Sebastian Barry: ‘When you get past 60, you do feel a licence to write fearlessly’
Sebastian Barry, the acclaimed Irish novelist and playwright, talks about his latest novel, his struggles with depression, and the golden age of Irish writing.
Sebastian Barry: Writing Fearlessly at 68
Sebastian Barry, 68, is a highly regarded author with 11 novels and 15 plays under his belt. His works have received critical acclaim and have been nominated for and won numerous awards, including the Booker prize and the Costa book of the year. His latest novel, Old God’s Time, tackles the difficult subject of institutional child abuse in Ireland and has been praised for its power and complexity.
Barry, who was laureate for Irish fiction from 2018 to 2021, admits that he was initially hesitant to write about such dark subject matter, but he felt compelled to do so. He believes that reaching the age of 60 gave him a sense of fearlessness in his writing, allowing him to tackle difficult topics with honesty and vulnerability.
Writing About Despair and Difficult Emotions
When asked about the challenging scenes in his book, Barry acknowledges that he had to be in a particular frame of mind to write them. He reveals that he himself has struggled with depression at times and wanted to avoid anything that would exacerbate his own despair. However, he found the courage to confront these difficult emotions and explore the aftermath of trauma and abuse.
Barry believes that the exploration of despair and the struggle to find hope and meaning in the face of adversity is a universal human experience. He hopes that his book can provide some solace and insight to readers who may be going through similar challenges.
The Compulsive Nature of Writing
While the subject matters of Barry's recent novels have been vastly different, there is a common thread that runs through them - the compelling nature of his storytelling. Barry explains that as he has gotten older, he feels a sense of urgency to make the most of his remaining years and produce work that resonates with readers.
He admits that age has brought him a certain freedom from self-consciousness, allowing him to embrace the compulsive element of writing. He relishes the fact that his books can captivate and engage readers, and he attributes this to the intangible process of translating ideas from his own mind onto the page.
The Love for Writing Novels and Plays
Barry has had a successful career as both a novelist and a playwright, and he is often asked about his preference between the two. While he admits that he has found theater to be more challenging at times, he hasn't completely given up on it.
He confesses that he enjoys reading his own work to an audience and finds satisfaction in the performance aspect of it. He sees it as an opportunity to connect with readers and bring his stories to life. He acknowledges that writers may not be the best performers, but he believes that making even a small effort can have a big impact on the audience.
