Inga Fiedler was an intern with us at City Language School. She spent two weeks at the school and she really was a great help with the students, tours and everything and anything we asked her to do. Before she returned to Germany she wrote us a wonderful blog of recommendations that we have turned into a short series. Over the next few weeks, we will share her selections and her thoughts with you. So without further ado, let’s get an introduction to Inga and find out about her first book…
By Inga Fiedler
Are you indecisive when it comes to new books the read? If so, have a look at this handpicked reading list for a rainy night in Dublin, personally curated by me, Inga Fiedler, an intern from Germany currently working in City Language School. I have a deep appreciation and passion for the written word. I recently completed my Bachelor’s Degree in English Literary Studies at the Otto-Friedrich-University in Bamberg. The books you will read about over the coming weeks are works of fiction that I’ve read over the last couple of years and they are my absolute personal favourites. From celebrated classic masterpieces to contemporary gems, each book on this list is sure to captivate your imagination and make your rainy night in Dublin an unforgettable literary experience. So, grab your favourite blanket, settle into a cosy corner, and allow these treasures to whisk you away into a literary adventure as the raindrops softly dribble on your windowpane.
Ariadne (2021) by Jennifer Saint
In Jennifer Saint’s feminist mythological retelling of the story of Ariadne, Princess of Crete, the author deliberately places her female protagonists at the centre of a man-made world ruled by power, violence and greed. Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, questions the patriarchal structures of ancient Greece which she believes no woman can ever truly escape. In a cruel tradition, induced by her father to punish the Athenians for the death of one of his sons, Ariadne’s seemingly predetermined destiny is about to change as she crosses paths with Theseus, an Athenian hero. With this story about love, loss, and the invisible forces of destiny everyone tries to get away from, Ariadne not only challenges gender stereotypes of ancient mythology but also beautifully captures the ancient Greek aesthetic with its rich descriptive vocabulary, which readers can easily dive into.
“Asterion. A distant light in an infinity of darkness. A raging fire if you came too close. A guide that would lead my family on the path to immortality. A divine vengeance upon us all. I did not know then what he would become. But my mother held him and nursed him and named him, and he knew us both. He was not yet the Minotaur. He was just a baby. He was my brother.” (Excerpt from ARIADNE from lithub.com)
City Language School Dublin
City Language School is right in the heart of Dublin City Centre. Dublin is the proud and vibrant capital of Ireland and with its cosmopolitan and modern feel, it has repeatedly been voted Europe’s friendliest city by Trip Advisor. Dublin boasts strong links with literature, music, dance and storytelling. As you walk through the streets of Temple Bar, you can absorb the musical tradition which spills onto the streets from the many bars and restaurants; truly a city of enormous beauty! Dublin is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery that will leave you with lifelong memories. It is perfectly located on the eastern coastline of Ireland and is a convenient gateway to the rest of Europe.
We are conveniently located in the heart of Dublin on Dame Street, giving you easy access to the whole city of Dublin as well as bus and tram lines for you to get around.