A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Dec. 13, 2024
May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you and the book gods shine down on you, with a few of these stellar reads from Irish authors
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For fans of: The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides and Writers & Lovers by Lily King
Published in 2018 and set in post-recession Ireland, Normal People follows the relationship between two brilliant but damaged people trying to navigate their way into adulthood and the complexities of first love and self-discovery. Connell, a charismatic but insecure working-class boy, and Marianne, a wealthy social outcast, form a deep connection—part friendship, part mutual fascination—that stretches through various stages of their lives. As they move from their small town to college in Dublin, their years-long dance of attraction and heartbreak further unfolds, revealing the raw power of young love to both hurt and heal.
“Normal People is a must-read for fans of character-driven romances. The story of Connell and Marianne pushes and pulls the reader in such a realistic way,” says Julianne Buonocore, president of the Literary Lifestyle, a virtual reading community for women. “You yearn to see the young couple find the right timing and make it work as they come of age through high school and college.”
For fans of: An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
The Book of Evidence, published in 1989, is a gripping psychological thriller written from the perspective of a killer named Freddie Montgomery, a brilliant but morally ambiguous scientist. The story weaves a mesmerizing tale of his descent into chaos. Returning to his Irish roots after years abroad, Freddie’s desperate attempt to reclaim his family’s stolen artwork spirals into a horrifying act of violence. John Banville masterfully blurs the lines between truth and deception as Freddie, now imprisoned, recounts his story. Is he the ultimate unreliable narrator, a good man driven to extremes by circumstance, or a remorseless killer hiding behind a facade of cultured charm?
The novel comes highly recommended by Louisa Smith, the founder and editor of Epic Book Society, a book blog that shares reading tips and book recommendations. “The story dives into the psychological landscape of guilt and consequence,” she says, “and as you learn about Freddie and how he grapples with his past and the implications of his choices, you can’t help but reflect on your own moral ambiguity and the nature of redemption.”
For fans of:
This 2023 novel is loosely based on author Caroline O’Donoghue’s own youthful experiences as a woman in Ireland in the early 2000s. The Rachel Incident is a coming-of-age story with a twist. Set against the backdrop of pre-recession Ireland, it follows Rachel, a bookish student whose life seems to get messier at each turn, but especially so after meeting James, her roommate, best friend and fellow chaos agent. As their platonic relationship evolves, Rachel finds herself drawn to her married professor. With James as her co-conspirator, she embarks on a misguided quest for love that entangles them both in a complex situation involving secrets, class divides and unfulfilled longing.
O’Donoghue’s undeniable wit and keen observations on friendship, sexuality and the pitfalls of early adulthood make the book an instant fave for fans of contemporary fiction. But this isn’t your typical rom-com—it’s a nuanced exploration of love in all its forms, wrapped in a package of irresistible Irish charm and humor. And according to Booktoker and Bookstagrammer Shelly Gambrell, “the Irish bookstore setting will make you want to sprint to find your coziest sweatshirt so you can truly wrap yourself around this story. It feels comfortably familiar while in an exciting new location. If you spend a lot of time in contemporary fiction, wading through messy relationships, this is a refreshing change of pace. Highly recommend.”
For fans of: Milkman by Anna Burns
In December 1972, Jean McConville, a 38-year-old mother of 10, was dragged from her Belfast home by masked intruders while her children watched in horror. They never saw their mother again. Her abduction, believed to be the work of the IRA, was one of the most notorious episodes of the horrifying conflict known as The Troubles. Patrick Raden Keefe’s mesmerizing, deeply researched nonfiction book on the bitter conflict in Northern Ireland and its aftermath uses the McConville case as a starting point to delve into the unrest in Northern Ireland and its devastating repercussions.
“I read Say Nothing, and I was obsessed,” says Steph Opitz, director of bookstore partnerships at Bookshop.org. “I couldn’t think about anything else. I was largely ignorant of this period of Irish history and its long, lingering effects. Keefe is incredibly gifted at creative nonfiction, using a reporter’s eye and an artist’s description to permanently imprint the details of this conflict in my brain. I can’t stop telling people to read it.”
For fans of: Good Material by Dolly Alderton
In this entertaining 2023 ensemble novel, five interconnected lives orbit around an impending wedding, each character a masterfully drawn study in millennial angst and desire. At the center are Luke and Celine, a picture-perfect couple with secrets simmering just beneath the surface. They’re happy enough—or are they? As the nuptials draw near, readers are drawn into a twisty tale of loyalty, ambition and unspoken truths. This drama-laced book, filled with dark comedy and smart observations, is a must-read for anyone who’s ever questioned the nature of happiness, love or the societal pressures we navigate daily.
