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Book Review Project rolled out across the district
Book lovers should keep their eyes peeled across Newry, Mourne and Down over the next few weeks, for the chance to pick up complimentary copies of acclaimed writer Evelyn Conlon’s new title: Not the Same Sky.
Readers are being encouraged to pick up copies of the novel, which will be hidden at various locations, and share their thoughts and comments on the book via email. This book review project is part of the programme of events designed to mark the Annual Famine Commemoration 2015, which will take place at the Albert Basin, Newry, on Saturday 26th September.
A series of events is planned, taking place in arts centres, museums, libraries and schools. Newry Mourne and Down District Council have established partnerships with, among others, Libraries NI, and will host the launch of Not the Same Sky on Monday, 21st September at 2pm in Newry City Library.
To coincide with the launch of the book in September, fifty copies of Not the Same Sky will be distributed, free of charge, so that lucky readers may have a chance to read the book before the commemoration events programme begins.
Evelyn Conlon is an Irish novelist and short story writer; Not the Same Sky tells the story of Honora, Julia, Bridget and Anne: girls who set sail for Australia during the Irish Famine. More than four thousand Irish girls were transported across oceans, both to meet a shortage of female labour in Australia, and to escape the terrible domestic situation brought about as a result of the Great Hunger.
Eileen McVerry, Libraries NI Senior Heritage Manager, said “Libraries NI is delighted to partner with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to mark the Annual Famine Commemoration 2015. This launch event in Newry City Library will undoubtedly encourage people to discover the past through reading the well-researched, unpredictable story contained within the pages of Not the Same Sky.”
Vice Chairperson of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr. Gillian Fitzpatrick welcomed author Evelyn Conlon to Newry City, and commented: “This project forms part of Council’s extensive programme of events to mark Newry’s hosting of the Annual Famine Commemoration 2015. I value the partnership with Libraries NI, which includes talks and exhibitions across the library network in the district. Copies of the event programme can be downloaded from the Council website: www.newrymournedown.org
I would encourage anyone who finds a book to engage with the project by sending their comments and reviews to faminecommemoration@nmandd.org”.