The Renaissance Man realises his wife, the novelist, is reading his private papers, Blue Velvet is playing in his head, their child moves around the room, the ‘girls’ next door are listening to some trance music, somewhere a couple is fighting. he strives to complete his article on the new exhibition at the institute of Contemporary Art. The junkie is dreaming of a White Christmas in the tropics, the retired surveillance man is recalling his childhood pet, the student is working on a draft of his sci-fi novel and dabbling in Descartes, and Bam Bam, denizen of the flat above, is pounding the hatred out like thunder over his head. John Kinsella was born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1963. He is the founding editor of the poetry magazine Salt.
The Renaissance Man realises his wife, the novelist, is reading his private papers, Blue Velvet is playing in his head, their child moves around the room, the ‘girls’ next door are listening to some trance music, somewhere a couple is fighting. he strives to complete his article on the new exhibition at the institute of Contemporary Art. The junkie is dreaming of a White Christmas in the tropics, the retired surveillance man is recalling his childhood pet, the student is working on a draft of his sci-fi novel and dabbling in Descartes, and Bam Bam, denizen of the flat above, is pounding the hatred out like thunder over his head. John Kinsella was born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1963. He is the founding editor of the poetry magazine Salt.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
