Blog

We've a catch up Zoom with the wonderful Isabel Kelly this afternoon so figured a little reminder is in order. Her book, titled 'IS-Abel: An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System', is a memoir detailing the author's experiences growing up in Northern Ireland's care system. Born in 1971 and placed in care at four months old, Isabel recounts her challenging childhood in institutions and foster homes, marked by trauma, abuse, and neglect, yet interwoven with moments of kindness and resilience. The narrative also covers her journey to higher education, personal relationships, the struggles of starting her own family after multiple miscarriages, and her eventual reconciliation with her past through forgiveness and faith. The book concludes with a reflection on her resilience, her work to help others, and interviews with key figures in her life, offering a multifaceted view of her path to belonging and overcoming adversity. It is a wonderfully positive book because, in it, she explores several profound and interconnected themes, primarily centred on her experiences within Northern Ireland's care system and her journey towards healing and self-discovery. Here are the key themes as I see them: • The Harsh Realities and Systemic Failings of the Care System Isabel's story is fundamentally about the challenges of being brought up in Northern Ireland's care system. Isabel was abandoned by her mother at four months old and, along with her siblings, surrendered to the State's embrace at just four months old by her overwhelmed father. A major theme is the early abandonment and separation from her biological family, which Isabel describes as "early-life adversity". • She endured physical and emotional abuse during her time at Nazareth Lodge, a children's home. She recalls being frequently punished, including being hit and having lights turned off as punishment, exploiting her fear of darkness. Mealtimes were challenging, with children often underfed and undernourished. The system also demonstrated failures in maintaining accurate personal details, such as the incorrect spelling of her name (Isobel vs. Isabel) on her passport, which had a "lifelong effect" on her identity. • A significant systemic failing was the lack of support and help for care leavers transitioning to independent living. Isabel highlights that she was "offered no help and support" when she left foster care at 23, facing financial difficulties and housing instability. She also reveals that the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust failed to inform her of her mother's death for nearly two years, and later admits "failings of the Health Trust" regarding communication. Isabel reflects on the system failing both her and her mother. • Profound Emotional and Psychological Trauma. The instability and early disruptions in Isabel's life resulted in "a series of traumatic emotional reactions throughout her childhood, teen years and into adulthood". She experienced "profound anxiety and emotional detachment" and lived in a constant state of "hyper-vigilance, vulnerability, fearfulness and worry". She struggled with "insecurity, rejection and jealousy", leading to "lingering feelings of low self-worth, loneliness and deep sadness". • Isabel found it "incredibly difficult to process her emotions" and lacked emotional regulation skills. She carried the "burden of bitterness, anger, and resentment" for a long time. She also found it "incredibly difficult to show love and affection" because she was never given it herself. This changed. • The Search for Identity and Belonging A central and recurring theme is Isabel's "struggles for identity and belonging". The misspelling of her name deeply impacted her sense of self, as she felt her name gave her "identity and attachment to a family I was estranged from". She intensely struggled with the concept of belonging, feeling "wedged out" from her foster family as it grew and experiencing a "desperate feeling of emptiness and needing to belong" after leaving care. She felt stigmatized as a "foster child", leading to feelings of "shame, rejection and embarrassment". • Resilience, Courage, and Transformation. Despite the immense challenges, Isabel's journey is one of "resilience, courage and hope" and the "human spirit's indomitable will to thrive". She emerged stronger, more resilient, and determined to carve out a life filled with hope and possibility. Her "unwavering determination prevailed". Even after failing her O' Levels and GCSEs twice, she became the first foster child in the Down and Lisburn Trust to graduate at university level. Her "unwavering determination and zest to do well" eventually paid off. • Isabel actively sought to understand and manage her trauma through counselling, self-reflection, and changing her mindset. She made conscious efforts to relearn emotional expression, such as showing affection and accepting praise. She "transformed her life once filled with uncertainty into one of purpose and fulfilment". • The Power of Forgiveness and Faith. Isabel's narrative highlights the "transformative power of forgiveness". She carried the "burden of bitterness, anger, and resentment" for decades and wished she had "forgiven her abusers and detractors sooner". Through counselling and a renewed connection with faith, she learned that forgiveness is about "releasing them to God and letting go of its hold on us". This process helped her to "feel better about myself, physically, mentally, and spiritually, and to have healthier relationships". • Her journey also includes a return to faith, which she describes as God literally reaching into her life and telling her to return to Mass. This rediscovery of faith provided her with hope and purpose, helping her to let go of anger and resentment towards those who caused her suffering. She actively engages in her faith, finding it an integral part of her life. • The Importance of Love, Connection, and Family (Biological &amp; Chosen). Isabel had a deep longing for a mother's love and comfort. Her attempts to connect with her biological mother were often disappointing due to her mother's severe mental health problems. Similarly, her efforts to forge a relationship with her biological father were thwarted by his alcoholism and detachment. She grieved the absence of both parents in her life and her children's lives. • Despite these challenges, Isabel found love and built a supportive family with her husband, Roy, who became her "absolute rock" and source of "inspiration, encouragement and influences". She learned to navigate trust issues in her relationship with Roy, understanding their roots in her childhood trauma. She prioritised creating a "secure, nurturing and loving environment" for her own children, compensating for what she lacked. The book also highlights the importance of "chosen family" and friends who provided unconditional acceptance and support. In essence, Isabel Kelly's "IS-Abel" is a testament to overcoming profound early-life adversity and institutional trauma through unyielding resilience, a tenacious pursuit of self-improvement, the transformative power of forgiveness and faith, and the enduring strength found in building loving and supportive relationships, both blood-related and chosen. What a book! -Conor MacGiolla Bhuí, MSc. ShadowScript Publications. ©

