The internationally-acclaimed American writer Lionel Shriver  is to read at UCC in the spring reading of the School of English series.  Shriver – https://www.facebook.com/LionelShriver –  the author of the Orange Prize-winning novel, We Need to Talk about Kevin, will be reading at the Creative Zone, Boole Library on March 14 at 7pm.

Shriver’s latest novel, her thirteenth, The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047, is a dystopian novel that approaches the collapse of American society from the right side of the political spectrum. Following a great economic crash, the US renounces its debts and to refill the treasury, the federal government confiscates citizens’ gold, right down to their wedding rings.

In a bid to stop American citizens escaping with their savings, a wall is built on the border with Mexico.  Sound familiar?  As the Washington Post noted in its review – “. . . as in good science fiction, you often have to look up from the page to remind yourself that you don’t live on the planet that’s being described”.

She is also the author of a controversial autobiographical novel, Big Brother, based on the experiences of  her brother who died of obesity-related illness.

Ms Shriver will also be giving a masterclass to MA creative writing students during her visit to UCC.