'The Raptures': Sickness, superstition and the shadow of sectarian violence

Encore! © France 24

A quaint town in Northern Ireland experiences a profound shock as a mysterious illness begins to afflict its children. This event marks the onset of Jan Carson’s latest novel, "The Raptures", which scrutinises a rural community, unearthing the superstitions and biases simmering beneath its surface. Jan joins us to delve into this "accidentally prophetic" narrative and to discuss the socio-political backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland. Twenty-five years after The Good Friday Agreement, our conversation turns to the lingering religious and cultural divides. We further underscore the role arts and culture can play in fostering empathy and facilitating reconciliation in the ongoing peace process.