The Origami Crow
As a sports columnist for a Dublin daily, journalist Eamon Carr watched the unfolding drama of the 2002 World Cup finals firsthand in
Japan. Yet against the intense public spectacle of media attention following the controversial departure of Ireland captain Roy Keane, Carr followed his own private journey - a lifelong quest to visit the shrines and places of the famed poet Matsuo Basho, recognized master
of haiku.
In a volume of spare, elegant prose and his own haiku chronicling impressions and revelations of that journey, Carr explores the deep
interrelationships found within the seeming contrasts of ancient and modern, nation and individual, crowd and solitude, loss and victory.
Histories, memories and legends, as well as the wry personal observations of the weary working traveller, merge to create this profoundly moving narrative on the universal nature of grace and
redemption.
Reviews
“A charming, haunting and inarguably unique poetry collection… A graceful, often funny blend of gonzo reportage and Zen simplicity. Fabulous, unforgettable stuff.”
Helena Mulkerns
HOT PRESS
“…a great read”
Con Houlihan
“In this recounting of events both serene and tragic, the World Cup and Ireland’s players are immortalised in modern haiku…. and is definitely a must-read for any dedicated fan or those wanting a deeper insight into a seminal event in Irish sporting history.”
Roslyn Fulles
METROEIREAN
“It’s a gem.”
Stuart Clark
“Carr ultimately makes his way to the spot where Basho began his poetry-writing adventures. Along the way he thinks about three people he knew who are no longer alive. Two of these - Phil Lynott and a likeable TV producer called Bob Collins …The third deceased is his mother, who died tragically young while Carr was still a child. He writes with great dignity and power about his lost mother. It’s been such a long time since Carr last worked as a literary writer that, despite his distinguished track record, he appears before us now as a virtually new voice. There is a satisfyingly autumnal air to this taut, tense, chunk of good writing.”
Joe Ambrose
OUTSIDELEFT
George Byrne and Julie with Eamon.
Declan Cummins, EC, Terry Connaughton.
Eamon Carr with Sarah Lundberg
Eamon with Briege O’Doherty
Eamon Carr with Lora Lee Templeton
