I’ve discovered that many returned immigrants have felt uncomfortable in Ireland for many years. Some even go back whence they came.

I’m beginning to think there might be an interesting story to be explored around this theme. Would you know if it’s already been done?

Wow. That poster’s been about for years. My Wiffe had it in her house in Dublin.

I’d have expected Irish women writers to have pointed out the one-sidedness of the poster, as soon as it was published.

For me, the poster is a bit of an embarrassment: am I sexist for displaying it? Now that I’ve thought this thought, I can’t un-think it.

We all know that role modelling matters. I see it as my responsibility, as parent, to give my daughter Grace a decent start in life.

Sending her off to bed every night with the image of Irish writers being all male is hardly responsible parenting is it?

I’ll be including Evan(?) Boland among my 12 - her “Object Lessions” alone ensures her right to a place. It made a huge impression on me.

You?

It is indeed, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot since you mentioned it. It wasn’t hard to come up with a few, but I’ll stick in a post and not, as you say, relegate it to the end of the comments. There is a real air of afterthought about the fact that no one has addressed this to date.

Sorry to hear that you feel awkward about being home. I went to the awards last year having only met a couple of bloggers before and I got to meet so many people. There was such an open, friendly air and everyone was curious about and interested in other people. I think you might actually enjoy it.

Garreth, I was merely hoping there was a story behind the name, but not to worry. Maybe you’re thinking also of writer Maura Laverty? I’ve never read anything by her though.