Culture That Made Me: Irish author Patricia Scanlan picks her touchstones 

The City Girls writer includes the likes of Leonard Cohen, Edna O’Brien, and Mary Poppins among her selections

Patricia Scanlan is about to publish the latest instalment in her City Girls novels.  Picture: Ger Holland

Patricia Scanlan, 69, grew up in Ballygall, Dublin. In 1992, she published her debut novel City Girl, the first in the acclaimed City Girls trilogy, which has sold millions of copies. 

Her spiritual book, Winter Blessings, published in 2005, is also a bestseller. She is series editor and a contributing author to the  Open Door literacy series.