Longford becomes literary capital as Granard Booktown Festival brings mood of excitement and wonder

It's eight o'clock on a Friday night in Granard. The lights are on in the town's library. Upstairs, in what was once the court rooms for the local District Court, files of seats are filling up with people who enjoy reading, and some who enjoy writing.

Facing the audience, Shaunagh Connaire and Sinéad Gleeson ease themselves into a discussion about the critically acclaimed writer and editor's first novel.

Half way back in the audience, seated beside Sinéad's husband, is Patrick deWitt. Patrick is no slouch at the old writing lark. He was shortlisted for the 2011 Man Booker Prize for one book, received a New York Times Editors' Choice for another.

His novels The Sisters Brothers and French Exit have both been adapted into films. In fairness, it's not a typical Friday night in Granard.

The Granard Booktown Festival is the reason for the razzmatazz. A Festival in its second year, it eschewed building up over time by bringing the reigning Booker Prize winner to town for a chat.

The opening night sets an impressive tone. Sinéad Gleeson's talk is sublime. It's easy going, almost informal, an exchange with a reader who enjoyed the book, primarily focused on the book, without spoiling it for audience members who may not have read it yet.

Connaire's prowess as an interviewer is imperious. In the course of the confab she creates opportunities for Gleeson to impart many pointers on how, what and why she writes. The intimacy of the Festival is emphasised when the author chats to those in attendance after the formal conversation concludes.

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On Saturday night the stage in the assembly hall of the Sacred Heart Primary School, Rathcronan, is laid out in the style of a school drama production set in a domestic front room. Comfy lounge chairs face each other, elaborate floral displays bring a flare of colour.

In a programme filled with stars Paul Lynch and Belinda McKeon are the headline act. The venue is densely packed with visitors from across the region, eager to hear what the Booker Prize winner had to say.

Before embarking on his conversation Paul recalls his last appearance on a school stage. He recounts his teacher's advice to “just mime” as the other children sang. Whatever his childhood vocal shortcomings were Lynch has more than made up for them with his literature.

Although Prophet Song dominates the conversation, it is just an element of the exchange.

For her part McKeon is a natural communicator. She connects with her subject, is enthralled with Lynch's process and builds launch pads for discussion with her observations on the book.

The give-and-take is gripping, an hour elapses in a condensed time frame. Insight into the book and how it came about, meditations on society and humanity, all blend into a single entity that encompass the point of the Booktown Festival.

Upon conclusion the line of readers snakes out into the car park as they queue to get the author's signature on their books.

Other highlights of the weekend include Ciaran Murphy of Second Captains in conversation with Mickey Quinn, chef Gary O'Hanlon talking with Ella McSweeney, podcaster Leon Diop's talk to Uruemu Adejinmi and fashion discussion hosted by Anne-Marie Tomchak.

Organiser John Connell spoke of the committee's delight with the event: ‘We were once again amazed at the success of Granard Booktown Festival. We had packed out audiences throughout the weekend breaking last year's record.”

Connell commended all who made the Festival possible: “It was a tremendous success bringing huge numbers to north Longford and a mood of excitement and wonder hearing from writers, thinkers and artists from around the world. We are indebted to our funding partners and the people of Granard who continue to make this one of the most exciting festivals in Ireland.

“Thank you from the team and we will see you all next year.”

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