Beginner’s Pluck: Poet Amy Abdullah Barry

The visual collection of poetry in 'Flirting with Tigers' moves from the exoticism of the Malaysian jungle, through Amy’s extensive travels, to her domestic life in Athlone

Amy Abdullah Barry with fellow poet, and her mentor, Thomas McCarthy who introduced ‘Flirting with Tigers, at the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin.

Daughter of a postmaster, Amy was brought up in Penang.

“My father was posted around a lot. I went to a Convent School because my parents wanted me to learn English. 

"We did a lot of drama, and from the age of 11, when my father was chairman of the parent teacher association, I wrote his speeches for him.”

Amy adored travelling. After university she became a PA executive with News Straits; then she joined a hotel line, as PR and marketing manager, travelling to London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

After that I set up an engineering company with a German friend in Malaysia. I did the marketing.

Throughout her twenties, Amy backpacked in Nepal and India, and went deep into the jungle — an experience that influenced her travel poetry.

She arrived in Ireland in 2003, when her children were young, and did a course in creative writing. 

Starting with short stories, some of which were published, she then turned her hand to poetry.

“I was mentored by Thomas McCarthy. He gave me direction and inspired me.”

In 2017 Amy self-published a small chapbook of poetry and has since been invited to read at international festivals.

She has been awarded bursaries from the Arts Council and Words Ireland.

Who is Amy Abdullah Barry?

Place of birth: Penang, Malaysia.

Education: A convent until 15 before moving to a co-ed Methodist School both in Malaysia. BA in mass communication. “I majored in PR.”

Home: Athlone.

Family: Husband Michael — a Limerick man. Yasmine; 23, Natasya, 20, and a cat, Pablo, (named after Pablo Neruda).

The day job: Writer/ facilitator.

In another life: “I’d own a chalet for travellers seeking peace — and write a novel.”

Favourite writers: Edwin Morgan; John McGahern; Eavan Boland; Leonard Cohen; Pablo Neruda, and Oscar Wilde.

Second book: “I’m planning a second poetry collection and a short story chapbook.”

Top tip: “Be persistent and consistent.”

X: @AmyBarry12

The debut

Flirting with Tigers; Dedalus Press, €12.50

This visual collection of poetry moves from the exoticism of the Malaysian jungle, through Amy’s extensive travels, to her domestic life in Athlone.

We see snatches of her childhood, and memories of her mother, and get a glimpse of her more current life observations and dreams.

The verdict: A wide ranging selection. Sensual and atmospheric.