Brighid ‘Biddy’ McLaughlin: Tales of a Patchwork Life

Biddy will talk about her life in the face of uncharted grief, finding solace in art, cooking and storytelling. At this event she will discuss her recently published memoir Tales of a Patchwork Life, which celebrates the unconventional people and passions that have sustained her.

Brighid ‘Biddy’ McLaughlin has endured unthinkable tragedy following the murder of her beloved sister Siobhan and the devastating drowning of her husband. Yet, in the face of overwhelming grief, McLaughlin refuses to be consumed by darkness.

In this talk about her best-selling memoir, McLaughlin will reflect on the cherished memories evoked by the objects surrounding her. From the delicate Madeleine tray that whispers Siobhan’s name to her own folk art illustrations, Biddy’s memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to heal even the deepest wounds.

As the late John B. Keane once remarked, ‘Biddy had been a storyteller all her life. In drawings, words and painting, she has captured the tales of common and not-so-common folk caught up in the maelstrom of life.’

McLaughlin’s memoir celebrates the people, places, and passions that sustained her: her unconventional background, her bohemian friends, her love of art and cooking, and the extraordinary strength found within.

“Brighid McLaughlin’s remarkable memoir is a roller-coaster collection of tales from an extraordinary life.” Liam Collins, Irish Independent

Part of Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics>>