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Dublin is one of the world's great literary cities, immortalized in works by some of the most celebrated international authors. It is a city of warmth and character, which combines the richest of histories with a vibrant contemporary edge, and which welcomes millions of people to its streets each year. In addition to being Ireland's capital city, Dublin is a city with a proud European identity and with long-established, dynamic links with the rest of the world. Dublin Tales comprises an exciting selection of stories from across the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries which are illustrative of this.The stories in Dublin Tales are variously vibrant, evocative, humorous, and diverse, and engage in different ways with Dublin's history, its culture, its cityscape, and its people. It includes stories by writers who are intimately associated with the city (James Joyce and Brendan Behan), as well as by some of the most acclaimed Irish authors of the twentieth century (Elizabeth Bowen, Liam O'Flaherty, William Trevor, John McGahern, and Éilís Ní Dhuibhne). Less familiar authors are also included, as are specially commissioned stories from some of the most talented younger writers writing today (Caitriona Lally, Kevin Power, and Melatu Uche Okorie). Dublin Tales also includes bilingual versions of two stories which were originally written in the Irish language by Dara Ó Conaola and Caitlín Nic Íomhair, which have been specially translated into English for this startlingly original new book.
This collection of short stories captures the multifaceted identity of Dublin through the eyes of diverse authors across two centuries. The anthology presents a series of narratives that explore the physical and social landscape of Ireland's capital city. The protagonists navigate the shifting historical and cultural tides of Dublin, facing challenges ranging from personal identity to the pressures of urban modernization. The narrative framework is episodic, utilizing a variety of voices and perspectives to construct a composite portrait of the city. These stories operate within the logical constraints of realistic fiction, grounding the reader in the specific geography and social atmosphere of the Dublin cityscape.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the anthology's success in balancing historical literary giants with emerging contemporary voices. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the collection in mapping the changing social fabric of Dublin over time. Many appreciate the inclusion of bilingual texts, which adds a layer of linguistic depth to the exploration of Irish identity. The pacing is noted for its variety, allowing the reader to experience different facets of the city through distinct narrative lenses. Overall, the work is regarded as a comprehensive look at how a specific urban environment influences the creative output of its residents.
Page Count:
336
Publication Date:
2024-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192855557
ISBN-13:
9780192855558
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