Claire-Louise Bennett Explores Love and Vulnerability in New Novel

Claire-Louise Bennett, a prominent figure in contemporary Irish literature, has released her latest novel, Big Kiss, Bye-Bye, through Fitzcarraldo Editions. This follows her acclaimed second book, Checkout 19, which was recognized as a New York Times top ten book of the year in 2021. Bennett, who has lived in Galway for over two decades, is celebrated for her unique voice and ability to provoke deep emotional responses in her readers.

The novel centers on the complex relationship between a female narrator and an older man named Xavier, exploring the transition from romance to a different form of connection. In an interview at a new restaurant in Oranmore, Bennett described the relationship as “irrational,” contrasting it with the often calculated dynamics of modern dating. “In dating culture as it is at the moment, it just seems very rational… I don’t really think you know what you want in the context of love,” she said.

Exploring Themes of Memory and Connection

Bennett aims to delve into larger themes such as memory, time, love, and loss through this relationship. She notes that Big Kiss, Bye-Bye signifies a new phase in her work, allowing her to engage with private aspects of life that have long fascinated her. “I wanted it to be very feeling-driven,” she explained, referencing the influence of Samuel Beckett. “I was so struck by that because with any creative challenge or interest, you can approach it intellectually… but I really just wanted to come at this with a very different sort of intelligence.”

The novel is noted for its emotional depth, combined with a sophisticated linguistic style. Bennett emphasizes the importance of language in her writing, stating, “Writing is words… I have very particular ways of thinking about what words are. They feel very active, I’m very conscious of them as things.” This perspective shapes her narrative style, which resists straightforward autobiographical storytelling in favor of a more crafted approach.

Personal Reflections and the Impact of Technology

Several life events inspired Bennett’s latest work, including a significant house move that prompted her to reflect on the life she had built. “For someone who has a bit more stability in their lives… they’re not really put in this position very often,” she noted, reflecting on the upheaval and its impact on her perception of personal history.

Her time as a creative fellow at Reading University, where Beckett’s archive is housed, also influenced her exploration of memory. She found solace in studying Beckett’s meticulous preservation of memories, which resonated with her own experiences. “When I was doing it on my own, I felt quite vulnerable… having this external, more objective element of Beckett made me feel like I had some sort of ally helping me through,” she said.

Bennett believes the novel addresses the themes of love and time, particularly how connections with others evolve. “A lot of the time these things aren’t handled that well; we’re just not that great at handling each other,” she remarked. She expressed concern over how technology influences human interaction, suggesting it makes people “even more cowardly and callous.”

She advocates for the importance of vulnerability in relationships, stating, “It’s just the most important thing in the world… spending time and paying attention to someone, and someone paying attention to you, is the most beautiful thing.”

Big Kiss, Bye-Bye is set to be published in March 2025, and promises to offer readers a rich, introspective experience that prioritizes emotional engagement over mere narrative structure. Bennett’s thoughtful approach to writing continues to captivate audiences, positioning her as a vital voice in contemporary literature.