Efacis
“Hearing Jan Carson read from her books was an absolute joy – the humour and insight that she shares with the audience and readers was a treasure. The insight into the different perspectives allows us to gain a glimpse into lives and ways that are not often visible to the wider community. Defining otherness and sharing otherness is so important and Jan does it gracefully. Bringing to life the challenges, fears and placing it geographically in a reality of perspectives is of utmost importance for the developing of togetherness in different communities globally”
Marita McGrory
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“I enjoyed Jan Carson’s reading a lot! It was an interesting take on what defines one's personality and how one's experiences form our perception as well as our experiences of the world. Her lovely accent was a nice bonus!”
Sophie Costanza Bleuel
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“Jan Carson’s reading was, like her texts, very funny and very serious at the same time. She read extracts from short stories in a collection that is to be published later this year (Quickly While They Still Have Horses), as well as from her novel The Fire Starters and from a previous short story collection. She also shared details of her own experience of growing up during the Troubles and about their ongoing political and cultural legacy. Her answers to audience questions on her writing process and on the current political situation were extremely thoughtful and interesting – and also hopeful with regard to the potential art has to make it possible to hear the other side’s stories. This has been a wonderful reading!”
Rebekka Rohleder
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“The reading with Northern Irish author Jan Carson at the Carl-von-Ossietzky-Buchhandlung in Flensburg, organized by the EUF Centre for Irish Studies to celebrate St Brigid’s Day and James Joyce’s Birthday, was a captivating and insightful experience. Carson’s animated readings, accompanied by her distinctive Northern Irish accent, brought a liveliness to the short stories that allowed me to actively envision the story settings. Drawing parallels with Joyce’s Dubliners, she highlighted their shared focus on religious tension and political concerns, particularly from a female perspective, which was really enlightening. Carson shared insights into her writing process, revealing that she writes short stories for each character before starting the novel to gain a deeper understanding of the featured characters. Her emphasis on the role of art, especially movies, as a coping mechanism resonated with me. Carson generously answered questions and the evening ended with an author signing session. Coupled with the well-planned structure and themes of the event, this made the reading truly memorable.”
Jule Matzen
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"What a delight it was to attend Jan Carson’s reading at the atmospheric Carl-von-Ossietzky bookstore in Flensburg. Listening to her interweave short readings with personal reflections against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's evolving political and cultural landscape, I was struck by her talent as both a speaker and a writer. At one point in the reading, she talked about humor as an act of hospitality and we also saw something of this during the reading. Book readings are not always this fresh and inspiring, but Ms. Carson’s approachability and humor seem to open a lot of doors with her audience, putting everyone at ease. It made for a lively evening and also invited deeper reflection on some of the less palatable issues she addresses in her work, like cultural insularity, violence, and generational trauma. It is a tribute to Ms. Carson that she managed to induce such reflection in a way that was both inspiring and entertaining. Many thanks to Michelle Witen of the EUF Centre for Irish Studies for organizing this truly wonderful event!"
Laura Cuniff
