf

- Mary Oliver

- Edith Piaf.

Of the other authors appearing at West Cork Lit Fest, pick out one favourite:

I’ll go with Sarah Moss. I lovehow clean her prose is and her most recent novel, Ghost Wall, deserves way more accolades than it’s getting.

Unsung hero — individual or group you think don’t get the praise they deserve:

Nurses.

You are queen for a day — what’s your first decree?

No Brexit.