The 25 Best Novels by Irish Writers

[@18Alpine]

Trespasses - Louise Kennedy.

[@Wordsandsong844]

So glad to see Prophet Song mentioned. It's such an important piece of work and the writing is exquisite

[@barbarabemis4949]

Nial williams!! Writes so beautifully. History of the rain, thia is happiness, 4 letters of love...

[@Ma_BaP]

So glad to see you recommending Michelle Gallen. I've not read Big Girl, Small Town, but Factory Girls was such a joy to read (very close in tone to Derry Girls). I don't understand why Trespasses by Louise Kennedy isn't on this list, I've LOVED it as I read it. I also loved Deirdre Sullivan's retelling of the Children of Lir, Savage Her Reply, and Fia and the Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher (both sold in the childrens section). Calling Small Things Like These a perfect novella sounds very accurate. It's insane how economical and precise she is with her words.

[@clarepotter7584]

I agree 'Trespasses' stayed with me as a story long after I'd read it.

[@dorotheafinan2419]

This is Happiness. By Niall Williams. A masterpiece

[@gilliankingston1141]

I've read most of this list but glad to have some others at the tail end of your video to explore. I know that all of these are writers still alive but I can't recommend enough John McGahern's books, since you are so keen on writers from my country.

[@kaz_don_fan]

The Colony - Audrey McGee, was one of the best novels I've read in recent years - and kind of started me off on reading Irish fiction. Surprised not to see anyone mention it yet.

[@bettysleeth7145]

Such a great list of Irish authors, but there was no mention (unless I missed it?) of John Boyne. Love his writing style and beautiful prose! The Hearts Invisible Furies is one of my all time favorites!

[@aethikv]

I totally agree! Hearts invisible furies is a devastating read!

[@kaz_don_fan]

Yes - agree - Heart's Invisible Furies is great, as is The History Of Loneliness.

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

Hi Eric. Terrific video. Thanks for doing this. I'm also passionate about Irish literature. I did a video last spring about "reading all things Irish" as I was getting ready for what turned out to be a life-changing trip to Ireland. I love many of these authors on this list, like Colm Toibin, Maggie O'Farrell, Claire Keegan, Tana French, Anne Enright, Donal Ryan, and Sebastian Barry, and I'm very grateful for your suggested additions too. My favorite novel that I read in 2024 was Donal Ryan's The Queen of Dirt Island. I think he is extraordinary. Reading Queen of Dirt Island got me to go back and read many of his earlier books. Claire Keegan's Foster was probably my favorite book of 2023, and I also adored the film, "The Quiet Girl." Some authors that I might also include are the recently deceased Edna O'Brien and also Roddy Doyle. I'm also a big fan of the late Nuala O'Faolain, but I think she passed away more than 15 years ago. I smiled when you talked about not wanting to mispronounce the Irish names. After being to Ireland, I now wish I could pronounce my last name the way the Irish pronounce it. My last name is "Mahoney," which rhymes with "baloney" here in the US, but the Irish pronunciation is much more lovely and dramatic. Anyway, thank you so much for doing this video. What a treasure!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Fantastic! Thanks so much. I’ll look up your video. It’s so special to actually travel to Ireland. And how wonderful to hear your name pronounced so differently. 😊

[@marciaalbaum2597]

don't forget maeve binchey. she was one of my all time favorites. evening class is my favorite.

[@TravelNikNaks]

I’m looking forward to reading Evening Class. It’s on my TBR. So far, I’ve read Tara Road, Scarlet Feather and Circle of Friends. Maeve is a great writer.

[@Nina_DP]

Great list, great video. I've read quite a few but appreciate all the recommendations, including in the comments. Definitely saving this one for reference!

[@Ann-lg3su]

Omg. This is special. I can’t wait to get home and make notes I love you

[@HavaDay5979]

The cover for Actress is Carrie Fisher watching her mother, Debbie Reynolds. It sounds like an interesting story. Your copies of Claire Keegan’s books are beautiful.

[@PMacGabhann19]

Delighted to see A Ghost In The Throat on this list. Read it over the Christmas and was absolutely blown away by the quality of the writing and how Ní Ghríofa intertwines her own story with that of Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill's life. Also want to mention Close to Home, Michael Magee's debut novel. Think it was my favourite read of last year and definitely marked him out as an author I will be keeping an eye out for.

