Julie Irigaray
Writer. Teacher. Researcher.
Welcome to my website. As an author who lived in four different countries, I aim to create a better understanding of the world and our place in it — a mission which has cast me in many different roles: writer, teacher and researcher.
I am a PhD Candidate in English Literature at The University of Huddersfield and a Creative Writing Tutor at the adult education college City Lit (London). You can find out about my publications, experience, research, awards, and more on this website.
What's New
Summer 2021
So many things happened these past months... The publication of my first poetry book Whalers, Witches and Gauchos (Nine Pens) required a lot of time and energy. You can find a brand new review of the book on Sphinx's website.
I have three poems forthcoming in The Worst Best Years: A Student Life Anthology; The Alchemy Spoon; and The Book of Bad Betties, and I will have the opportunity to read them live. The launch of issue 4 of The Alchemy Spoon will take place online on 11th September 2021, 7:30pm GMT time. Bad Betty Press is launching The Book of Bad Betties, an anthology dedicated to strong women, on 22nd September 2021 (online, 7:30pm GMT time). I can't wait to share these poems as they deal with the female body and women from my family!
My creative writing and academic life have become intrinsically linked. I am part of an ongoing translation project, but I cannot disclose any detail yet. I was contacted by the Centre for Endangered Languages, Cultures and Ecosystems (University of Leeds) to do an online poetry reading on 20th October 2021 (2-5pm GMT time). There will be a discussion afterwards where I'll share my experience of Basque culture.
Whalers, Witches and Gauchos
My poetry pamphlet Whalers, Witches and Gauchos was published by Nine Pens Press last April.
Whalers, Witches and Gauchos explores narratives of displacement, the way we navigate between countries and cultures, and how where we come from makes us who we are. Using my Basque ancestors as a point of reference – these same whalers, witches and gauchos who travelled to the other side of the world or were persecuted – I conjure up my memories of living in the Basque Country, France, Ireland, Italy and the UK. This pamphlet depicts what it is to migrate between places and languages seeking homes that can both sustain us and allow us to grow.
