Belfast Encouraged To Get Reading With 'One City One Book' 2012

The latest novel by Belfast`s foremost author, Glenn Patterson, has been selected as Belfast`s first 'One City One Book' read.

The novel, 'The Mill for Grinding Old People Young', set in 1830`s Belfast, will be the focus of this Arts Council initiative to develop the art of reading and promote Northern Ireland`s rich literary heritage. A programme of events will take place in venues across the city in May, to encourage as many people as possible to read and discuss the same novel this month.

Themed around the book and Belfast in the 1800s, the programme features a wide range of talks, tours and film screenings hosted by local celebrities, including journalist Ivan Little, fashion expert Cathy Martin and writer Malachi O`Doherty.

Developed by the Arts Council and supported by Belfast City Council, Libraries NI, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Queen`s University, 'One City One Book Belfast 2012' is a first for Belfast but has its origins in Seattle in 1998. Since then, the 'One City One Book' initiative has spread throughout the globe, celebrating local writing.

Noírín McKinney, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council, commented: "Whether you are a regular bookworm or an occasional reader, we want to encourage as many people as possible to get reading and talking about local literature this May. Glenn`s novel was the ideal choice for the first 'One City One Book Belfast' - a compelling story set in our own historical city during a time of great industrial change. In a world of 24 hour news and entertainment, it`s all too easy to forget the simple pleasure derived from reading. This is the perfect opportunity to rediscover books and celebrate local writing."

Northern Ireland Libraries is hosting a series of talks as part of the programme. To support the initiative additional copies of the books have been flooded into the local library network.

'The Mill for Grinding Old People Young' has received wide-spread critical acclaim. The finely researched novel is littered with references to historical Belfast. Set in the cold dawn of Christmas Day 1897, Gilbert Rice, 85 years old and in failing health, recounts his journey into manhood in a city on the cusp of great change.

Belfast in the 1830s is in flux. Industrialisation has led to an increase in population as workers flock to newly created jobs. Gilbert, a young man with prospects, begins work with the Ballast Office, supervising Belfast Port. When he meets Maria, a Polish exile from Russian persecution, he is drawn into a love affair that will drive him to an act that could change his life, and the town`s, forever.

East Belfast author Glenn Patterson said he was delighted his new novel had been chosen as the focus for the campaign. He said: "I have always considered myself first and foremost a Belfast writer. The city is my imaginative heartland. For one of my books to be recognised in this way is a tremendous honour."

(GK)