A Literary Journey

Carolan's Farewell
Charles Foran

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Lorenzo Reading Series at UNBSJ and hearing Charles Foran read from his latest novel, Carolan's Farewell. I would like to share that experience with you here.

As I entered the Ganong Hall Lecture Theatre, I was greeted with the melodic tones of a harp being played by Celtic harpist, Judy Kamminga. Each gentle pull on the tightly drawn strings produced a heavenly host of sounds that reached out to the audience and drew them into the music. As Ms Kamminga lovingly caressed the harp, it rewarded both her and the audience with sounds from the past that were both comforting and haunting. The stage had been set for an enchanting journey into the 18th century and the world of blind harpist, Terence Carolan, the protagonist in Charles Foran's novel.

Before the audience had a chance to begin their journey into Carolan's world, they had to meet Foran. First of all, the photos on his web site do not do him justice. In person he is a very friendly looking man and a great speaker. Foran generously shared with the audience the creative process and journey he went through to produce the novel. Once the background information was in place, the reading began. The intonation in Charles Foran's voice paralleled the haunting refrains of the harp and once he began his lyrical telling of his tale, I did not want him to stop. I believe the rest of the audience felt the same way as the lecture hall was devoid of any shuffling sounds of restlessness. During the Q&A, Charles Foran was witty, down-to-earth, and honest with his responses.

After the reading, I headed to the tables set up outside the lecture hall to purchase a copy of the book that drew me in so completely. With newly purchased book in hand, I moved on to the table where Charles Foran sat beside potted mums signing books and engaging fellow purchasers in conversation. It was very refreshing to learn that Foran is an unsure speller (as am I) and has to write names on a piece of paper to be sure he is spelling them right when signing books. I felt his interactions with the people at the table were relaxed, sincere, and not rushed. He seemed to be very genuine and interested in what each person had to say.

I have not said much about the book as I wanted to do this blog on the experience of the evening itself. Dr. Jones has a review posted on her blog, which appeared in last week's Reader, that will give you more information about the story and the structure of the novel.

The 2005-2006 Lorenzo Reading Series is entitled The Doors of Perception and I hope this blog will give you a good perception of what it is like to attend one of the readings. Now, I'm not saying everyone will be as wrapped up in it as I was, but the readings are worth attending. Somehow hearing the author share their vision, their thought process, and their final creation gives a novel more depth and meaning. I know when I read Carolan's Farewell, the melancholy sounds of the harp will be echoing in my mind and the dulcet tones of Charles Foran's voice will be ringing in my ears.