Colum McCann's new novel Twist hinges on a major break in underwater cables that carry the world’s information. Early on, there's a scenario that's chillingly real: the internet down, no cell phone service, no ATM service, and stores accepting cash only. “We were like stunned birds,” the book’s narrator tells us. He’s Anthony Fennell, an … Continue reading Cable breakage and darkness of the soul
Category: Irish literature
Sophy Roberts’ travel stories plus Helen Garner’s masterpiece and diaries
New nonfiction took me down a rabbit hole of additional books, shared here. (Think elephants and pianos.) Also, a new novel "Old Romantics" coming soon, and true crime.
A story of kindness and hope in 1962 Ireland
A new novel by Niall Williams follows believable characters in a rural village that Mr. Williams has written about before, to great praise. He remains in top form. Here's a review of "Time of the Child."
Recent additions to my reading table
Here’s a list of some summer reading I’ve lined up for myself. It includes a novel coming out in July by one of today’s best Irish authors, a classic Japanese crime story, a new biography, and books by two favorite authors.
Books I’m reading and plan to read
Memoirs, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and a surprising Great American Novels list from The Atlantic magazine are shared in this post. Some of the books are new this month and next. All are what intrigue me right now, and what I'm looking forward to.
New books recommended and anticipated
Percival Everett, who wrote the unforgettable, hilarious, and wrenching novel “The Trees,” has a new novel coming in March. You can read about it here, along with other books that include a suspenseful revenge plot written by a talented Irish author, and nonfiction about chance encounters. Also, science fiction and short stories.
The Dublin Literary Award 2024 Longlist and my three choices
You can't go wrong looking for good novels to read in this annual longlist. Nominations are made by librarians from around the world, so it's wide-ranging with surprises. I've listed here the ones I want to read, and those that already have been mentioned on the blog. Plus a link to the award list.
Four novels and the 2023 Booker Prize
The novels of four Irish authors make up one third of this year's longlisted Booker nominees. It's a first for this prestigious prize, and not all that surprising given the literary talent surging from Ireland these days. Here are the four books, a glimpse at their wide-ranging plots and tones (humor to dystopian logic), and why I've made room for them on my reading table.
The Longest Chapter 