10 fantastic books by Irish authors
To celebrate Irish Book Week, Cecelia Ahern, bestselling author of PS, I Love You and its sequel Postscript, has joined us to share her favourite books by Irish authors.
"I'm delighted to be an ambassador for Irish Book Week 2020. I feel so proud to come from a nation of such talented writers, who tell such a range of incredible stories. It's incredibly hard to pick just a few of my favourites but I guarantee you'll find many gems in this list." Cecelia Ahern
Under the Hawthorn Tree by Marita Conlon McKenna
The first in a trilogy, this is about three children trying to survive during the Irish famine and was my favourite childhood book.
Here is the Beehive by Sarah Crossan
Undoubtedly one of my favourite authors, this is Sarah Crossan's first book for adults. As with all her work, it's written in free verse and it is beautiful.
In the Woods by Tana French
I've read all of Tana French's novels and this is her debut. She writes crime with a mysterious otherworldly feel.
The Cutting Place by Jane Casey
One of my lockdown projects was to read the entire Maeve Kerrigan series from the beginning. She has created an absolute hero in Maeve Kerrigan, and they are such addictive reads. I can't wait for the next in the series.
A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom by John Boyne
I adored John Boyne's debut The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and what I love most about his most recent novel is the bravery of writing such a meaty, epic, unique novel. There's nothing else out there like it.
Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan
I'm currently reading this novel now and it is as masterful as everything else he has written. It's the kind of book that makes me pause and re-read sentences.
The Gospel According to Blindboy by Blindboy Boatclub
Fifteen surreal witty quirky smart short stories from a great philosopher, that are better read than described.
Room by Emma Donoghue
A harrowing story told from the perspective of a 5-year-old who is being held captive in a room with his mother. The film adaptation went on to win much deserved Oscars.
I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O’Farrell
A memoir told through the seventeen near-death experiences that have defined her life.
Smile by Roddy Doyle
I admire Roddy’s entire collection of work, how every novel and project is unique. I love the rhythm of how Roddy writes and this is a novel with a twist.
About Postscript by Cecelia Ahern
The long-awaited sequel to the international bestseller PS, I Love You.
'The PS, I Love You Club.'
These are the six words written on a card handed to Holly Kennedy. They’re words that are engraved on her heart – because 'PS, I Love You' is how her husband, Gerry, signed his last letters to her, letters that mark a year she will never forget.
Now, the mysterious club wants something from her. And if Holly can find the courage meet them, she’ll learn what it really means to live life to the full.
Because every love story has one last thing to say…
