RECENT READING: ESCAPE, ARTIST ON THE RUN
Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha) by Charleen Hurtubise
Like the title character in Saoirse, her first novel published in the United States, Charleen Hurtubise spent part of her childhood in Michigan and is also an artist. Today, she lives in Dublin but is still attached to Donegal.
Saoirse initially appears to be a settled artist, living with her two children and partner in Donegal, overlooking the water. She has just won a noted art prize and has an upcoming exhibition. But all is not as it seems. Saoirse, whose name means “freedom,” is living under an assumed name. The novel jumps back and forth in time from the 1999 present to 1990, slowly revealing aspects of Saoirse/Sarah’s past.
What was her previous life like, how was Saoirse abandoned by her parents, and where did she and her sister end up? These questions are the strands that are delicately unwound in this beautifully written novel of mistreatment, escape, and enduring love. There is abuse, there is violence, there are secrets, and there is soul-saving art. Highly recommended!
Charleen Hurtubise was born in the U. S. but has lived in Ireland for twenty years. In this interview from the Irish Examiner, she talks about her current home and how she approaches writing. (~JWFarrington)
STAYING FIT: G5K RACE
Saturday was the 10th annual G5K, Glenaire’s annual race and walk fundraiser. Approximately 500 individuals participated, including residents and family members along with serious local runners.
Last year, I power walked the 1K short course. This year, my Chapel Hill sister and I briskly walked the entire 5K course. It included a number of hills, winding up and down residential streets, and traversing the entirety of peaceful Higgins Greenway. We didn’t run, we moved right along, and we finished. We were not the last ones in! A fun experience on a beautiful morning.
LUNCH OUT
Royale Curry (Cary)
Royale Curry is an attractive Indian restaurant with an extensive menu. A group of us lunched here earlier this week and were pleased with the variety of dishes. I ordered the vegetarian samosas to sample. They were traditional ones with potatoes and peas and a tasty beginning to my meal.
For my main dish, I chose the chicken curry, and on a scale of spiciness from 1 to 5, I opted for a 4. The metal ramekin of curry was a generous portion, accompanied by an equally nice-sized dish of basmati rice. The curry was noticeably hot, and definitely a 4! It was all very good, and I had some left to take home with me.
The papadums with dipping sauces to start were also welcome, and several diners tried the garlic naan. We were the only diners, but our party was large so there was a bit of wait to receive what we ordered. Definitely worth a return visit!
Note: Unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