[@phrensies]

Foster was one of my favorite books I read last year. What a story in such a compact package. I agree with you that while hamnet was a solid read, I preferred and thought the marriage portrait was better! I always hear beautiful world, where are you as ranked last, but I really loved it and is possibly my fave rooney so far. I recommend reading the rachel incident! Would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

It’s a bold thing to attempt a modern Irish canon, and I completely agree that it seems surprising to list more than one book by any author. I am a huge fan of Irish literature and as this list and your additions demonstrate, the talent coming out of that country is amazing. As others have mentioned, I am very surprised not to see a novel by John Boyne on this list and I really think Niall Williams deserves much more appreciation and recognition.

[@elsiebuckby6973]

Old Gods Time by Sebastian Barry

[@gscott5062]

Thanks! I've only read a few of the books on the list (Bee Sting, Hamnet, Milkman, ...) but I'll have to look for some of the others. I tend to read slightly older Irish literature (Joyce, Flann O"Brien, Máirtín Ó Cadhain, etc.) but there's some great new stuff coming out.

[@LouiseReader]

Oh gosh, what a list, what a video Eric. So many recommendations here. I'm pleased to say that I'd heard of most of the authors from the list (and your recs), but have added Belinda McKeon and Mary Costello to my nonstop TBR. Maybe I'll pick up an Anne Enright for Anneuary? I tend to consume Irish literature on audio, the accent of the reader is always so delightful and it adds so much to the Irish turn of phrase that I love so much. I love the listening experience so so much that I'd feel short changed by only reading the book! Even though I could hear the lilt in my head, I love hearing it in my ears. I really need to reread Small Things Like These, I enjoyed it well enough but don't get the raptures and paroxysms everyone else seems to have about the book. I would add Jan Carson to your list. Although I've only read her short stories (although that isn't a problem it seems), but have bought all of her books. Although she's Northern Irish, I don't know if any of the other authors are Northern Irish?

[@lindaleehall]

I have read 7 of these and loved them all. Voice is so important in Irish fiction. In particular, in Milkman and Days Without End, the voice had me from the very first paragraph.

[@MountainShadow8]

Hello, Eric. I would love to see a follow up video on the books you recommended at the end of this one!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Good idea! I have a lot more to say about them but didn’t want this video to be hours long 😅📚

[@surcitta]

Happy New Year!! Great video. I was surprised by some writers that didn't make the list. I suggest anything by John B Keane - the man was a brilliant writer and couldn't write a bad story if he tried. I also love the books of Brian Moore - my particular favourites are Catholics and The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearn. My last recommendation is Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill, an incredible dystopian story that stayed with me long after I'd turned the last page. Thank you for all the work you do with your videos - I really enjoy them.

[@t.k3025]

William Trevor is my favorite. Currently reading Mike McCormack who is engaging.

[@TheEmzies]

Although The Secret Place isn't my favourite of hers, Tana French is a fantastic crime writer. One of the rare few who write crime fiction that feels literary in its character and setting.

[@CharlesHeathcote]

I have read more of these books than I expected and look forward to exploring more. Indeed, some of them I've been meaning to get to for quite a while now. I read Shadowplay by Joseph O'Connor a few years ago and that is one that I recommend. I'm also reminded that I meant to go back and read more Kevin Barry and that I just might need to read more Irish fiction - I've a friend who has been trying to get me to read Edna Obrien for over a decade now.

[@ianp9086]

Great to see Ghost in the Throat on here, although it’s the first time I have seen it called a novel, and also wonderful to see Girl is a Half-formed thing and City of Bohane. But I can’t believe Sara Baume (Spill Simmer Falter Wither would be my choice) and Ronan Hession are not included.😮

[@Arbutus-v5m]

I'm very glad you mentioned Sara Baume, Eric. She should have been on the list of 25. I would also recommend The First Verse by Barry McCrea, an overlooked novel with a more original take on the student novel than some of those that came after it. It's described as a "memorable debut novel that explores Dublin’s every corner, including a first-of-its-kind portrayal of its thriving gay nightlife, through the eyes of a young man seduced by a secret society’s ancient reading rituals, based on the sortes virgilianae."

[@TravelNikNaks]

Great list. I’ve read Brooklyn, Nora Webster and Hamnet.

[@donhailman4252]

This is Happiness, Niall Williams

[@rosalynstewart2397]

Great video and particularly loved your recommendations at the end. Lucy Caldwell is such an incredible short story writer and my bookish controversial opinion is that she's better than Claire Keegan 🙈 I recently read a debut - Sparks of Bright Matter by Leeanne O'Donnell and it was brilliant! Gritty historical fiction with a fantastic storyline and very original characters. I read it whilst visiting Ireland very close to where parts of it were set which was such an amazing coincidence!

[@30secondsflat]

Eric you must read “Skippy Dies”! I was eager to see the novel on the list, and I was so happy it was. It was first time I’d read a book that was both poignant, charming and funny (which are books I rarely read)!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Ah great! I hope to get time to read it this year. He’s so talented.

