Maggie O'Farrell sets her latest novel, Land, against the backdrop of the Great Famine in Ireland
Author Maggie O'Farrell discusses her new novel, Land, which is set during the Irish Great Famine. The book was inspired by her family history, specifically her ancestor's role in the Ordnance Survey mapping of Ireland during the 19th century.
Why it matters
The novel highlights the intersection of personal family history and significant historical events like the Great Famine and British colonial mapping projects.
O'Farrell is the author of 10 novels and a memoir, I Am, I Am, I Am, recounting her repeated near-death experiences. ( Supplied: Hachette Australia )
The article is a standard literary profile focusing on an author's creative process and historical context.
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