'IS-Abel: An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System'

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems," by Kevin McManus was published in December 2024 with an updated volume in June 2025 here at ShadowScript Publications. I'd like to focus in this second review post on aspects of home/belonging and displacement whilst again touching off some of the themes I reviewed in my last critique. The poet comprehensively explores the concept of home and belonging, presenting it not merely as a physical location but as a complex interplay of personal history, ancestral ties, memory, and emotional connection, often tinged with loss and the struggle for a sense of place. <figure id="figure-2hh7w7xkjmcrzkse7"><img id="2hh7w7xkjmcrzkse7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/32fcaJnwVD0ShjDE7Vka1o3JQD5DBskf5tVQe62Ta5bhhEIzhCU1afLDjiJ6prtm.jpeg" alt="Tranquil Moments at the Cottage" title="Tranquil Moments at the Cottage" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/32fcaJnwVD0ShjDE7Vka1o3JQD5DBskf5tVQe62Ta5bhhEIzhCU1afLDjiJ6prtm.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Here are the key ways the book explores this concept: Home as a Personal and Familial Legacy: The dedication itself establishes a familial connection to the author's father, Kevin McManus (1939-2024). The poem "In your shadow, I walk" directly links the concept of home to the presence and memory of a father, where his boots "held the shape of him" and the spade leans idle, rough as his hand once was. The father's wisdom, a "baritone" and "low song of his unspoken care," advises, "Keep the ground close, boy, It will hold you when I cannot," suggesting that the land is a foundational aspect of belonging, even after death. What evocative writing! The Pain of Emigration and Displacement: <figure id="figure-8p6wt5ybaomcrzmar5"><img id="8p6wt5ybaomcrzmar5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1b4sNKfAziTtjGICtGlVXhbCJBzlapmxUczeWgPALXYP1HkvR8JM5ozzqSr645T1.jpeg" alt="Refugees and immigrants looking for a new hope in life. Silhouette. Column of migrants passing through a tunnel." title="Refugees and immigrants looking for a new hope in life. Silhouette. Column of migrants passing through a tunnel." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1b4sNKfAziTtjGICtGlVXhbCJBzlapmxUczeWgPALXYP1HkvR8JM5ozzqSr645T1.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Forced Departure: "The bridge of sorrows" vividly portrays the anguish of leaving Donegal, with "mother's cries upon the bridge" haunting emigrants in their new lives. This underscores home as a place of profound emotional attachment, the severance from which causes lasting pain. Struggle and Loss Abroad: Poems like "North wall" depict the difficult reality of Irish emigrants rebuilding post-war London, where "days blurred into nights in the haze of smoky bars". Home becomes "not a place, but a tapestry woven from the threads of half-forgotten memories," indicating an internal shift in the concept of home when the physical one is left behind. I know this is a theme Kevin has returned to in his recent writing. Lingering Displacement: "Lost souls" describes a man who left Mayo for London, facing hardships and eventually succumbing to alcohol, unable to return home for holidays or funerals, his "dreams of a long-gone family" persisting in doss houses. This portrays a tragic loss of belonging, where the emigrant is neither fully at home in the new land nor able to return to the old. Ambiguous Homecoming: The conversation in "Sacred Heart" between a visitor and his brother, with