Niall Williams discusses his book, “The Fall of Light.” He begins by explaining that the novel is set during the years of Ireland’s Potato Famine, which is what he considers the single greatest tragedy in Irish history. He explains that he set out to write about a family, which developed into the Foley family who in the book struggles to survive during the drama of the time and place. Later in the interview Williams discusses the role of gypsies in the novel and how he based many of his characters from pieces of both his and his wife’s own ancestors. He goes on to share his thoughts on what he feels is a sense of homelessness that often characterizes the Irish that have immigrated abroad. He then explains how he became inspired to become a writer through reading and oral storytelling.
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