Portraying the Human was just one of the events of ISLA at the Instituto Cervantes in Dublin. ISLA brings together literary voices of Ireland, Latin America and Spain.
Portraying the Human was moderated by Irish writer Catherine Dunne who brought together the common threads and themes of works by Irish writer Mary Costello (A Beautiful Loan), Roger Mateos Miret (El Verano de los Inocentes) and Peruvian writer Katya Adaui (Aqui hay Icebergs/Here Be Icebergs).
One of the startling messages to emerge from the discussion and readings – and how great to hear the distinct work read aloud by each writer – was the importance of the life of the mind; how vital it is to write about what obsesses us or consumes us.
Writing – and reading – helps us make sense of our place in the world, like a pinning on a map, but it also shows us that growth is possible from suffering and gives sense to our observed world. Above all, as Catherine Dunne said, concluding the session: PAY ATTENTION!
Congratulations to all involved on such a wonderful event and ISLA Festival.
