“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is arguably the most widely-discussed book in Ireland today – and not just because of its “scandalous” sex scenes! Read on for 5 recommendations for Irish novels with fresh perspectives on the often uncertain, but undeniably ~interesting~ years known as our 20s.
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan
This debut novel from 27-year-old author Naoise Dolan shot to the top of the bestseller list when it was released in April. The novel follows Ava, a fresh college grad who jets off to glitzy Hong Kong to teach English. Although its angsty narrator may be likened to the characters in Normal People, this book is entirely unique in its very philosophical exploration of post-college life.
Ava’s unstable sense of self, anxiety and pain complicate her affairs and she inevitably becomes entangled in a love triangle. A thought-provoking read about how we define ourselves, others, and the world around us, Dolan has consolidated her reputation as one-to-watch on the Irish literary scene.
Red Dirt by E. M. Reapy
The grittiest book on this list, Red Dirt is the dramatic story of three 20-something drifters fleeing recessionary Ireland for Australia in 2008. At times bleak, this novel explores the hardship and pain of “Tiger Cubs” who found themselves coming-of-age in a shattered economy.
The novel combines familiar images of fruit farms and raucous parties with shocking violence and even a murder – a raw read, this book takes a new perspective on the immigrant experience, the distances we travel to find ourselves, and how we relate to the people we meet along the way.
Tender by Belinda McKeon
Catherine, an insecure college student in 1998 Dublin, is instantly enamoured with James, a charismatic photographer who seems to embody the brooding artist aesthetic. However, it isn’t as simple as boy-meets-girl – James doesn’t love her, and is struggling with his sexual orientation in an Ireland where homosexuality isn’t yet accepted.
This book perfectly captures how it feels to fall in unrequited love, and explores the mistakes we make growing up – painful and awkward as they may be. The book has also been praised for its treatment of mental health, and the “fine line between helping someone and hurting them further”.
Stir Fry by Emma Donoghue
Emma Donoghue is the acclaimed author of “Room” and one of Ireland’s most internationally known authors – however, her debut novel “Stir Fry” doesn’t get the praise it deserves. Set in the ‘90s in an unnamed Dublin university, the novel follows Maria, an awkward and shy “culchie” trying to settle in to life in “The Big Shmoke”. When Maria’s enigmatic older roommates reveal that they are in fact a lesbian couple, the innocent girleen starts to question her values and treads doubts about her own sexuality.
Published at a time when homosexuality and divorce were not yet legal in Ireland, this is a timeless and relatable story about first love, friendship and finding yourself in a new city.
Asking For It by Louise O’Neill
Asking For It was a breakout hit for acclaimed Irish author Louise O’Neill. The book has been adapted for the stage and rights have been sold to adapt this poignant, topical novel in to a TV series. The main character is a “popular” and “bitchy” 18-year-old girl in small-town Ireland, who is raped by members of the local GAA club. The situation escalates as the community side with the team and her reputation is destroyed.
An uncomfortable and piercing read about a fragile small community, this story of an unsympathetic protagonist becoming a victim was extremely timely and essential reading for anyone who wants to understand rape culture in Irish society today.
I’m sure there are a lot more great books by Irish authors – if you have any other recommendations, share them in the comments below!
Also: If you have any recommendations for funny/uplifting books by young Irish authors, I’d love to hear from you – I’m hoping to write a couple of posts about these! 🙂
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