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For fans of: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
Dervla McTiernan’s ripped-from-the-headlines What Happened to Nina? is made for readers who love their books with a heaping helping of suspense. In this unputdownable thriller published in 2024, happy couple Nina and Simon head to his family’s cabin for the weekend … and only Simon returns. When Nina’s family demands answers—the biggest among them: Where is their daughter?—they realize Simon’s story of the couple’s final hours together doesn’t add up. But what is the truth, and how much of his story is a lie? When the disappearance grabs media attention, Nina’s parents begin to realize that playing by the rules isn’t getting them any closer to the truth, so they decide to take matters into their own hands.
For fans of: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Alan Murrin’s debut novel, published in 2024, takes place in 1994 Ireland and focuses on two women whose lives intertwine as they navigate the treacherous waters of marriage and motherhood in a claustrophobic small town. Colette, a poet who dared to leave her family behind for love, returns home to find herself locked out of her children’s lives. Her unlikely ally? Izzy, the restless housewife next door who’s dealing with her own problems in a troubled marriage. As their friendship blossoms, so does the realization that freedom comes at a devastating cost. Murrin’s lyrical prose cuts to the heart of the women’s fight for their independence.
For fans of: Clear by Carys Davies and Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Dublin-based author Ferdia Lennon offers a unique take on ancient Greece in Glorious Exploits, his novel set during the Peloponnesian War. Published in 2024, Lennon’s debut sparkles with humor as it follows two irreverent potters fond of drinking in war-torn Sicily. They offer a lifeline to Athenian prisoners—but only if they can recite lines from Euripides. What starts as a drunken bet turns into a bold plan to stage Medea, a play based on Greek mythology, in the middle of a rock quarry, forcing enemies to unite in the name of art. As opening night looms, the lines between ally and foe blur, and the stakes rise higher than anyone imagined. Witty, heartfelt and sharp, this tale of unexpected brotherhood proves that even in war, art can change everything.
For fans of: Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
Published in 202o, Exciting Times is a compelling exploration of love, sexuality, power and the choices that define us. The story follows Ava, a millennial Irish expat teaching English in Hong Kong, as she finds herself caught between two lovers: Julian, a wealthy banker with a penchant for control, and Edith, a charismatic lawyer who offers something deeper. As Ava navigates the complexities of modern love and identity, she must choose between the familiar stability of Julian or the thrilling unknown with Edith. If you’re looking to sink into something emotionally raw yet witty, Naoise Dolan’s debut has your name written all over it.
For fans of: Trust by Hernan Diaz and Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
We can’t talk about Irish authors without mentioning Colum McCann, a Dublin-born writer whose Let the Great World Spin took home the National Book Award when it came out in 2009. You might expect one of Ireland’s greats to transport readers to the Emerald Isle, but McCann has instead written an ode to New York City circa 1974. As he spins the tale of a tightrope walker navigating a rope suspended between the Twin Towers, he reveals the lives of several different people living in the city: an Irish monk, grieving mothers, a young artist and a determined grandmother. These characters’ stories come together in the end as a reminder of the emotions and wonder that are part of life itself.
Although this sweeping social novel is a work of literary fiction, it could also be considered a gripping collection of overlapping short stories. Either way, this one will hold your heart from start to finish.
For fans of: A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
There’s a good chance you’ve read Emma Donoghue’s 2010 novel Room, which was short-listed for the Man Booker Prize and adapted into a movie starring Brie Larson in 2015. Donaghue followed that smash hit with 2016’s The Wonder, and it’s worth reading regardless of whether or not you’ve seen the 2022 Netflix film adaptation. Set in 1859 in the Irish midlands, the haunting historical novel drops readers into the mind of Lib Wright, an English nurse sent to a remote Irish village to investigate a young girl, Anna O’Donnell, who claims to survive without food, living solely on “manna from heaven.” As crowds gather and a journalist covers the phenomenon, Lib’s mission shifts from observation to a desperate struggle to save Anna’s life.
The Wonder is a riveting psychological thriller and a fascinating exploration of faith, survival and the bond between two strangers. And it will stay with you long after you read the last page.
For fans of: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
One of the best memoirs you’ll ever read, Angela’s Ashes is the 1996 book that won author Frank McCourt a Pulitzer Prize. On its opening page, McCourt writes, “When I look back on my childhood I wonder how I managed to survive at all.” McCourt then takes readers on his personal journey of survival during the Great Depression. Throw in his abject poverty and alcoholic father, and you might think this is a bleak tale. But as he recounts his life and shares his love for stories, McCourt crafts a compassionate, inspiring and stunning memoir that will have readers feeling like they are walking in McCourt’s shoes, breathing in his every experience.
