When it comes to Irish writing, there’s an embarrassment of riches this month, from page-turning thrillers to modern myths …
Let’s start with our own Edel Coffey’s third novel, IN GLASS HOUSES (Sphere, €18). In a similar vein to her previous bestsellers, Breaking Point and In Her Place, this is a propulsive story set in New York City. Coffey excels in fast-paced tales that address moral dilemmas, and this time it’s a twisty crime novel that skewers the Manhattan elite, as we watch the rich and powerful stop at nothing to protect their own interests. A page-turner that will entice you to stay in by the fire this February.
Similarly heart-thumping is THE LIES BETWEEN US (Penguin Sandycove, €17), the debut novel from political journalist Jen Bray. Set between Dunmore East in Co Waterford and New York, the story crosses three different timelines as we follow the story of three sisters haunted by family secrets, which are revealed after a local murder on a beach. Bray’s subjects include the complexity of sisterhood, “sliding doors” moments and violence against women.
John MacKenna’s lyrical THE LOCK-KEEPER’S WIFE (Lilliput Press, €15.95) is a different proposition. A 150-page paperback, it tells the story of a woman living an isolated life in rural, mid-century Ireland with her unloving husband. While a portrait of a woman’s life through the lens of Ireland’s dark history of institutional incarceration sounds dark, it’s written with light. MacKenna, author of 24 books and many plays, teaches creative writing at Maynooth University. For fans of Claire Keegan’s Foster.
I’m intrigued by BANSHEE: MYTHOLOGICAL IRISH WOMEN RETOLD by Ailbhe Malone (John Murray, €22), an anthology of traditional Irish myths and legends reworked with women as the protagonists; this has been a recent trend in fiction, with novels such as Madeline Miller’s Circe. In Banshee, stories are retold by a clutch of our finest contemporary authors, including Naoise Dolan, Megan Nolan, Wendy Erskine and Sheila O’Flanagan. As irresistibly alluring as the sirens themselves.
Two bestselling authors return this month. First, Co Kerry’s Roisin Meaney, who’s written more than 20 novels over the past two decades, has SECOND CHANCES (Hachette Books Ireland, €16). Lydia makes the big move to a small town on the west coast of Ireland to overhaul a neglected house with her husband. This brave new start takes an unexpected turn, and Meaney brings warmth and hope to this story of resilience amid towering challenges.
Helping us dream of sunnier days, Cathy Kelly transports her devoted readers to the azure waters of Greece in THE ISLAND RETREAT (HarperCollins, €16). Six people gather for a writing retreat, hoping a few days in the sun will magically fix their lives. But life is never quite that simple …
Finally, we’re excited to get hold of ALL THEM DOGS by Djamel White (John Murray, €17), published in March. Set in West Dublin’s gangland, it follows young gang member Tony Ward. There’s plenty of buzz around this edgy, explosive debut that will appeal to devotees of TV shows like Love/Hate and The Wire. In fact, the TV rights have already been optioned.
