A Guest at the Feast

In A Guest at the Feast, acclaimed writer Colm Tóibín presents a captivating collection of eleven essays reflecting on his experiences growing up in Ireland during tumultuous times. Through a blend of humor and poignancy, he explores themes of cancer, religion, and homosexuality, while offering intimate memoirs from his youth in Enniscorthy. The collection also includes insightful profiles of three influential popes and a final essay detailing Tóibín's hauntingly beautiful journey through an empty Venice during the pandemic, showcasing both his narrative skill and deep engagement with literary and social issues.