Few and Far Between
Book • 2025
Jan Carson's 'Few and Far Between' is a novel set around a liminal archipelago inspired by real proposals and historical drainage of Lough Neagh, using magical realism to interrogate the legacy of the Troubles and ongoing societal trauma in Northern Ireland.
The book populates islands with distinct communities—including an older trans woman, a haunted island, and a community of women in resignation syndrome—to examine misogyny, toxic masculinity, mental health and ecological threats.
Carson blends documented history, such as Victorian partial drainage of the loch and ecological crises like blue-green algae, with invented elements to provoke readers into reconsidering familiar narratives about the North.
The novel reflects Carson's interest in marginalized voices and post-1998 realities, ending on a cautiously hopeful note about people and community.
It was discussed throughout the interview as the guest's latest work and as a representation of contemporary Northern Irish writing.
The book populates islands with distinct communities—including an older trans woman, a haunted island, and a community of women in resignation syndrome—to examine misogyny, toxic masculinity, mental health and ecological threats.
Carson blends documented history, such as Victorian partial drainage of the loch and ecological crises like blue-green algae, with invented elements to provoke readers into reconsidering familiar narratives about the North.
The novel reflects Carson's interest in marginalized voices and post-1998 realities, ending on a cautiously hopeful note about people and community.
It was discussed throughout the interview as the guest's latest work and as a representation of contemporary Northern Irish writing.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 0 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()
Matt Cooper
Jan Carson Reimagines A Plan To Drain Lough Neagh In Latest Novel
Mentioned by ![undefined]()
Brendan O'Connor
Jan Carson - “Maybe the whole of Northern Ireland should have gone to therapy”
