A little over a year ago Irish Times journalist Kitty Holland broke the story of Savita Halappanavar; a woman who had died in University Hospital Galway seemingly because staff refused to perform an abortion on the 17 week pregnant dentist. As details of Savita's death emerged Ireland was forced to engage with the issue of abortions and if and when they should be available.
With the world looking on the Irish government passed the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act, 2013. This act clarified when a medical abortion should be made available in Ireland. As a direct result of Savita's death the Irish government was forced to legislate on this divisive topic, something they had been unwilling to do for over 20 years despite a Supreme Court Ruling.
In recognition for her work in breaking this case Kitty Holland was earlier this week named National Journalist of the Year. In our feature interview Susan talks with Kitty about her book Savita: The Tragedy That Shook a Nation. The pages of this book go into great detail explaining the political and moral backdrop to this terrible loss and the ramifications that have been felt through Irish society as a result.
Yet this book is most important as it tells, for the first time ever, the human story behind the woman who's death changed Ireland. Kitty talks with Susan about her experiences writing this book and the woman who was conjured up as she spoke with family and friends about Savita Halappanavar. Listen as we journey through the life sketched out in the pages of this wonderful book.
In the second part of the show Susan talks with author Alex Danchev about his book The Letters of Paul Cézanne and follows up her earlier interview with author and journalist Colm Tóibín on his novel The Testament of Mary. 
Cézanne is regarded by many as the linchpin between 19th century Impressionism and the more outlandish styles of the 20th century. Described by Picasso and Matisse as 'the father of us all', Cézanne's life is filled with tales of fantastical artistic adventure as he and his friends trace the rush towards modernism. Danchev does a fantastic job of translating the story told in Cézanne's letters and transports the reader to a very real and exciting 19th century France. Listen back as Danchev tells Susan what it was like translating these letters and how important friendship and writing was to artists at this time.
Following on from their discussion about religion and faith Susan and Colm continue their talk on his latest novel The Testament of Mary. This time 'Talking Books' focuses on character formation as Colm delves into the creative process behind his conjuring of the character of Mary. Listen back here to find out all about the world of artists letters and the painting of characters in words.
