Vanessa Mary Ellen Santana will bring her new poetry collection, Love as the Solution, to Mallow on Thursday, November 13, with an official launch planned at the Hibernian Hotel.
The evening will celebrate poetry, music and personal reflection, bringing together writers, performers and members of the local community in the hotel’s Garden Room.
Hosted by Joanna Carroll, the event will feature musical performances from Maureen Flynn and Johnny Bongos, alongside poetry readings from Hanan Al Nablsi, Áine Lenihan and Roberta Lenihan. Mai Rafferty will deliver the closing reading.
Love as the Solution is a personal tribute to Vanessa’s father, Jesus Martins Santana. Through a collection of reflective poems, the author explores themes of love, self-discovery, resilience and the strength people can find when facing life’s challenges.
Drawing inspiration from everyday experiences, Vanessa’s writing highlights the importance of small gestures, human connection and the role of love and understanding in shaping how people approach difficult moments.
Alongside her work as an author, Vanessa is an international law practitioner and facilitator of awareness-based gatherings. Her collection draws on personal experiences and reflections, encouraging readers to consider their own journeys of self-discovery.
Guests attending the Mallow launch will have the opportunity to hear selected poems, meet Vanessa and learn more about the inspiration behind the collection. Signed copies of the book will also be available to purchase.
The launch takes place at the Hibernian Hotel on Thursday, November 13, with guests invited to arrive from 7.30pm ahead of an 8pm start. Light refreshments will be provided, and the hotel bar will remain open.
Admission is open to the public, and everyone is welcome.