questions like "Are you home for long?" and "Come home to what? Where is that?" highlights the complex and often painful reality that even returning physically does not guarantee a return to a lost sense of belonging. Home as Memory and the Weight of the Past:<figure id="figure-ltodxgqgt9mcrzmvy0"><img id="ltodxgqgt9mcrzmvy0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/10Zbx78umRVuxJWXIu8LAVm9i1YrXpZyE9gYqWGLT8SvtXGQZPJ0W3o95kaZ9wjf.jpeg" alt="Blur interior design background illuminated by sunlight" title="Blur interior design background illuminated by sunlight" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/10Zbx78umRVuxJWXIu8LAVm9i1YrXpZyE9gYqWGLT8SvtXGQZPJ0W3o95kaZ9wjf.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Fading Memories: "Like dust in the wind" describes a childhood departure, a scene replayed "over and over again until the picture would finally fade," emphasising how memories of home, though cherished, can be lost to time. Haunting Absence: "Lost places" describes a house where "childish laughter echoed through its halls" and "secrets shared at the fire," which eventually becomes "no longer a home" due to emigration and abandonment. The absence of people transforms the physical structure, demonstrating how belonging is tied to shared human experience. Loneliness of a Lost Home: In "A Winter's Tale," an old man returns to a home devoid of loved ones, finding "no cards upon the floor" and only "photos of loved ones no longer there," illustrating that home is profoundly defined by the presence of people. "A distant prayer" similarly shows a man lost in a London pub, haunted by "memories of home," reinforcing that belonging is often tied to people and past moments. Decay and No Redemption: "No redemption" paints a stark picture of a dilapidated home and barren land, a "place where love was lost, and hope was torn and exiled". The decay of the physical space mirrors the internal desolation, suggesting that some homes are beyond repair, and the land itself can embody pain and decay, offering no solace or belonging. Home as a Sanctuary and Source of Solace: <figure id="figure-almdhmlizhmcrzny44"><img id="almdhmlizhmcrzny44" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2eJ074qk4WNx5xGWktkshaEcj4TuRVJzxfHBcdwzQO1YxhGdJudnyoUf8zYAiOzC.jpeg" alt="Patio" title="Patio" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Quiet Respite: "Querencia" evokes a serene connection to a garden and land, treasuring "the evanescent time we shared," implying that home is a place of peace and cherished moments. Intellectual and Emotional Comfort: "The bookshop" is described as a "sanctuary from the storm," where one can "lose oneself" in the "warm word embrace," suggesting that belonging can also be found in spaces that offer intellectual and emotional comfort, providing a temporary escape from the "daily grind". Resilience and Light in Darkness: In "In the deep dark Winter," the instruction to "keep the light within, hang on to each other, carry each other through, find the pathway home" implies that home and belonging can be maintained through community, resilience, and inner strength during difficult times. The "Candle" in the window serves as a "beacon for the lost and the alone," symbolising hope and guidance for those seeking a sense of home. Rootedness in Place: "On Garadice shore" concludes with a desire "to try and make sense of self, to be rooted to this old ground on a lake shore," explicitly stating the yearning for a firm sense of belonging to a specific place. -Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, PhD ©

