4 Irish Authors to enjoy this World Book Day
World Book Day isn’t just for the kids, explore some of Ireland’s Best Authors this Spring
Looking for a new book to jump into this Spring? This World Book Day, we want to highlight some of our favourite Irish authors that we are loving so far this year. From gripping dramas to light hearted memoirs, there are some amazing Irish books & authors out there at the moment, so grab a cuppa, find a cosy space and indulge in a new read.
Louise O’Neill
Hailing from West Cork, Louise O’Neill has changed the Irish book scene since the publishing of her first novel, Only Ever Yours, in 2014. Her best-selling follow up novel, Asking for it, has also been adapted for the stage and was shown at The Everyman Theatre, our neighbours, on MacCurtain Street. Louise’s books are provocative & though provoking as she navigates her narrative through the harsh realities of life. Although tackling tough topics, Louise has created page turning novels that will leave you wanting more after every page. Louise’s next novel, Idol, set to be released in May 2022 will no doubt be the must read book of the summer.
Our recommendations:
- After The Silence (2020)
- Only Ever Yours (2014)
- Asking For It (2015)
Sally Rooney
Mayo native, Sally Rooney is next on our list, and after the success she has seen the last few years, it is easy to see why. Her 2018 psychosocial romance novel, Normal People, became an international smash hit when BBC created a 12 part mini series based on the novel. Sally’s writings give us a stark view into the inner workings of different relationships. Her debut novel, Conversations with Friends, which is also set to be adapted for television, is a fantastic way to understand the writing style of Sally Rooney and gives readers a give flavour of what is to come in her subsequent novels. Her writings allow the reader to look inwards, and even find parallels with characters, making you build meaningful relationships with the main characters.
Our recommendations:
- Conversations with Friends (2017)
- Normal People (2018)
- Beautiful World, Where Are You (2021)
Fintan O’Toole
Just on the back of winning An Post Book of the Year 2021, now is the perfect time to start reading some of Fintan O’Toole’s work. Specialising in politics & history, the veteran journalist delves into Irish History through his lifetime & experience in his newest release, We Don’t Know Ourselves’. Although writing about complex issues, Fintan’s writing styles allows the reader to gain a great understanding of topical issues, such as Brexit in his 2018 book, Heroic Failure: Brexit & The Politics of Pain. For those of us to are avid history lovers, or simply want to gain a better understanding of Irish history, make Fintan O’Toole your next author of choice.
Our recommendations:
- We Don’t Know Ourselves (2021)
- Heroic Failure: Brexit & The Politics of Pain (2018)
- Ship of Fools: How Stupidity and Corruption Sank the Celtic Tiger (2009)
Catherine Ryan Howard
The second Cork native on our list, (we promised we’re not biased!), is crime author, Catherin Ryan Howard. Her debut thriller, Distress Signals, reached widespread popularity & praise, garnering itself as a Irish Times Best-Seller and a USA Today Best Seller. For those of us who are true-crime fanatics, Catherine’s novels are perfect, as she keeps you on edge page after page. Her 2020 novel, The Nothing Man, feels as though you are in the middle of a thriller as she weaves you through a story that will have you thinking about it long after you put the book down. Her next novel, Run Time, which is due to be released August 2022, is already being pipped to be a must-read for this autumn.
Our recommendations:
- The Nothing Man (2020)
- The Liar’s Girl (2018)
- Distress Signals (2016)
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