New book by 'courageous' and 'colourful Laois poet and Beckett scholar

A Laois writer is poised to publish his tenth book, and it's a departure from his usual poetry, instead offering a collection of humorous, thought provoking short stories.

Rising Dust is the new book by Dr Arthur Broomfield, inspired by advice he was given from Small Things Like These author Claire Keegan, and fellow Laois native writer Pauline Clooney.

It's short story themes range from a miraculous healing at an agricultural show, the strange appearance of rosary beads in a Protestant youth’s pocket and a prison chief’s shooting.

Rising Dust published by Revival Press is soon to be launched in the beautiful surroundings of the new Portlaoise library as part of the Bealtaine Festival in Laois.

Laois playwright Frances Harney will be officially launching it on Saturday May 24 from 2 pm to 4pm.

Dr Broomfield from Portlaoise has a prolific career in the literary arts, having published nine books including six poetry collections. His current work At Home in Ireland has sold 3000 copies.

He told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about his new book.

"I’ve been writing short stories for a number of years. This collection is a re-working of previous work and a number of new stories. I’ve taken courses with two excellent tutors, Pauline Clooney and Claire Keegan, both of whom have radically changed my approach to writing. On Claire’s advice I went back to reading Hemingway. His influence is a big inspiration to me.’

One reader, who works closely with Dr Broomfield describes the collection on his behalf.

"This collection is typical of Broomfield’s courageous approach, original, passionate, and politically incorrect. It tackles themes that strip to a heart of Ireland that beats beneath the surface, whether that be brutality, deception by those in position of trust, prison and rural themes,  that have not been written of before.                                                           

"Since his first work, When the Dust Settles, Broomfield’s work has got the name of being controversial, but that’s not always the case. His work is also known for its sensitivity and its sparkling humour. While it’s not easy for a courageous artist to escape controversy the artist must be true to his calling. What will be recognized in his work is Broomfield’s authenticity," the reviewer said.

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Rising Dust, published by Revival Press, Limerick, will be launched in the Laois County library, Portlaoise, on Saturday, May 24 at 2pm.