Celebrate St. Paddy’s with 11 books by Irish authors
Megan McKeough
We Don't Know Ourselves by Fintan O'Toole
A stirring memoir detailing the societal transformation of Ireland, from the collapse of the Catholic church, to the Troubles, to the rise of the Irish technology sector.Fable reader Maureen says, “the combination of memoir and history gives the book an excellent grounding, all the more meaningful in light of its conclusion.”The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
A thought-provoking tragicomedy about a dysfunctional family in the throes of a financial crisis on the heels of the Great Recession in Ireland.Fable reader Jurica Treščin says, “the story is absolutely heartbreaking at times, yet it is told with such creativity and attention to detail that I couldn’t look away.”Normal People by Sally Rooney
A coming-of-age romance of miscommunications set in the small town of Carricklea and the bustling city of Dublin. Fable reader Grae says, “an honest portrayal of the brutality of a love that you want so bad but also can’t have.”Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
A stirring historical fiction navigating the tension between duty to one’s family and the freedom to start anew. Fable reader Ciara810 says, “as an expat, I found this book incredibly nostalgic and related a considerable amount to the emotions Eilis experienced throughout the book.”Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
A haunting glimpse into the institutions that housed (and abused) unwed mothers in Ireland, and ultimately a tale of hope and empathy. Fable reader Lindsey Jacobsson says, “the kind of story that stays with you and makes you ponder.”The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
A gothic masterpiece about the ultimate narcissist who sells his soul for eternal youth, penned by one of the most famous Irish writers in history. Fable reader Jasmine says, “this book is probably going to haunt me for the remainder of my life. I’ll always think about it.”Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
An eerie thriller about an alternate Ireland where an increasingly oppressive totalitarian government forces a mother to question the lengths she would go to save her family. Fable reader mokingbook says, “tender and terrifying all at once 💔. If u enjoyed The Memory Police & Never Let Me Go, this one is for u,” and Fable reader Lisa strongly recommends Gerry O’Brien’s reading on audiobook.The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
An epic tale of post-war Ireland encompassing the country’s history from the 1940s to the present, through the eyes of an ordinary man navigating his identity. Fable reader Lieselot De Vleeschouwer says, “what makes this book unforgettable is its emotional range. It makes you laugh out loud with its biting humor and then, quietly and without warning, it breaks your heart.”Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth
A complex coming-of-age saga navigating sexual identity and first love against the backdrop of a conservative small town. Fable reader Megan Laurel says, “equally heartbreaking and heartwarming. This book really made me think about what it is like growing up gay and religious.”The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue
A morally complex bildungsroman navigating unrequited love, the complexities of friendship, and a looming financial crash. Fable reader Bunny says, “captures the chaos of your twenties so perfectly: the messiness, the mistakes, the overthinking, the intensity of friendships and first real loves.”Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
A riveting historical fiction about a woman caught between loyalty and passion during the turbulent Troubles in Northern Ireland. Fable reader Kattle275 says, “Trespasses is a novel that provides a clear insight into the complex and real experience many Irish suffered through in the late 1900s by being caught in a war of religion and politics.”
Megan McKeough