Author Sebastian Barry, known for his representation of varying perspectives during Ireland’s revolutionary period in The Steward of Christendom and A Long Long Way, was announced as Ireland’s new Laureate for Irish Fiction by President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins in February. He will hold a term of three years, through 2021, and succeeds writer Anne Enright (The Portable Virgin, The Gathering, The Green Road).
The role of the Laureate for Irish Fiction was co-created by the Arts Council, University College Dublin, and New York University with a mission to recognize the contribution of fiction writers on Irish culture as well as to promote and inspire a new generation of Irish fiction writers.
Speaking to the Irish Times, Barry said, “It’s a joyous moment, after 40 years of work.” ♦
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