by Victoria Bromley
In recent years, Irish literature has become a steadfast favourite of mine. There is something about the way Irish writers convey original perspectives and nuanced emotion in a politically and socially charged setting that brings out what I love the most in literature. Specifically, I love audiobooks written and read by Irish voices for an authentic experience.
Colin Walsh – Kala
Kala is an extraordinary crime/mystery novel following three friends Helen, Mush and Joe. Set in the fictional town of Kinlough, the friends reunite after new evidence surfaces regarding the disappearance of their childhood friend Kala. Alternating between a coming of age story and the present day where their lives have gone in different directions, the small Irish town is the perfect backdrop for suspicions and tension to brew while the sinister goings on lurk within the shadows.
I went to see Colin Walsh at Manchester Deansgate last year and with a background in philosophy, it was clear to see how his academic history influenced the introspective, political and emotional story that lies beneath the mystery of Kala.
Frances Macken – You have to make your own fun around here
I bought this book in Dublin from the ‘Irish literature’ section in Waterstones, and it was my first time being introduced to Frances Macken as a writer. This novel is about having big dreams of experiencing all that life has to offer. Katie wants to leave Glenbruff and go to Dublin for university, wanting to escape the claustrophobia of a small town and grow into adulthood on her own terms. Yet failed internships and homesickness brings her home. The sense of place in the book really shows that our hometowns will forever hold a special place in our lives which we will always return to. Francen Macken writes with such wit and emotion, I adored this book so much.
Caroline O’Donoghue – The Rachel incident
After Oenone Forbat reviewed and loved The Rachel Incident I knew I had to read this book, and having read it as an audiobook, I fell in love with the messiness and chaos of Rachel’s life at university, her relationships, and eagerness to work in the publishing industry. At it’s heart, this book is about a young woman who moves in with a man called James. They work in the same bookshop and quickly become inseparable. When she discovers James is gay, and that he is secretly seeing her professor, she vows to keep their secret while trying to get close to his wife who is an editor for a publishing house. Set in Dublin, this book was fun and flirty, the perfect read while I was on holiday.
Megan Nolan – Acts of desperation & Ordinary human failings
I have now read both of Megan Nolan’s novels, and being shortlisted for the Gordon Burn’s prize, Ordinary Human Failings is one of my favourite books I’ve read so far this year. Blending the crime and literary genres, this book depicts dysfunctional family dynamics and the controversy and shame around teenage pregnancies in Ireland, as well as fleeing to London for a fresh start.
Megan Nolan’s debut novel Acts of Desperation is a favourite in the sad girl subgenre which explores relationships with older men, alcoholism and desire. As a writer, Megan Nolan has published two very different books in theme and style, but the tone of voice is just as sharp and shocking in both which makes her a prominent voice in Irish literature.
Fiona Scarlett – Boys don’t cry
Fiona Scarlett’s debut novel Boys don’t cry will indeed make you cry. Finn and Joe live in a deprived area of Dublin with a drug dealer as a father and a mother who is constantly worrying about them. The instability of their home life and outside threats make it a turbulent place to live. When Finn is diagnosed with leukaemia, his father is behind bars, and Joe is lost. Not wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps, but unsure where to turn, Joe loses hope while trying to see a better life for himself and his family.
There is so much heart in this book. Fiona Scarlett is so talented with creating lifelike characters who seems so real and raw.
Chloe Grace Howarth – Sunburn
One of my favourite books of 2023, Sunburn is a Sapphic love story which takes place under the stifling heat in Crossmore. On the cusp of adulthood, Lucy has no desire to marry a man, and instead is conflicted by her ever-growing feelings towards Susannah, in which their platonic relationship becomes something more romantic and secretive.
The religious landscape of Ireland makes gay relationships a sin which means keeping feelings and emotions hidden. It’s this forbidden romance which makes the love feel so intense and palpable.
Michael Magee – Close to home
Winner of the Nero award for best debut novel, Close to home by Michael Magee is a passionate and tender story about twenty two year old English graduate Sean who’s back in Belfast trying to make ends meet. Struggling to hold up a job, and arrested for assault after punching a man at a house party, Sean needs to stay on the right side of the law but keeps finding himself in troubled water. Sean had such a big heart and was determined to make something of himself. Michael Magee’s writing was so immersive, there was never a time I wasn’t rooting for Sean’s success. A great story of how hardship and doubt can be overcome by ambition and love.
swim press 