Searching for your next book? Try Lost Children Archive by Mexican author Valeria Luiselli. She has just won the (lucrative) 2021 Dublin Literary Award, sponsored by Dublin City Council, for her novel, which details a family road trip from New York to Arizona in the heat of the summer. She was also inspired by the ongoing policy of separating children from their parents at the Mexican border. Accepting her award Luiselli said, “I can say, without a hint of doubt, that without books – without sharing in the company of other writers’ human experiences – we would not have made it through these months. If our spirits have found renewal, if we have found strength to carry on, if we have maintained a sense of enthusiasm for life, it is thanks to the worlds that books have given us. Each time, we found solace in the companions that live in our bookshelves.” This award marks the start of the International Literature Festival Dublin which runs until May 30. For a full programme of events visit www.ilfdublin.com. Copies of the Luiselli’s book, the other shortlisted novels and the full list of longlisted novels for the 2021 award are available to borrow from libraries throughout Ireland; www.dublinliteraryaward.ie.

The 2021 Irish Pavilion exhibition at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia has just been revealed. Called “Entanglement”, it was inspired by how much our lives are becoming increasingly entangled with data technologies. It was created by Annex – a collaboration of artists, architects, and urban researchers comprising Sven Anderson, Alan Butler, David Carpener, Donal Lally, Clare Lyster and Fiona McDermott. The pavilion hopes to reframe how we understand data production and its impact on everyday life. www.labiennale.org

If you are stuck in a food rut, you may be interested in a new launch at M&S. The store is continuing its partnership with Dublin-based chef Mark Moriarty, who is a force to be reckoned with. A former World Young Chef of the Year and Forbes 30 Under 30 lister, he is currently chef at the two-Michelin-starred Greenhouse Restaurant and is the star of RTÉ’s Cook-In and Beyond the Menu. Moriarty launches his “Flavours of Summer” – a collection of four fresh, flavour-packed recipes, from Irish rib eye steak to barbecue garlic flatbreads, Irish strawberry desserts and spiced quinoa salads. Each month, from May to August, Moriarty will host an Instagram Live from the @marksandspencerireland account, giving followers the chance to cook along at home and re-create his recipes. The first of these taking place on Tuesday, May 25 at 6pm.

The show, On A House Like a Fire will be available online to watch as part of the Bealtaine festival from May 21 – 25. Writer-performer Michelle Read collaborates with composer Brian Keegan, to remember her mother, Margaret, in a nostalgic and inspiring way. Told through fragments and glimpses, On A House Like A Fire (filmed at Dublin’s Smock Alley) is an immersive experience about the comfort of good memories and the objects that can provide them. To complement the show, Read will host an online exhibition of “Memory Objects”. When you book a ticket for On A House Like A Fire Read will send you one of her own memory objects – something Margaret gave to her; something you can make by yourself or with someone in your family and perhaps. Sounds intriguing … To find out more visit www.bealtaine.ie.

STEAM Art Collaboration opens virtually at the Science Foundation Ireland this evening, from 7pm – 9pm. This initiative aims to inspire and engage people with research through five commissioned artworks, which unite the disciplines of art and science using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths). Artists Shevaun Doherty, Ed Devane, 1iing Heaney, Peter Nash and David Beattie were inspired by research on quantum communications, applied geosciences, artificial intelligence and neuroscience, interpreted through a range of art mediums. The virtual exhibition allows attendees to explore the collection and engage in a series of In Conversation pieces to uncover the stories behind each artwork. Attendees are can explore the 3D virtual exhibition space which will remain open over the summer months. It promises to be an evening filled with insights into the fusion of research and art and the possibilities this presents. Registration for this event is available via this link. Following the exhibition all five art pieces, the 3D exhibition space and information on the projects and their associated resources will be available at: www.sfi.ie.

Time for a new wardrobe addition … Cobbler’s Lane pretty new collection “Blossom” launches tomorrow, May 21, and is a celebration of nature and the Irish landscape. Says designer Monica Walsh, “Prints are always at the heart of our collections and this one is no different. Blossom features three beautiful, nature-inspired prints paired with ruffles, frills and relaxed silhouettes perfect from long summer days. All of our garments are hand-made in Ireland in limited quantities and are made to last a lifetime. Our motto is for our timeless pieces to be loved, worn and passed on to the next generation.” www.cobblerslane.com

Getting organised for summer? The new “Hygge” collection has just arrived in Søstrene Grene stores across Dublin, Cork and Limerick. From summer affordable essentials, to crafting materials and garden storage, there’s no excuse not to have a tidy up before the house guests and parties begin next month! www.sostrenegrene.com

We are not yet done with Zoom cocktails – and if you want to send some to a friend, or keep handy for impromptu virtual dates, Cask in Cork, has the solution. Cask has just launched Casktails, a range of seven bottled cocktails available for delivery nationwide. The cocktails are in authentic Cask style – made with foraged local and seasonal ingredients and spirits from artisan distilleries. They are presented in custom-designed, bottles, and would make a treat or gift for someone special. www.caskcork.com

Main featured image: River Island