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems," by Kevin McManus (Review 2)

Poetry - dictionary definition highlighted

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems," by Kevin McManus was published in December 2024 here at ShadowScript Publications. The book is structured thematically by season, moving from January-February through to November-December, with each section containing multiple poems. The verses frequently explore Irish landscapes and cultural touchstones, reflecting on themes of loss, memory, nature, the passage of time, and spirituality. Additionally, the document includes an author biography, highlighting McManus's other published works and literary awards, and noting that one of the poems, "Lost Souls," was adapted into a short film. The poems in the collection are deeply shaped by the interwoven themes of nature, tradition, and personal loss, demonstrating how these elements define human experience, memory, and the spiritual landscape.<figure id="figure-650v0u9kymcnrpq7i"><img id="650v0u9kymcnrpq7i" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/eW5gBr7HliYxCq8GIn7UQfUiPJ52nEnz8HtjxK8EwqRtTwcoJ1RTPn8vHRT5HVgL.jpeg" alt="Trees in spring, summer, autumn and winter" title="Trees in spring, summer, autumn and winter" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/eW5gBr7HliYxCq8GIn7UQfUiPJ52nEnz8HtjxK8EwqRtTwcoJ1RTPn8vHRT5HVgL.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Nature's Pervasive Presence and CyclesNature is not merely a backdrop but an active participant and mirror in the poems, reflecting human emotions and the relentless passage of time. Seasonal Rhythms and Life Cycles: The book's structure itself follows the months of the year, from January-February to November-December, emphasising nature's cyclical patterns. Poems like "January sky" depict "life sleeps within branch and black earth" and "the days duel against the retreating night, a sabre raised towards the Spring light". "Brigid’s day" celebrates the "earth is slowly reawakening," with "green shoots pushing up through the frozen earth" and "Spring is closer". "The death of a daffodil" explicitly states the cycle of life and return: "I must die and return, when the harsh winds will blow once more". "September" marks the "light is weakening, with the sun retreating" and "Growth is slowing as the leaves are falling," signifying autumn's arrival. The "Autumnal equinox" in "The light of the water" notes "the darkness is consuming the light" but promises "the light, it will return". The "Solstice, the feast of the risen sun," celebrates "the shortest day, the darkness before the dawn," symbolising rebirth and the continuation of the "cycle continues, the wheel keeps turning". Landscape as Companion and WitnessThe natural environment frequently serves as a setting for reflection and solace. "Our lakes are our seas" describes inland waters as a source of "solace in the quietude of ripples" where "its ebb and flow synchronise with the tone of our thoughts". A shed, with its "weathered boards sag[ging] under the weight of years," and "paint peeling away like memories of fading moments," shows "a quiet kind of poetry in the shed's slow surrender to time, a poignant beauty born from the graceful acceptance of impermanence". Even in decay, nature claims its stake, with "tenacious vines snake their way through cracks in the wood" and "a family of sparrows deliver life within the dying walls". This highlights nature's relentless process of decay and renewal.<figure id="figure-2xslygvsc8mcnrqp3h"><img id="2xslygvsc8mcnrqp3h" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1qW6tqNfGP1AzKQiV0RgQo62JwAFLuDuNkZIDQ7GBMYRJNGW3cUMZHLtQ3DJ7Qxl.jpeg" alt="Mature couple hike in meadow in autumn" title="Mature couple hike in meadow in autumn" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1qW6tqNfGP1AzKQiV0RgQo62JwAFLuDuNkZIDQ7GBMYRJNGW3cUMZHLtQ3DJ7Qxl.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Sensory Engagement with NatureThe poems often evoke nature through vivid sensory details. "A cold wind from the lake" brings a "bitter wind coming up from the lake would skin you". "The smell of opened earth, stained with blood and diesel" in "Opened ground" roots the narrative in a raw, physical landscape. The "heavy smell of damp burning wood" drifts across the valley in "The hare’s corner". Enduring Threads of Tradition Tradition, encompassing ancient beliefs, cultural practices, and historical echoes, deeply grounds the collection in a sense of place and heritage. Pagan and Ancient Lore: Many poems connect to pre-Christian Irish and other ancient traditions. "A pagan place" describes "hallowed ground" where "the veil is thin at the borderlands," fostering a "connection with those who were rooted to the same places in the past," listing significant historical sites like Uisneach, Tara, and Bru na Boinne. Samhain is presented as "the thinning of the veil," the "end of the old year" where "time is entangled in the spiritual demesne" and "the fairy host and the faithful departed gather as the portals are opened". Brigid's Day (Imbolg) is celebrated as the "reawakening" of the earth, invoking the "exalted goddess of healers and poets". Bealtaine involves lighting "fires on Uisneach hill to purify the driven herd and preserve the ancient lore" and "maypole dancers". Lughnasadh is an "assembly for the sun god Lugh," a "celebration of the battle won for the harvest" with "an offering of the first fruits" and "tying clooties to the hawthorn branch for healing". The Solstice is presented as a "feast of the risen sun," marking the "rebirth of Mitra" and the Yule log's fire to "sanctify the dying year," aligning with practices like Odin's nocturnal flights and animal slaughter for winter feasts.