American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
One of the most compelling, thought provoking, timely novels I have read in a long time. This is a novel that I urge you to read and I’ll certainly be telling everyone…
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5 stars for this confident and timely debut novel. This is the story of an English student, Vanessa Wye and her teacher, Jacob Strane. Vanessa was fifteen years old when she first…
Me by Elton John
I am a fan of Elton John. I grew up with his music and have booked tickets for his Dublin concert next year. Even so at nearly 350 pages his autobiography needed…
Water Shall Refuse Them by Lucie McKnight Hardy
All the best novels grab you at the start and WATER SHALL REFUSE THEM does that brilliantly. The wonderful opening chapter sets the scene for the novel. I loved the descriptive writing…
This Mortal Boy by Fiona Kidman
The story opens in 1955 in a prison cell in Auckland New Zealand where we meet Paddy Black. He is awaiting trial for murder. Albert, or Paddy as he was known is on trial for the murder of…
Thee Women by Lisa Taddeo
Officially classified as a work of gender studies this fantastic book about three women reads more like a cross between investigative journalism and a biography. The stories of the three women featured…
A Modern Family by Helga Flatland
This is a super exploration of families that I’d urge you to read for the subtle prose, with well defined characters and a strong storyline.
Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry
To say I loved this latest novel from Kevin Barry is an understatement, I absolutely adored it. I loved the writing, the storyline and the way he portrays the conversations between Maurice…
Vintage 1954 by Antoine Laurain
I’ve read all of Antoine Laurain’s novels and they are absolute gems so to receive a reading copy of his latest book filled me with joy. His writing style is always playful,…
My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
An immensely, enjoyable read that's a perfect page turner. The story opens when Korede is having her dinner with a phone call from her sister saying she needs her immediately. This is…
All Among The Barley by Melissa Harrison
ALL AMONG THE BARLEY is set in the autumn of 1933. It is the most beautiful autumn Edie Mather can remember, though the Great War still casts a shadow over the cornfields…
Elsewhere by Rosita Boland
Rosita Boland for many years and maybe still does feels more comfortable being elsewhere. In this delightful memoir she shares the story of nine journeys from nine different moments in her life,…
Normal People by Sally Rooney
In my view Normal People is with Sally's wonderful debut Conversations with Friends. This is joy to the ears of her fans and for people to still discover her writing, a treat…
He Is Mine and I Have No Other by Rebecca O’Connor
Set in 1990’s small town Ireland this is a quiet yet captivating novel about teenage love, grief and pain that I adored reading. In the novel we meet 15-year-old Lani Devine who…
Her Kind by Niamh Boyce
Having read and enjoyed Niamh’s first novel, The Herbalist I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of HER KIND. (Thanks Penguin Ireland). This novel is set in Kilkennie in 1324 and…
The Fire Starters by Jan Carson
This is a novel with writing that dazzles and have you enthralled from the first chapter. In this second, magical novel from Jan Carson she tells the story of Dr Jonathan Murray…
Constellations by Sinead Gleeson
Constellations is a powerful collection of essays from Irish journalist Sinead Gleeson. A glorious work covering topics from birth to first love, pregnancy to motherhood, terrifying sickness, old age and loss to…
Dignity by Alys Conran
A story of what home means, what belonging means. A book that questions who we are, and lays bare the Britain of today. It’s the story of three women: Evelyn, an engineer’s…
Inventing Ourselves by Sarah-Jayne Blakemore
At first glance this fascinating book might seem like a read only for parents. However, having read it and heard Sarah-Jayne talk about her findings I would suggest it is a read…
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
As a fan of Jess’s writing I was thrilled to receive an early copy of her new novel, THINGS IN JARS, thanks Canongate. What a treat that was. Jess's previous novels, HIMSELF…