Kilkenny the venue for launch of new novel, The Calligrapher's Sons, by local writer Berna Boran
From this week's Castlecomer Notes
The beautifully-renovated Avalon House Hotel will be the venue for the launch of a most-timely novel, The Calligrapher's Sons, by local writer Berna Boran.
The genre is fiction, and the thriller is set in a migrant family, living in Dublin. The story is riveting, unputdownable. A real page turner as the family deal with various issues, such as gambling addiction, racism, traditional expectations that may not suit their new environment and even brushes with international criminality.
Because of her in-depth knowledge of Islamic cultural, religious and social sensitivities the author gives us a unique look into this multinational complex community that is a growing part of Ireland at the present time. She handles the narrative in a most sensitive manner, while losing nothing of the humour and pathos depicted in this most entertaining thriller.
Twenty-five years working as teacher and principal of the Muslim School, Clonskeagh has honed her knowledge of and her deep connection to this varied community that she has shared so much of her life with and which she came to respect and learn from.
"We have much to learn from each other and much to share with each other," is an oft-quoted response from Berna. She compares the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Muslim peoples with our own Irish heritage.
Both are rich in sanctity, generosity, love of poetry, calligraphy and value continual learning throughout life. All are welcome to the launch by Sue Nunn on Saturday, September 28 at 8pm at the Avalon House Hotel.