Field Ramble with Mary Costello and Feryal Ali Gauhar

02/22/24 • 49 min

Field Ramble is back with award winning Irish novelist Mary Costello to hear about her latest short story collection Barcelona. It follows firmly in the footsteps of her debut novel Academy Street ( Novel of the Year 2014, The Irish Book Awards) and her first collection The China Factory in its fearlessness. Never afraid to shine a light on our darker side, Barcelona is unsparing in its exploration of cruelty and, in Mary's own words, our straining for consciousness.

In this bumper episode we also meet up with film maker, activist and novelist Feryal Ali Gauhar to discuss her latest novel An Abundance of Wild Roses. The book is set within a remote community in Pakistan's Karakoram mountains and centres around the discovery of a dying man and the repercussions that ensue.

Both Mary and Feryal are writing into spaces about connection, growing violence and the possibility of wider consciousness.

Barcelona is published on 07/03/24

An Abundance of Wild Roses is also published on 07/03/24

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Both Mary and Feryal are writing into spaces about connection, growing violence and the possibility of wider consciousness.

Barcelona is published on 07/03/24

An Abundance of Wild Roses is also published on 07/03/24

@fieldzine
www.fieldzine.com
www.patreon.com/fieldzine

Previous Episode

Field Ramble with Lottie Hazell and Andrew McMillan

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January is grim, there’s no two ways about it. So here are two fantastic debuts to keep you tucked up indoors and out of whichever storm has just landed. First off a chat with Lottie Hazell whose novel Piglet is published on 25.01. An unrelenting story of compulsion and unfulfilled hunger, it majors on love, class and the lack at the centre of modern life. (It also has one of the most insane wedding scenes you’ll read this year.) Follow the link below to order a copy.
https://www.theportobellobookshop.com/9780857529565-sf

Then, some time with Andrew McMillan to hear about his incredible debut novel Pity. Many of you will know Andrew from his poetry and Pity has a thread of gorgeous lyricism running through the heart of it. It is the story both of a community and of a couple Simon and Ryan who are in the early stages of their relationship. This is already a huge favourite at Field HQ, there is not a word out of place, it’s written with a poet’s economy & if you’re a fan of Max Porter or Claire Keegan then this is one for you. It also has to be a very early contender for cover of the year.

Piglet is published by Transworld Publishers on 25/01

Pity is published by Canongate on 08/02

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Next Episode

Field Ramble with Aniefiok Ekpoudom

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On this episode of Field Ramble, an interview with Aniefiok Ekpoudom to discuss his incredible work of narrative non fiction Where We Come From. Set between communities in South London, South Wales and the West Midland’s Neef’s book documents the rise of UK Rap and Grime. Beginning with the tenacious community hubs of Pirate Radio in Birmingham under the guiding hand of Cecil Morris to the emergence of artists such as Stormzy and Dave, Aniefiok documents the early years and emergence of the genres and the vital role that progenitors such as Cadet, Kano & Despa played.

At a time when public discourse around our social history can often feel so narrow Where we Came From is vital. It is a book that explores and celebrates the key role immigration plays in invigorating and progressing our shared cultural landscape. And one deeply in love with the music it chronicles. If you don’t believe us check out these recommends.

Guy Gunaratne ‘Phenomenal ... like the heroes he chronicles, Ekpoudom acts as a torchbearer, his book a beacon, for the story that follows.’

Candice Carty-Williams ‘A stunning exploration of a genre, a movement and a world. It is every bit as lyrical as the rap Ekpoudom has documented.’

Further reading: Adèle Oliver’s excellent Deeping It is definitely a huge recommend for anyone looking for further reading in the subject. We’ll be catching up with Adèle over the next few weeks on the Ramble. So subscribe to Field Ramble now on iTunes or Spotify to not miss out.

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www.fieldzine.com
www.patreon.com/fieldzine