<figure id="figure-p9vkvzeahomcnrro8c"><img id="p9vkvzeahomcnrro8c" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/34l4HBGxgxPPAZk0CFPIZdcNVWLuQhSJuOOUKc6XX1stVBP5XObHLjXuj6MZXcxd.jpeg" alt="Lit menorah on dining table with Jewish family celebrating Hanukkah in the background." title="Lit menorah on dining table with Jewish family celebrating Hanukkah in the background." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/34l4HBGxgxPPAZk0CFPIZdcNVWLuQhSJuOOUKc6XX1stVBP5XObHLjXuj6MZXcxd.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Religious and Cultural PracticesChristian elements are also present, often intertwined with older beliefs. "A Wednesday of ashes" hints at the Christian season of Lent. "The holy well" describes rituals like "circling the stones in the direction of the sun, drinking or washing in the waters, a cloth, tied to the branch of the rag tree". "Sacred Heart" depicts "crosses and relics on the wall" and a "sacred heart lit up," indicating Catholic religious imagery. "All soul’s night" refers to "a prayer book bestrode a wooden hall stand" and "libations for the holy ground," acknowledging the departed. Folklore and MythThe collection features specific references to Irish folklore and mythology. "The grey ridge" mentions the "Tuatha de Danann," "Dobhar chu," "Fir Bolg," "Maeve," and "Fairies" from Sheemore and Sheebeg, grounding the landscapes in mythical narratives. The poem "Deirdre and Naoise" retells the tragic Irish myth of love and death.<figure id="figure-ej3ssizwrpmcnrsmi4"><img id="ej3ssizwrpmcnrsmi4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/11sLvFwggzwykL9UeVSR7m5WpDwKogzPqsJyDIXRTaY3ckvehovvCwYPzIUl0mWM.jpeg" alt="Cherry blossom trees" title="Cherry blossom trees" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/11sLvFwggzwykL9UeVSR7m5WpDwKogzPqsJyDIXRTaY3ckvehovvCwYPzIUl0mWM.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Everyday Cultural LifeTradition is also found in mundane details, like "the eighteen bells solemnly sway" on the radio in "Turn the radio on". "An Fainleog" evokes a sense of nostalgic Irish life with its reference to "Sunday roast" and the popular TV show Glenroe. The Weight of Personal Loss Personal loss is a profound and recurring theme, exploring grief, absence, the fading of memories, and the impact of separation and mortality. Grief and Absence: The book opens with "In your shadow, I walk," a poignant dedication to the author's late father. It describes the tangible absence: "his boots by the door, held the shape of him; silent, unmoving," and the earth that "holds him, soft earth cradling the weight of his years". "A Winter’s Tale" starkly portrays an old man's isolation, surrounded by "photos of loved ones no longer there," ultimately leading to his own demise. Fading Memories and RegretThe passage of time often brings the pain of fading memories and regret. "Time, the clock upon the wall" directly addresses the loss of youth and vitality in an aging woman, whose "precious memories fading slow," as "time it is a silent thief and old age has laid its hand upon her". In "A Wednesday of ashes," a man is haunted by "fragments of a past he can't quite escape," reflecting on "dreams shattered like shards of glass" and a lost love from "forty years or more" ago, lamenting "what could have been". "Like dust in the wind" encapsulates how childhood memories "disappeared like dust in the wind," replayed "over and over again until the picture would finally fade". Loss through Emigration and DisplacementThe collection powerfully captures the emotional toll of emigration. "The bridge of sorrows" describes the heartbreaking farewells and the "mother’s cries upon the bridge will haunt them, and come to them in the dark of a New York night". "North wall" details the emigrant experience of rebuilding London, where "home was not a place, but a tapestry woven from the threads of half-forgotten memories". "Lost souls" vividly portrays the decline of an emigrant, "missing home," with "drink taking hold," eventually dying alone in the cold. "Lost places" depicts houses where "sons and daughters moved abroad," leaving "nobody left to read them and the house was no longer a home".<figure id="figure-04vxtolqnxmcnruhzo"><img id="04vxtolqnxmcnruhzo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/14wlvz2WICKRwiDnV2LWAe3AipfAwvknXNs8BfIpSlbRtg6gaYDvl6TFJ3SBorYB.jpeg" alt="Portrait of Elderly man lost in thought" title="Portrait of Elderly man lost in thought" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/14wlvz2WICKRwiDnV2LWAe3AipfAwvknXNs8BfIpSlbRtg6gaYDvl6TFJ3SBorYB.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The Death of Place and Hope: Loss extends beyond individuals to places and collective hope. "The silent village" laments "the death of an island," where "Tears soaked into the island shallow soil" and "The last of the living... carried off". "No redemption" depicts a landscape of utter decay and despair, where "stone walls have collapsed," "apple trees...are hacked, no fruit will they bear, they are barren," and "all that was found was pain and decay". The poem explicitly states, "No redemption can be pulled from this hard, grey earth". In essence, the poems paint a rich tapestry where nature's relentless cycles provide a framework for understanding human existence, tradition offers deep roots and meaning, and personal loss, whether of loved ones, youth, home, or hope, leaves an indelible mark, often viewed through the lens of nature's impermanence and tradition's enduring spirit.-Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, PhD. ©<figure id="figure-it6buh3gmamcnrvsyc"><img id="it6buh3gmamcnrvsyc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3139S38A4lcOIikxJIGVQbjy55FIiyokFGLnflC1SXJrlqLvpEtUxCa73Q3kTLQo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3139S38A4lcOIikxJIGVQbjy55FIiyokFGLnflC1SXJrlqLvpEtUxCa73Q3kTLQo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems"

