Nenagh native's debut poetry collection

Poet Marie grew up in Ballymackey

Poet and Nenagh native Marie Studer is set to unveil her remarkable debut poetry collection, ‘Real Words’. The launch will take place at The People’s Museum of Limerick, 2 Pery Square, on Sunday, October 8, at 3pm. It will be launched by acclaimed award-winning author and fellow Nenagh native, Donal Ryan.

This collection, published by Limerick’s Revival Press, is poised to leave a lasting impression on readers with its profound exploration of human experiences, from the simple beauty of recipes and folk traditions to the fierce intensity of love and memory.

Marie grew up in Ballymackey, Nenagh, but now lives in Castleconnell, Co Limerick. Her work has appeared in journals and anthologies at home and abroad. She won the Trocáire Poetry Ireland Competition 2020 and was among the winners of the Bangor Ekphrastic Poetry Challenge in 2019 and 2021 and, shortlisted in other competitions. She holds a BA in Comparative Literature, History and Sociology from the University of Limerick.

Studer's work has earned her the title of a ‘memory keeper’ of life's rich tapestry, as described by Catherine Ann Cullen, a renowned literary figure. In ‘Real Words’, the poems seamlessly flow into one another, guiding readers on an unforgettable journey that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. Cullen lauds ‘Real Words’ as a true literary gem, worthy of being read and cherished, even revisited time and again.

Ciaran O’Driscoll, another prominent voice in the literary world, praises Studer's ability to carve her own poetic path with unwavering authority and originality. From childhood memories laced with unconventional insights and humour to chilling epiphanies that send shivers down the spine, ‘Real Words’ is a collection that defies convention. O’Driscoll celebrates Studer's ability to “defamiliarise” the world, offering readers a fresh perspective and a new way of seeing even the most familiar aspects of life.

At the heart of ‘Real Words’ lies a profound sense of being a ‘Provider, Defender, and Memory Keeper’ of lives that meander through existence like a river's course or the route of the M7. Damien B Donnelly, a noted literary critic, hails Studer's work as “generously crafted snapshots”, each carefully captured and preserved within the pages of this exceptional collection.

‘Real Words’ by Marie Studer is not just a book of poetry; it's a literary event that promises to captivate, inspire, and challenge readers. With its rich tapestry of emotions, memories, and experiences, this collection is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and anyone looking for a profound exploration of the human condition.

Join us for an afternoon of poetry, insights, and literary camaraderie as we celebrate the emergence of Marie Studer as a significant voice in contemporary poetry.