[@ΛΕΜΟΝΙΑΤΑΣΟΥΛΑ]

I absolutely adored the bee sting. Cass was my favourite fictional character this year!

[@thaliad6759]

Surprising John Boyne omitted. I know there is a lot of controversy and 'cancelling' surrounding him in recent years. Could that be why? Lists like these are always subjective, but it did include (imho) many good novels and authors, but then omitted others that are probably better (like some you spoke of) than some the list maker chose to put on the list. Anyway, interesting to hear the list. Thanks!:)

[@karenmoore4430]

Hi Eric I have read 11 of these. I think I am going to try and get Days without End and Skippy Dies for Irish Readathon Month in March. I already have an Edna O’Brien to read.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! I’m sure you’ll enjoy them. 📚

[@timbotron78]

Thanks Eric, from an Irishman, for your thoughts. May I suggest? - 'At Swim, Two Boys' by Jamie O'Neill.

[@jackwalter5970]

Close to Home by Michael Magee is an absolute must to read.

[@michelejuza4531]

How is a Niall Williams book not on this list???

[@barbaramcfadden527]

Edna O’Brien’s books.

[@mariecarroll2079]

As well as ‘My Father’s House’ might I also recommend’Star Of The Sea’ also by Joseph O’Connor. As far as I am aware , Maggie O”Farrell although obviously of Irish heritage, was born and brought up in Britain. So therefore I don’t think that she should be on this list. I loved’ ‘Hammet by the way. Happy New Year.

[@Book_Hugger]

A Ghost in the Throat is one of my all time faves! I would like more from this author, but don’t think there is much out there by her. Please let me know if you know of some.

[@angelicaaltaf]

I would have added Angela’s ashes to the list

[@maureencalder9911]

No John Boyne??

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

So the buzz for The Bee Sting is justified!

[@QuiltinRI]

A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle, A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry.

[@susanasilva1190]

Hi! Have you read Seven Steeples by Sara Baume? Amazing ☺️

[@pamelafrancoeur1377]

This Is Happiness by Niall Williams ❤❤❤❤

[@margijohnson3900]

Hamnet was amazing!

[@YeArLiNg99]

No offence …but the best since I am following you …thank you

[@nicolereed2913]

John Boyne

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

Consider the loss to English literature if all these great Irish writers had just written in Irish. Their works would have been as little known as those of the poets of Iceland. No country has given the world more incomparable literature per head of population than Ireland. I have been reading through the Penguin Book of Contemporary Irish Poetry, so many great poets from Seamus Heaney to Paul Muldoon and Thomas Kinsella. Anne Enright's Actress in this list is also phenomenal.

[@SirChopman01]

Consider the actual loss of culture and language we've endured due to colonisation.

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

@@SirChopman01 Indeed but Ireland has been independent for decades and still most Irish people choose English rather than Irish for everyday communication. Here in Georgia, the country, they speak Georgian not Russian, they fought hard against their colonial oppressors to keep their language. Georgia and Ireland are almost the same size around 70 000 square kilometres.

[@macylightfoot]

They spent 600 years killing us for speaking it. They literally repopulated a large part of the country with non Irish people who never spoke it. It's a shame more of us don't speak it, but it's not what you'd call a choice.

[@SirChopman01]

​@@jimsbooksreadingandstuff do you lament the loss of Georgian writing to the Russian literary canon? Surely that followed your Icelandic poets into obscurity? The distinctiveness of Irish writing is due in large part to a struggle to express (mainly in a foreign tongue) the severing of ourselves from our native culture. I know your comment wasn't meant in bad faith, it was largely praise of Irish writing but suggesting colonialism is the price to pay for inclusion in the colonisers canon is not the road to go down.

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

@@SirChopman01 Georgia loves her poets but they are largely unknown outside Georgia because they write in Georgian and poetry is damaged in translation. In poetry the sound of the words is as important as the meaning and the Georgian language is not a European language. English is a mongrel tongue with a Germanic base provided by the Angles, Saxons and Jutes to which was added Latin from the church, Danish from the Vikings and French from the Normans and then liberally sprinkled with vocabulary from numerous sources. English is not really native to England. Now it is becoming the global language by default because the Americans chose to speak it rather than their own native tongues like Cherokee. One of the most successful authors of recent years Nino Haratischvili who Eric interviewed wrote the Eighth Life in German. Like the Irish there has been a huge diaspora from Georgia.

[@bc-mv5se]

I'd love to see you give a brutal takedown of Ulysses. Why is jj just just a Lil b.? Y is he overrated? Should anyone waste their time on Dubliners? From one mc to another. U go bro