<h3>Book Reading in 2025: What the Data Tells Us and Why It Still Matters</h3>Let’s be honest. Most people tend to scroll more than they actually read, and our attention spans are under siege. But before we throw our books into the closest river, lake or sea, the global reading landscape in 2025 offers insights and some reasons for hope. As a researcher and indie publisher, I’ve been digging into global literacy and book consumption trends and the findings are essential for educators, content creators, policymakers, and parents alike. Here’s what we know.<figure id="figure-2llzk2fi3bmcm0ona3"><img id="2llzk2fi3bmcm0ona3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/21xcN4tHHXzxnPlG2SliWSyN7Jq8u00jwYAgXd3oubeJXWUKY5esR10RslpHAlvA.jpeg" alt="2025 technology future vision" title="2025 technology future vision" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/21xcN4tHHXzxnPlG2SliWSyN7Jq8u00jwYAgXd3oubeJXWUKY5esR10RslpHAlvA.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Globally, 87% of adults are literate, up from just 68% in 1979 (UNESCO, 2024) and that’s no small win. But 754 million adults, two-thirds of them women, still don’t have basic literacy skills. In the US, only 48.5% of adults read even one book last year. One book and that’s down from 52.7% in 2019 (Mastermind Behavior, 2024) so a real cause for concern. Young people are dropping off even faster. Closer to home, just 18.7% of UK children read daily for pleasure, which, again, is a record low (National Literacy Trust, 2025).Interestingly (and perhaps crucially), research shows that 80% of those who do read say it brings them calm, connection and clarity (Everand, 2025). So, while fewer people may be reading, those who do are deeply nourished by it.<figure id="figure-5q0ceh3bjomcm0pjfz"><img id="5q0ceh3bjomcm0pjfz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/15EiSYKCdefU5ZU8mQpnVmX8sYlZzN7xOu72POblwF8PEeflA6WPSrhOCwAfZVhC.jpeg" alt="Young woman in lotus position on dock over lake" title="Young woman in lotus position on dock over lake" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/15EiSYKCdefU5ZU8mQpnVmX8sYlZzN7xOu72POblwF8PEeflA6WPSrhOCwAfZVhC.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>People aren't reading less because they can't. They're reading less because content has changed and so have the many platforms competing for our time. The behaviour isn't necessarily about laziness. It's about friction. But here's the upside: we're seeing a quiet, powerful shift. Communities like hashtag#BookTok and long-form newsletter culture are, slowly, pulling readers back in. Choice, voice and authenticity are driving a revival. And that’s where professionals, educators and publishers come in.Reading is mental health: Six minutes of reading can reduce stress by 68% (Magnet ABA, 2024) and, for me, audiobooks and eBooks are not enemies of literature: They’re allies to accessibility, neurodivergence and choice. In my own work with writers and creators, I’ve seen firsthand that reigniting reading habits is possible, but it must be framed as pleasure, not performance. It’s time to: Build reading habits, not just literacy skills. Promote stories that reflect diverse lives. Rethink “serious” reading. It’s the habit that counts.<figure id="figure-lkugf5uimcm0qb04"><img id="lkugf5uimcm0qb04" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3atWHCQmP1POheeVa6TWSh9F9nbsfVlAuKuzVn4EglgjyajjfaYxr0Ln7JdTvMuw.jpeg" alt="Relaxed young woman reading book on a green meadow in beautiful summer day. Education, learning and lifestyle." title="Relaxed young woman reading book on a green meadow in beautiful summer day. Education, learning and lifestyle." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3atWHCQmP1POheeVa6TWSh9F9nbsfVlAuKuzVn4EglgjyajjfaYxr0Ln7JdTvMuw.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Want More Insight? If you're interested in: Reading behaviour and attention economy insights or connecting literacy to leadership, you can connect with me here. I’m always open to consulting and collaborating on reading strategies that cut through the noise. Let’s bring books back. With purpose.#FutureOfLearning #ReadingMatters #LeadershipDevelopment&nbsp;

