Keith talks about his Ernest travels

Travels with Ernest, a reading by author Ryan Keith, takes place this Friday at Banner Books, Parliament Street, Ennistymon.

The book tells the story of a ride around the northern part of Ireland on a Vespa named Ernest. The author wanted to see for himself the changes in Ireland as the population adjusts to the tangible prospect of a lasting peace. He does this with a mix of seriousness and a sense of fun and a toolkit.
The author wanted to meet Ulstermen face-to-face and to confront his own prejudices with an open mind. His choice of route around Ireland’s shoreline follows the sites of shipwrecks of the Spanish Armada, which are dotted along the Irish coast.
On Ulster’s empty roads, the ideal link between these stopovers is an elderly Vespa, little changed in design since the first Vespa appeared in 1946 and still going strong.
Most of those he meets are characters in their own right. They speak their minds and they tell their stories with an honesty that is both engaging and admirable.
However, violence has still not disappeared from the landscape and there are reminders of this in the news broadcasts that punctuate his travels.
Often, it is Ernest that brings about an opening to a conversation. The people he meets in bars, B&Bs and in the street or in the countryside, all have a story to tell and the author is a more-than-willing listener.
As part of the regular series of monthly readings by authors, Ryan will read excerpts from this provocative book at 7.30pm.
There will be a question-and-answer session and refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited but reservations can be sent to info@bannerbooks.ie or  065 707 1856.