Colm Toíbín discusses migration and new collection
Colm Toíbín, the acclaimed Irish novelist, has raised poignant questions regarding the perception of migrants amidst rising anti-immigrant sentiment, stating that if one finds themselves in a dire situation, the last faces they see may belong to migrants, reports BritPanorama.
During a recent video call from his study in New York, where he is currently teaching at Columbia University, Toíbín elaborated on the undervalued work of migrant workers in the UK. He emphasized that in moments of crisis, biases against these individuals are highlighted, suggesting that those with such views should reflect on their perspectives when in need of assistance.
At 70, Toíbín is living in California with his partner and is promoting his new short story collection, The News from Dublin. The collection includes narratives reflecting on themes of migration, one focusing on an Irish plumber in America, who, confronted with deportation fears, spends a final day with his family before leaving the country.
This particular story, titled Five Bridges, was prompted by the political climate during Donald Trump’s presidency. The protagonist’s journey mirrors the real-life experience of Seamus Culleton, an Irishman who was detained by ICE after 15 years in America, an incident that Toíbín explores through the character’s avoidance of similar fate.
Toíbín describes his thoughts as he writes about contemporary issues, expressing that he rarely tackles current events directly due to the difficulty in discerning their truth. Nonetheless, he perceives the current American landscape as increasingly hostile to migrants, reflecting a distortion of the democratic ideals held by the nation’s founding fathers.
His work often features themes of loss and displacement, continuing to navigate characters from various backgrounds. Notably, The News from Dublin introduces a range of experiences, including that of three Catalan sisters relocating to Argentina and an Irish teacher seeking a fresh start in Barcelona after serving prison time.
Having lived in multiple countries, including Ireland, America, Spain, and Argentina, Toíbín’s works are deeply influenced by his diverse experiences. He maintains a keen memory of places from his past, infusing rich detail into his narratives.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to portray women’s experiences, often drawing from the women in his life during childhood. His observations of their conversations have informed his character development and storytelling.
With a notable readership, predominantly female and mature, Toíbín acknowledges the challenges men face in engaging with literary fiction. He clarifies that while interests may vary across demographics, the complexity of human experience transcends gender lines, resisting simplistic categorizations.
Looking ahead, Toíbín is contemplating his next novel after completing his teaching obligations. As he approaches his 71st birthday, he feels a renewed urgency in his writing, balancing the pleasure of creative exploration with the rigorous demands of honing his stories to perfection.
The News from Dublin is published by Macmillan, priced at £20.
