Learning to be Irish was launched at Sun Pier House, Chatham on 19 July 2025. It was a truly joyful occasion with readings, music, a choir and Keogh’s Irish crisps! I have just received some photos from the event, by Michi Masumi. I am also sharing some comments on the launch and the book.
Maria with husband Bob Carling
‘A lovely mix. Really inspiring. The choir took my breath away, amazing, such enthusiasm and joyfulness was great to see. A great experience!’
‘You were amazing. Your readings just perfect and it was lovely to see you sparkle. You just looked so happy. Such a perfect day. Well done.’
‘Maria, it was a brilliant afternoon. I have started reading your book and I’m really enjoying it.’
Learning to be Irish has received a couple of 5 star reviews on Amazon, including this one:
An evocative read
Maria writes with great honesty and humour about her upbringing in Ireland in the 60s and 70s. Her stories will resonate with generations of Irish people, evoking vivid memories of an era shaped by emigration, religious conservatism, and shifting family expectations – a time when many faced tough choices between tradition and change, both at home and abroad. Sharon Murphy
I have also had some comments from readers:
Oast House Community Choir at the book launch
‘Your observations, recollections and subsequent revelations bring out the importance, which I believe too, that secrets cause far more trouble than the truth.’
Maggie F
A vivid, forensic analysis of her experience of Irish identity, growing up as part of an Irish community in England. Full of painful human experience but dealt with bravely after years of working it out. A great achievement and testament to ontological survival in a complicated world, I’d say […] I love the detailed descriptions of life in the McCarthy household in the sixties and seventies and her opening poem. Lots of echoes of my own experience of Irish identity.
Patrick
You can order Learning to be Irish directly from this website. Please do leave a review where you can, and help to spread the word.
