Feeding Strawberries to Pigs

by Gerry Rose

'Feeding strawberries to pigs' 'The people you see when you haven't got a gun' 'For every old sock, there's an old shoe' 'Be civil, but strange.' 'Nature shines through the eyes of a cat.' 'As delicate as bully, when he ate the dishcloth.' I grew up with these sayings: my parents were Irish immigrants to England so I am the product of my Anglo- Irish upbringing. I live in a world that is in-between two cultures. I used to feel that I belonged nowhere. Now I realise that I have been enriched by these diverse influences and my obsession with these issues has informed my writing. When I am in Ireland I feel there is a bond with the people and their outlook, but unfortunately for me, when I speak people think I must be English. Many Irish people cannot accept that I am Irish. I also recognise that a part of me is English, and this makes for an interesting creative mix. These stories seek to show, what it has been like to grow up Irish in England. I have also attempted to explore what being Irish means. I have also let my imagination wander rather a lot. I hope you enjoy them!

162 pages, ebook

First published February 17, 2010