The Raptures author Jan Carson in conversation at Tramore Library

Author Jan Carson will be in conversation with WLRfm’s Dymphna Nugent at Tramore Library on Tuesday, February 25.

Join Jan and Dymphna as they discuss The Raptures, Jan’s third novel set in an Evangelical Protestant community in rural Northern Ireland during the summer of 1993.

It is a world Jan knows inside out but it may be unfamiliar to readers as they familiarise themselves with the small Protestant community in the fictional Antrim town Ballylack and the strange works of protagonist, eleven-year-old Hannah Adger.

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The Guardian describes The Raptures as “a study of village life that brings the easy familiarity of a sitcom to its cast, but it’s also an Agatha Christie-esque whodunnit, a dark supernatural mystery and an account of mass trauma.”

Perceptions of Northern Ireland have often been dominated by stories of conflict and political unrest. 

However, anyone who lives there or who has visited knows it is a picture that is far from complete. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore with the author the idiosyncrasies of the everyday, hidden histories and untold stories, which outsiders rarely get to hear about.

Based in Belfast, Jan has published three novels, three short story collections and two micro-fiction collections. Her novel The Fire Starters won the EU Prize for Literature for Ireland 2019.

The Raptures was published by Doubleday in early 2022 and was subsequently shortlisted for the An Post Irish Novel of the Year and Kerry Group Novel of the Year. Her short story collection Quickly, While They Still Have Horses was published by Doubleday (UK) in April 2024 and Scribner (US) in July 2024. Her writing has been aired on BBC Radio 3 and 4 and RTE.  Jan’s forthcoming novel, Few and Far Between will be published in early 2026.

The event is funded by Creative Ireland, a joint two-year initiative between Waterford City and County Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to develop and enhance our shared sense of community through the lens of creativity in areas such as heritage, literature and the arts.

Jan Carson, in conversation with Dymphna Nugent takes place at Tramore Library on Tuesday February 25, Tramore Library at 7pm.

This is a free event, but booking is essential. To book your place call Tramore Library, Co. Waterford on 051 849594.