Roddy Doyle

When Roddy Doyle self-published his first novel, The Commitments, in 1987, he was told he’d struggle to attract readers beyond Dublin. Decades later – after a Booker Prize (for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha), numerous novels, two films based on his books, and several screenplays – he’s gone from cult hero to cornerstone of the Irish literary establishment. And while his fan-base is worldwide, Ireland remains at the heart of his art. Here, he’s joined by journalist/reviewer Blanche Clark in conversation for our 10 series.

During this event, Doyle reads from short story collection Bullfighting, discusses the compilation’s middle-aged protagonists and why its stories didn’t become novels; he explains the prominence of Cadbury’s in his work, describes writing The Commitments, capturing the vernacular (without eavesdropping) and responding to bad reviews. Finally, he shares his favourite young writers of Dublin, considers what makes an Irish writer and explains the inevitability of political influences on his characters.