Paul Lynch won the Booker Prize in 2023 with . The book is emotionally gripping, with the narrative standing out as a brave and powerful triumph. With striking vividness, masterfully encapsulates the social and political anxieties of our time.
Another Irish Booker Prize winner is Anna Burns, and while wasn’t the easiest of reads, I could feel everything Belfast about it and connect with the characters. This book has really stuck in my mind. I really love a varied mix of music ranging from ELO’S , by The Cranberries, Bruce Springsteen’s , Tina Turner’s , to everything by Meat Loaf, anything by Abba, Sinéad O’Connor’s to name but a few.
I could go on! One of my absolute favourites is by Simple Minds and I am delighted that the Big Belfast Choir will be singing a version of it at our 40th Anniversary Gala in the City Hall on June 6. I enjoy emotional films like and , all feelgood with strong endings. Challenging films such as Steve McQueen’s and both have left an indelible impression on me.
Christopher Nolan’s was an epic real-life drama that pulled me in right from the start, creating a tension that was gripping. Anywhere in Italy, but especially Rome. I remember travelling there when I was 40 and was blown away by its beauty and architecture.
I recall sitting outside a café one morning and realising it would have been a travesty had I not visited Rome and experienced its magic. But I always love coming home again from my travels – it is hard to beat Belfa.