Book Reading in 2025: What the Data Tells Us and Why It Still Matters

Blue megaphones in a row with one of them is in orange color on blue background.

Singularity. The hypothetical future moment when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, transforming civilisation in ways we can’t accurately predict...It’s a concept that’s as speculative as it is seismic.&nbsp;Futurist Ray Kurzweil (2005) brought the concept to mainstream attention in 'The Singularity Is Near', a doorstop of a book I'm currently reading that projected exponential technological growth culminating in a moment where machine and mind become indistinguishable. In fact, the term technological singularity was popularised by mathematician and science fiction writer Vernor Vinge, who in 1993 predicted that within thirty years we would create a superhuman intelligence that would signal the end of the human era (as we know it). Ahm, worrying...<figure id="figure-9kn26ymhy5mckdcdsp"><img id="9kn26ymhy5mckdcdsp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3ey9eHoMYZuIVPsNzHf5LeJzkZkM6WiWFJBji0Zk9XKVxLmauKPHKluqnXGGm9Ek.jpeg" alt="Diverse Identity Design" title="Diverse Identity Design" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3ey9eHoMYZuIVPsNzHf5LeJzkZkM6WiWFJBji0Zk9XKVxLmauKPHKluqnXGGm9Ek.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>A couple of hundred of pages into his book, I feel Kurzweil’s version of the singularity is oddly optimistic. He envisions a future where AI merges with human biology, enabling radical life extension, enhanced cognition, and solutions to problems like disease and poverty. To him, the singularity is not the end, but a new beginning. That view is echoed in transhumanist circles where merging with machines is seen as not only inevitable but desirable. Is it though?&nbsp;Computer scientist and AI pioneer Jaron Lanier (2010) has pushed back against the deification of machines, arguing that such narratives erase human agency and lead to a dangerous abdication of moral responsibility. Similarly, philosopher Nick Bostrom (2004) earlier warned that the singularity could come with a price. Later, in 'Superintelligence', Bostrom (2014) explores the risks of creating an AI that could rapidly outpace human control and pursue goals misaligned with our values. But, what are 'our' values in the global 2025? Here we are in 2025 with no sentient machines, no digital godheads, just LLMs busy, busy, busy spewing and mimicking (our) scraped words.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-1ll1g35gtchmckddg5n"><img id="1ll1g35gtchmckddg5n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/19sPJrGssP849Mm8P5EQ0K6Yfb55qKGQHkqQRmB137IeuA6Z8pJNArTX8nbaXZn8.jpeg" alt="Cyber Security Data Protection Business Technology Privacy concept" title="Cyber Security Data Protection Business Technology Privacy concept" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/19sPJrGssP849Mm8P5EQ0K6Yfb55qKGQHkqQRmB137IeuA6Z8pJNArTX8nbaXZn8.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>So what might we make of the singularity now? Is it imminent? Is it hype? Well, current literature suggests that while progress in AI has been impressive especially in natural language processing and generative design, we’ve still a fair bit to travel to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the type of intelligence required for a true singularity. It seems fair to suggest that most modern systems, even the most powerful ones, are currently narrow specialists rather than adaptable thinkers and there’s a gap between intelligence and consciousness that remains deeply mysterious. More to the point, the singularity may be less of a moment and more of a gradual drift. Automation, algorithmic bias, and surveillance capitalism may prove to be more immediate threats than robot overlords.<figure id="figure-pdzut4iv0vmckde8xs"><img id="pdzut4iv0vmckde8xs" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/eTF3ltpxRSt5Q006Rz85Rvpywp4yBVU4e7YYLKbt9O7AJgk5odA0yal2O20uDHS8.jpeg" alt="Magnifying success powerful red wooden businessman leading way. Human resource empowering corporate strategic teamwork unlock potential find perfect fit HR employment discovering unique talent concept" title="Magnifying success powerful red wooden businessman leading way. Human resource empowering corporate strategic teamwork unlock potential find perfect fit HR employment discovering unique talent concept" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/eTF3ltpxRSt5Q006Rz85Rvpywp4yBVU4e7YYLKbt9O7AJgk5odA0yal2O20uDHS8.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>#singularity #ai #futureBostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, dangers, strategies. Oxford University Press.Brynjolfsson, E., &amp; McAfee, A. (2014). The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies. W. W. Norton &amp; Company.Cellan-Jones, R. (2014, December 2). Stephen Hawking warns artificial intelligence could end mankind. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30290540Goertzel, B., &amp; Pennachin, C. (Eds.). (2007). Artificial general intelligence. Springer.Kurzweil, R. (2005). The singularity is near: When humans transcend biology. Viking.Lanier, J. (2010). You are not a gadget: A manifesto. Knopf.Vinge, V. (1993). The coming technological singularity: How to survive in the post-human era. In Vision-21: Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in the Era of Cyberspace (pp. 11–22). NASA.

