How important is the subject of food in Irish culture?
MB: Everybody has always loved eating in Ireland and the family always gathered around the table – which was also where all the stories were told. It’s a bit like the Jewish culture in a sense. But because we were not a rich country, we were not very good cooks in Ireland for years. We did lots of interesting things with potatoes, but that was about it! And because most of Ireland is Roman Catholic and not allowed to eat meat on Fridays, we always regarded fish as a penitential thing, as second rate. However, nowadays we all absolutely love fish. I hardly eat anything else besides fish now. Also, Ireland has become much richer because of the European Union, so nowadays we can actually afford things like caterers! Now people are really interested in food. It’s quite lovely really. BRC: What are some of the themes of SCARLET FEATHER that can be linked to the great traditions of Irish literature? MB: The theme of the huge importance of family. In Irish culture, people care very much about
