Author Talk & Reception with Dr. Katherine Zappone
The public is invited to an author talk by Dr. Katherine Zappone, former Irish government minister and human rights activist, Wednesday, October 22nd at 6pm at the library. Katherine is coming to the United States to launch her new book, Love in a Time of Politics: A Memoir of Facing Loss and Finding Hope. In her first US author talk, Katherine will be discussing her extraordinary life and career and signing books, followed by a wine and cheese reception. This event is free; contributions will be accepted. This is the first chance to purchase Katherine’s book in the US, exclusively through this event, with Eight Cousins. Register for this event here.
Katherine and her late spouse were principal forces behind Ireland’s Marriage Equality Referendum. She served as the first openly lesbian member of the Irish Seanad (Senate) and the first member in a recognized same sex relationship. She later served as Ireland’s first openly lesbian government minister.
During her second year as an Irish government minister, Katherine Zappone’s world was upended when her beloved wife, Ann Louise Gilligan, suffered a catastrophic brain hemorrhage. Their partnership had guided landmark Irish battles for marriage equality and reform of Ireland’s constitutional ban on abortion. But their greatest challenge now lay before them.
As Ann Louise fought for survival, Katherine was embroiled in the cut and thrust of modern Irish politics – including seeking justice for the forgotten children of Tuam, putting her at the heart of Ireland’s reckoning with its past. All the while, she faced the quiet devastation of impending loss and, later, the grief that followed. Then, in 2021, came political controversy that would shake her to the core.
Love in a Time of Politics is a story of enduring love between two trailblazing women, as well as a rare insider’s account of political life in Ireland during a time of seismic social change. With honesty, warmth and wisdom, it reveals how compassion can shape policy, and how conviction can sustain even the most broken heart.