In the second episode of Past/Present/Pride, Dr Paul D’Alton talks to Colm Tóibín, celebrated Irish writer and three-time Booker Prize nominee. Tóibín’s work across journalism, non-fiction, short story, drama, and novel is known for its exploration of the inner world of fully realised characters, their flawed inter-relations with those around them, and their struggle to find identity torn between divided worlds. In this hour of conversation, Tóibín discusses topics ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic, his experience with cancer, the role of the novelist in today’s world, and recent forays into the world of poetry.