Joyride to Jupiter by Nuala O’Connor
The Rise of Irish Young Adult Fiction
No 594 The Miracle Shed by Philip MacCann
‘Whatever happened to Philip MacCann?’ is a phrase that crops up if you do even a cursory internet search of this elusive author. I’m not even sure if I am right to include MacCann in Reading Ireland Month as he is possibly not Irish. Some sites say he was born in Belfast, more that he…
No 596 All Names Have Been Changed by Claire Kilroy
Claire Kilroy’s third novel, All Names Have Been Changed is my first introduction to her work. Although her writing is well respected and her books highly regarded, it has been suggested that All Names Have Been Changed is not the best place to start. I may have to agree. This book didn’t put me off…
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No 597 Good Behaviour by Molly Keane and a Giveaway!
Good Behaviour was Molly Keane’s first book written under her own name despite having published many of her novels as MJ Farrell. She was almost 80 years old when she published the book in 1981 and it’s interesting to wonder why she waited so long to write as herself. Her friend, and editor, Diana Athill…
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100 Books by Irish Women Writers
Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent
‘Clearances that suddenly stood open…’
Seamus Heaney died three years ago today and the world lost one of its greatest poets. In memory of his passing, here is one of my favourite passages from his poem Clearances. When all the others were away at Mass I was all hers as we peeled potatoes. They broke the silence, let fall one…