The Singularity

Close up various fresh picked mushrooms on wood board

<h3>The mushroom farming industry in Ireland</h3>The mushroom farming industry in Ireland, while thriving, faces several key challenges that threaten its continued success. These challenges are both internal and external, ranging from economic pressures to operational hurdles. Here are some of the main challenges as identified by Anne Hayden MSc from The Informed Farmer Consultancy in her book, 'Aspects of Irish Agriculture' (ShadowScript Publications, 2024):<figure id="figure-lywfzckdt8mcjdy6tn"><img id="lywfzckdt8mcjdy6tn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1545uQzXN0lc992pM98AYMlPICYBP35aTMcFzdPk74CS1ffTIAkEDnIRgqHfA9bE.jpeg" alt="A cup of coffee with mushrooms and coffee beans on a dark background with copy space." title="A cup of coffee with mushrooms and coffee beans on a dark background with copy space." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1545uQzXN0lc992pM98AYMlPICYBP35aTMcFzdPk74CS1ffTIAkEDnIRgqHfA9bE.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>1. Over-Reliance on the UK Market: Ireland exports approximately 80% of its mushroom produce, primarily to the United Kingdom. This heavy reliance makes the industry vulnerable to fluctuations in the UK market and any disruptions in trade relations, such as those caused by Brexit. Potential tariffs, customs delays, and changing regulations could significantly impact the profitability of Irish mushroom exports.2. Labour Shortages and Rising Costs: Mushroom harvesting is a labour-intensive process that traditionally relied on a migrant workforce. However, changing immigration policies and rising labour costs have created significant labour shortages. This scarcity of skilled workers makes it challenging to maintain production levels and meet demand. Furthermore, the industry faces rising production costs, particularly for energy and raw materials like straw and chicken litter. Fluctuating energy prices and increased substrate costs impact profit margins, putting pressure on farmers.<figure id="figure-wpz4mxalfmcje02ab"><img id="wpz4mxalfmcje02ab" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/25hVby5nhSGQZEoV9ex1HkedaxJdQMKsVy15xwULvt3xg0Qdb6gJJuOm0wrhhzfX.jpeg" alt="EU Flag and shadows of People concept picture" title="EU Flag and shadows of People concept picture" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/25hVby5nhSGQZEoV9ex1HkedaxJdQMKsVy15xwULvt3xg0Qdb6gJJuOm0wrhhzfX.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>3. Environmental Sustainability Concerns: As consumer demand for sustainable food production grows, the mushroom industry faces pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Key concerns include energy consumption in climate-controlled growing houses, waste generation from substrate, and the potential for pollution from agricultural runoff. Meeting these environmental expectations requires ongoing investment in research and development to implement more sustainable practices.4. Competition and Market Fluctuations: The mushroom industry is subject to global market fluctuations and increased competition from other mushroom-producing countries. Maintaining competitiveness requires constant innovation in production techniques, efficient cost management, and exploring new markets beyond the UK.5. Succession Planning and an Aging Workforce: Like other agricultural sectors in Ireland, mushroom farming faces challenges related to an aging workforce and succession planning. Encouraging younger generations to enter the industry and ensuring the smooth transfer of knowledge and skills are crucial for the long-term viability of mushroom farming.<figure id="figure-5ghg0sveuwmcje1dy2"><img id="5ghg0sveuwmcje1dy2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2b6h1opn9ztIq1IngIV5cXYWV672zCamTpLKV81PwvBIqFhzD9wsLWF8KI1ERoBf.jpeg" alt="Reflective farmer, contemplating his Rain-Drenched Grain Field." title="Reflective farmer, contemplating his Rain-Drenched Grain Field." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2b6h1opn9ztIq1IngIV5cXYWV672zCamTpLKV81PwvBIqFhzD9wsLWF8KI1ERoBf.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>How Irish Farmers are Adapting to these Challenges:Market Diversification: To reduce reliance on the UK market, Irish mushroom producers are exploring new export opportunities in other European countries and emerging markets.Product Diversification: Expanding into niche markets, such as organic mushrooms and value-added products like mushroom-based ready meals, can help buffer against market fluctuations and cater to evolving consumer demands.Automation and Technology Adoption: Investing in automation, particularly for harvesting, can help address labour shortages and improve efficiency. Additionally, adopting precision technologies to optimise resource use can contribute to both economic and environmental sustainability.Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient climate control systems, waste reduction strategies, and exploring alternative substrate materials, are becoming increasingly important for meeting consumer expectations and reducing environmental impact.Industry Collaboration and Support: Collaborative efforts within the industry and government support are crucial for navigating these challenges. Sharing knowledge, pooling resources, and accessing financial and technical assistance can help farmers overcome hurdles and ensure the long-term success of Irish mushroom farming.Hayden argues that by proactively addressing these challenges, Irish mushroom farmers can continue to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape.<figure id="figure-2w99orv7rbmcje2xdf"><img id="2w99orv7rbmcje2xdf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29gutckU9w6JOTu8xV5vLo8JpyzKRKY4vxhR7OTWI2TZpu1Ep9mxx3qjmnQxhAwa.jpeg" alt="Wind turbine power at sunrise" title="Wind turbine power at sunrise" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29gutckU9w6JOTu8xV5vLo8JpyzKRKY4vxhR7OTWI2TZpu1Ep9mxx3qjmnQxhAwa.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>*You can purchase 'Aspects of Irish Agriculture' &nbsp;on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aspects-Irish-Agriculture-Year-Blogs/dp/1068563346/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LOVU43QOVP4X&amp;sprefix=apects+of+irish+agriculture%2Caps%2C443&amp;sr=8-1" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aspects-Irish-Agriculture-Year-Blogs/dp/1068563346/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LOVU43QOVP4X&amp;sprefix=apects+of+irish+agriculture%2Caps%2C443&amp;sr=8-1">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aspects-Irish-Agriculture-Year-Blogs/dp/1068563346/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LOVU43QOVP4X&amp;sprefix=apects+of+irish+agriculture%2Caps%2C443&amp;sr=8-1</a>&nbsp;

The ShadowScript Group

Blog

'IS-Abel: An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through...

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems," by K...

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems"

Book Reading in 2025: What the Data Tells Us and Why It S...

The Singularity

The Mushroom Farming Industry in Ireland