Mary Lavin (original) (raw)

2013

Abstract

Ever since the publication of her first collection, Tales from Bective Bridge, in 1942, Mary Lavin has been praised for admirably capturing the social and psychological reality of mid-twentieth-century Ireland, in intense and lucid stories. Yet Lavin’s sharp insight into the quiet tragedies and joys of human life easily transcends its immediate context, and her work continues to appeal to contemporary readers, both in Ireland and abroad. To celebrate the centenary of Mary Lavin’s birth, this collection honours one of the leading figures of the Irish short story tradition. Leading criticss examine the main themes and stylistic features of Lavin’s novels and short stories from a variety of perspectives, including gender, sexuality, family and community. Lavin’s work is presented here in its literary, historical and biographical context, drawing attention to Lavin’s indebtedness to modernism, her engagement with popular culture and the influence of her early American experience. While some writers offer new insights into such famous stories as ‘In a Cafe’ or ‘The Becker Wives’, others bring to light largely neglected gems such as ‘The Yellow Beret’ or ‘The Small Bequest’. There is also engagement with new archival material, including Lavin’s correspondence with her New Yorker editors and private letters

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