About
This event offers an opportunity to hear Theo Dorgan discuss the themes, characters and inspirations behind Camarade, as well as his wider body of work. Through conversation and audience questions, the evening will explore themes of friendship, memory, exile and political idealism, reflecting on lives shaped by movement, solidarity and the…
This event offers an opportunity to hear Theo Dorgan discuss the themes, characters and inspirations behind Camarade, as well as his wider body of work. Through conversation and audience questions, the evening will explore themes of friendship, memory, exile and political idealism, reflecting on lives shaped by movement, solidarity and the passage of time. Closely aligned with EPIC’s exploration of the Irish diaspora, the discussion will consider how personal and collective histories intersect across borders, before concluding with a book signing.
Ticket holders should arrive about 10 minutes before 5:30pm at the Visitor Information desk within CHQ. There they will be escorted to the event’s location. We would ask that you arrive no later than 5:35pm, as it’s imperative these events begin on time to ensure the best experience for the author and for our visitors.
About the Book
Camarade is a philosophical thriller of striking depth, following an Irishman living in Paris as he reflects on a single violent act that forced him to flee Ireland forty years earlier. Encouraged to write his life story, Joseph embarks on a process of self-examination that reveals a life shaped by exile, memory and moral uncertainty.
Moving between Paris and Cork, and between past and present, the novel explores themes of violence, identity and the enduring impact of our choices. As Joseph confronts the defining question of his life, Camarade becomes both an intimate character study and a meditation on history, self-awareness and the nature of who we become.
About the Author
Born in Cork, Theo Dorgan is one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets and writers. He has published numerous collections of poetry as well as prose, and has long been associated with Ireland’s literary and cultural life.
In addition to his writing, Dorgan has worked as a documentary screenwriter and broadcaster, contributing significantly to Irish arts and media. His work is known for its lyricism, political awareness and deep engagement with themes of place, identity and human connection.
Endorsements of Camarade
“Moving with the tension of a thriller while exploring profound philosophical questions, Camarade confirms Theo Dorgan’s place as one of our most thoughtful and elegant literary voices.” – Mercier Press
“Theo Dorgan is one of the finest poets now writing in English.” – John Banville