A Girl's Writing Is Never Done (c) Shauna Gilligan 2026
While I occasionally post about some of my reading habits, there are, naturally, many books, articles and so on that I read without mentioning them in blogposts. I’ve noticed how many of these are personal writings that feel necessary reading right now.
Here are a few I’ve read this summer that use beautiful writing to explore personal experiences with societal/political/cultural structures which, though devastating at times, reflect something universal, shine a light, and speak truth to power.
The above photograph and list show some of my current reads and re-reads. I often re-read books that stay in my mind – whether it’s for beautiful writing, the love of a character, or to remind myself of how something was structured. I also return to anthologies, in particular, because it’s rare to read one cover-to-cover on first reading. Always (not almost always, but always) I will find a new treasure of a word, a line, a complete something that will give me a new perspective or feeling about what it means to be human.
The International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLCR) of PEN International are hosting their 6th Annual Poetry Marathon, amplifying voices from diverse linguistic communities.
Today I listened to a moving and urgent poem written and performed in Kalaallisut by Julia Pars (Greenland) “Where are you, world leader?” (Link opens YouTube – poem is 2.34 mins)
You can tune in every Saturday for a new poem and listen back to previous Poetry/Video Marathons. English, Spanish, and French translations provided.
On their website PEN International explain the background to the International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee:
Founded in 1978, the PEN International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLCR) works to defend linguistic diversity and promote translation as a vital act of cultural solidarity. From its early efforts to expand access to world literature to its pioneering advocacy for “minoritised” languages, the Committee has consistently challenged the political and cultural forces that marginalise languages and the communities that speak them.
You can read more about PEN International and indeed, consider joining Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann which aims to promote friendly co-operation among writers in every country in the interests of literature, responsible freedom of expression and international goodwill.
Shauna Gilligan Writer 