Spring Break
Author Kicks Off Ireland Film And Literature Festival
Kimberly Primicerio
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Focus
Wednesday night, The University of Connecticut kicked off its Reel Ireland Film Festival with novelist James Ryan. The Irish author of four books spoke at the 11th Annual Gerson Reading at the Alumni House Thursday evening to a full crowd of students, graduates and faculty.
Before reading from his newest book "South of the Border" Ryan explained to his audience the connection he had with Storrs. The author said that in 1971 his wife, also a native of Ireland, attended E.O. Smith high school. He explained how the red T-shirt his wife received at the high school remained in his house for at least 20 years.
"Ireland comes with a long tale of woe," said the author as he began explaining some of the background information to his new book. "South of the Border," set in 1942 deals with neutral Ireland putting away the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during World War II, as they were seen as a threat. It was believed that the IRA might connect with Nazi Germany, and Ireland would not have that. Ryan did a lot of research in this area and thought it was an "attractive thing" to write about.
The author went on to explain about the influential Irish propaganda that was around in 1940 so Ireland could stay neutral and not give its land to Allied Forces.
"I thought it would be interesting to see what his most recent book was about," said 6th semester education major Shirley Phung. Phung had enjoyed reading one of Ryan's earlier books, "Seeds of Doubt."
After giving some history on "South of the Border," Ryan began reading a passage from the book. His Irish accent carried the narrative along but when it came to speak for a character Ryan's soothing voice changed tones. He took on the voices of the characters and sounded harsh when need be. Ryan also made sure to put on a German accent for his German characters.
Phung thought Ryan did a great job reading.
"He used a lot of emphasis and emotion. It was nice to see an author put so much thought and emotion into his own work," said Phung.
After the reading Ryan answered many questions and held a book signing for those interested.
"I didn't know how big the Irish German connection was," said 6th semester English major Lara Wityak, who defiantly would go read his book.
Ryan's event kicked off UConn's Reel Ireland Film and Literature Festival Seminar. New Irish films can be screened at the Konover auditorium Dodd Center from Friday through Sunday. There will also be an Irish Film and Literature Seminar on Saturday.
Contact Kimberly Primicerio at Kimberly.Primicerio@UConn.edu
Before reading from his newest book "South of the Border" Ryan explained to his audience the connection he had with Storrs. The author said that in 1971 his wife, also a native of Ireland, attended E.O. Smith high school. He explained how the red T-shirt his wife received at the high school remained in his house for at least 20 years.
"Ireland comes with a long tale of woe," said the author as he began explaining some of the background information to his new book. "South of the Border," set in 1942 deals with neutral Ireland putting away the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during World War II, as they were seen as a threat. It was believed that the IRA might connect with Nazi Germany, and Ireland would not have that. Ryan did a lot of research in this area and thought it was an "attractive thing" to write about.
The author went on to explain about the influential Irish propaganda that was around in 1940 so Ireland could stay neutral and not give its land to Allied Forces.
"I thought it would be interesting to see what his most recent book was about," said 6th semester education major Shirley Phung. Phung had enjoyed reading one of Ryan's earlier books, "Seeds of Doubt."
After giving some history on "South of the Border," Ryan began reading a passage from the book. His Irish accent carried the narrative along but when it came to speak for a character Ryan's soothing voice changed tones. He took on the voices of the characters and sounded harsh when need be. Ryan also made sure to put on a German accent for his German characters.
Phung thought Ryan did a great job reading.
"He used a lot of emphasis and emotion. It was nice to see an author put so much thought and emotion into his own work," said Phung.
After the reading Ryan answered many questions and held a book signing for those interested.
"I didn't know how big the Irish German connection was," said 6th semester English major Lara Wityak, who defiantly would go read his book.
Ryan's event kicked off UConn's Reel Ireland Film and Literature Festival Seminar. New Irish films can be screened at the Konover auditorium Dodd Center from Friday through Sunday. There will also be an Irish Film and Literature Seminar on Saturday.
Contact Kimberly Primicerio at Kimberly.Primicerio@UConn.edu
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