Having read some of Jan Carson’s short stories, I was eager to hear her speak. What struck me most about Jan was her incredible wit and clarity. She knows exactly the points she wants to make and articulates them with precision.
Jan’s presence is magnetic. She is witty, down-to-earth, and engaging, making it easy to listen to and connect with her. Despite her brilliance, she is humble, sharing that her writing didn’t come naturally. Her reading was enchanting. The musicality of her writing came through in her voice, tone, and accent, which were full of personality. Her stories are meticulously crafted, richly contextualized yet deliberately open-ended, and inviting readers to uncover the meaning behind them themselves.
Jan’s focus on Northern Ireland is powerful. She shed light on “untold stories” from older generations and the Troubles’ lingering shadows. Her insights into the limitations publishers placed on Northern Irish writers (demanding either silence on the Troubles or reductive depictions) were eye-opening. In one of her short stories, a character reflects on how “the Troubles are over,” yet so much remains unsaid—a sentiment Jan echoed when she remarked, “Other people got to decide our history.”
Her talk was inspiring. I left with a newfound appreciation for Ireland, its stories, and a deeper respect for storytelling. Jan Carson’s writing is thoughtful and impactful, and I would absolutely recommend any event featuring her.
Reem Chehab
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Having the opportunity to listen to Jan Carson talking about her creative process, her delicate, scintillating, yet profound reconciliation with intricate conservative history of Northern Ireland and her manifold affection for the depths of language was an experience I will always cherish.
Merve Munz
