my.CSMD
Donal Ryan Reading and Discussion
April 09, 2026
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
La Plata Campus , Community Education (CE) Building, Room 101 and Online via Zoom
The Connections Literary Series and The Global Initiatives Committee Presents:
A Global Sense of Place in Ireland: Discussing Social Issues and Literature with Author Donal Ryan
Donal Ryan has published seven number one-bestselling novels and a short story collection. He has won several awards for his fiction, including the European Union Prize for Literature, the Guardian First Book Award, le Prix Jean Monnet, the Orwell Prize, and six Irish Book Awards.
He was nominated for the Booker Prize in 2013 for his debut novel, "The Spinning Heart," and again in 2018, for his fourth novel, "From A Low and Quiet Sea." "The Spinning Heart" was voted Irish Book of the Decade in 2016. In 2021, Donal became the first Irish writer to be awarded the Jean Monnet Prize for European Literature. His work has been adapted for stage and screen and translated into over 20 languages. Donal lectures in English and creative writing at the University of Limerick and lives in Castletroy with his wife Anne Marie and their two children.
Donal Ryan will read from his works, "A Slanting of the Sun" and "Heart Be at Peace." This co-sponsored event will approach his work, which offers a powerful exploration of community, resilience, and the complexity of human connection, from both the literary and socio-spatial perspectives. Professors Krista Keyes and Dr. David M. Walker will engage in discussions and readings with Donal Ryan. Irish food will be served!
If you plan to attend via Zoom, please register using the link below.