Patricia Scanlon Reflects on Influential Works That Shaped Her

Irish author Patricia Scanlon, known for her bestselling novels and significant contributions to literature, recently shared the influential works that have shaped her writing and worldview. Scanlon, 69, grew up in Ballygall, Dublin, and has made a mark in the literary world with her debut novel, City Girl, published in 1992. This book launched the acclaimed City Girls trilogy, which has sold millions of copies. Her latest novel, City Girls Forever, was released by Simon & Schuster and revisits beloved characters from her previous works.

Scanlon credits her early reading experiences as pivotal in her development as a writer. She recalls the profound impact of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, which she read during her teenage years. The novel’s exploration of anger and alienation left a lasting impression on her. “I remember reading it on the bus coming home from school and being engrossed,” she said. “It was so honest – his anger and the alienation.”

Another significant influence for Scanlon was Brian Moore’s The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne. This novel inspired her to pursue writing, as she admired Moore’s ability to delve deeply into a woman’s psyche. “It was genius,” she remarked, highlighting how well Moore captured the character’s loneliness and struggles. The poignant depiction of Hearne’s life resonated with her, illustrating the emotional depth that literature can achieve.

In discussing music, Scanlon expressed her admiration for Leonard Cohen. She finds his song The Future to be prophetic, particularly in light of current global challenges. “He sees the breakdown of civilization,” she stated, referencing the song’s dark themes that resonate with contemporary issues.

Scanlon also reflected on the transformative power of literature for women, citing Edna O’Brien’s The Country Girls. This work, which addresses themes of liberation from a patriarchal society, greatly influenced her own writing. “She wrote from the heart,” Scanlon noted, emphasizing O’Brien’s role in giving voice to women’s experiences in Ireland during the 1970s.

Her appreciation for cinematic storytelling shines through her love for the classic musical Mary Poppins. “It was the first film I was brought to see in the cinema,” she recalled fondly, reminiscing about the magical elements that captivated her as a child.

Scanlon also highlighted contemporary authors such as Elin Hilderbrand and Ciara Geraghty. Hilderbrand’s ability to craft engaging narratives set in Nantucket has drawn her in, while Geraghty’s humorous yet poignant storytelling reflects a similar depth of emotion. “Few writers have that gift,” she stated, noting how Geraghty can evoke laughter and tears within the same narrative.

Her admiration extends to Patrice Chaplin, a non-fiction writer whose adventurous life experiences shine through in her books. Chaplin’s works, including City of Secrets and The Portal, detail her fascinating life encounters, enriching Scanlon’s understanding of narrative.

Art also plays a role in Scanlon’s inspirations. She treasures a painting titled Liverpool Docks by John Atkins Grimshaw, which resonates with her personal history, as her father was a seafarer. The atmospheric depiction of a wet night captures her imagination and evokes feelings of nostalgia.

In film, Death at a Funeral stands out as a favorite due to its dark humor and relatable family dynamics. Scanlon recalls watching it with her family during a difficult Christmas after her mother’s passing, finding solace and laughter in the chaos portrayed on screen.

The complexities of human experience are further explored in the documentary series Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell, which delves into the troubling life of Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of media mogul Robert Maxwell. Scanlon reflects on the impact of upbringing and societal expectations, noting the documentary’s exploration of coercive familial dynamics.

Through these reflections, Patricia Scanlon reveals the myriad influences that have shaped her as a writer and individual. Her connections to literature, music, film, and art highlight the profound ways these mediums can inspire and transform lives. As she continues to create, her appreciation for the touchstones of her past remains evident, enriching both her writing and her understanding of the world.