Sequel scoops top prize for Doyle
The former Booker Prize winner scooped the top prize for his novel, Paula Spencer, a sequel to his earlier best-seller, The Woman Who Walked into Doors.
Mr Doyle, 49, said he was “thrilled” to have won, but, as someone who guards his privacy closely, has mixed feelings about the value of literary festivals.
“These festivals create a sense of event around books and help writers get in touch with their readers, if only for a few days. It’s the nearest thing to rock ‘n roll that writers ever get,” he said.
He said he enjoyed meeting readers as long as it was occasional.
“I don’t want to be on some sort of circuit, but I do enjoy giving readings. Essentially, writing is a solitary experience,” he remarked.
Mr Doyle, who has so far written 12 books and is working on another novel and a children’s book, won the Booker Prize in 1993 for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha. Three of his books have been made into films.
The Dubliner did his first-ever reading at Listowel Writers’ Week about 20 years ago, on the invitation of north Kerry poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice, and has attended the festival a number of times.
Set in contemporary Dublin, Paula Spencer begins on the eve of Paula’s 48th birthday. Having battled alcoholism, she hasn’t had a drink for four months and five days.
After outliving an abusive husband and father, Paula and her four children are now struggling to live their adult lives.
The shortlist for the Kerry Group award also included: Pat McCabe, Winterwood; Claire Kilroy, Tenderwire; Gerard Donovan, Julius Winsome, and Benjamin Black, Christine Falls.
The 37th Listowel Writers’ Week, of which the Irish Examiner is media sponsor, was officially opened by another highly acclaimed novelist Joseph O’Connor.
A statue of the late Listowel playwright, John B Keane, sculpted by Doonbeg artist, Seamus Connelly will be unveiled during the festival.
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