For fans of: Long Island by Colm Tóibín
Award-winning author Donal Ryan has been wowing critics for years (he has two Booker Prize nominations to his name), and Irish readers are such huge fans that The Queen of Dirt Island became a No. 1 bestseller when it was published there. Well, add it to your TBR list because this 2023 novel has since earned international acclaim. In the novel, Ryan spins a fierce, heartwarming tale of four generations of women bound by love, loyalty and explosive family ties. Set in Nenagh, Tipperary, the book shows their home as both a haven and battleground where betrayal, forgiveness and resilience unfold. With gunrunners, saints, sinners and everything in between, this unforgettable saga celebrates the messy, powerful bonds that hold families together.
For fans of: Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and In a Shallow Grave by James Purdy
Oscar Wilde’s 1890s classic is a literature-class must-read, and it’s worth picking up if you’ve managed to evade it. Many consider the Gothic novel not only one of the best books by Irish authors but also one of the best works of fiction—period. Set in late-19th-century England, The Picture of Dorian Gray centers on (no surprise here) a man named Dorian Gray, a handsome young man who becomes infatuated with his own beauty after seeing a portrait painted by the artist Basil Hallward. When Dorian wishes that he could remain youthful while the portrait ages instead, his desire is mysteriously granted.
This haunting tale explores the corrupting influence of vanity and the pursuit of eternal youth. Wilde’s only novel delves into themes of aesthetics, morality and the duality of human nature, critiquing the dangers of obsession with appearance and the consequences of living without a moral compass.
For fans of: The Time Machine by H.G. Wells and Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Speaking of classic Irish authors, James Joyce is one of the Emerald Isle’s most famous writers for a reason, and his renowned 1922 novel, Ulysses, has been both a controversy (it was a banned book in both England and the United States) and a literary sensation for decades. Set in Dublin in 1904 and paralleling Homer’s The Odyssey, the story follows Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus in the aftermath of the adultery committed by Bloom’s wife. Widely hailed as a masterpiece, Ulysses is a must for anyone trying to read more of literature’s greats.
Just be warned that this is not a traditional novel with a clear plot and narrative structure. Instead, it follows the stream-of-consciousness style that Joyce dabbled in and became famous for.
For fans of: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan and Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
From the quiet lanes of post-war Ireland to the bustling streets of 1950s Brooklyn, Colm Tóibín’s 2009 novel is tailor-made for lovers of historical fiction. Brooklyn follows Eilis Lacey, who embarks on a journey that will redefine her life. Sponsored by a well-meaning Irish priest, she trades the familiar confines of her small town for the promise of opportunity in America, leaving behind her beloved sister and fragile mother. In America, Eilis secures a job in a bustling department store and, unexpectedly, finds herself swept into a romance with Tony, a kind-hearted Italian with a passion for the Dodgers. When shattering news from Ireland arrives, she faces an impossible choice—one that could unravel the future she’s just begun to build.
Tender, evocative and resonant, Brooklyn is a masterful exploration of love, identity and the weight of home. And you’ll fall hook, line and sinker for it.
For fans of: Lucky by Alice Sebold
Louise O’Neill’s Asking for It is a stellar, award-winning book. But it deserves a content warning before we proceed: This YA novel deals with sexual assault. Published in 2015, it tells the story of 18-year-old Emma O’Donovan, a beautiful, confident young woman accustomed to being the center of attention. But after a party that should’ve been just another night of fun, Emma ends up on her parents’ doorstep—bruised, bleeding and with no memory of what happened. When she returns to school, the whispers grow louder, but Emma’s questions are left unanswered … until photos surface online. After the images go viral, a police investigation and media frenzy ensue. While the world rushes to judge her, Emma struggles to understand what happened and to reclaim her voice.
Asking for It is an unflinching, powerful exploration of the lasting scars of sexual violence and the brutal culture of public shaming that can destroy a person’s life in an instant.
For fans of: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Dublin-born Jonathan Swift wrote Gulliver’s Travels in 1726 as a satire of the travelogues that were popular at the time. To say that it found success would be an understatement. Not only is it widely read (as a book for children and adults), but it’s also credited with advancing the novel as a form of literature. One of the most famous Irish books of all time, Gulliver’s Travels follows Lemuel Gulliver, a surgeon and sea captain who tells the tale of his eccentric voyages and offers readers a comic commentary on society.
For fans of: The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai and The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Best known for the 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, John Boyne delivers another heartfelt story with 2017’s The Heart’s Invisible Furies. And according to Buonocore, “this is Boyne’s most beloved book.” Set in Ireland in the 1940s, the sweeping, unforgettable story is about identity, belonging and the search for self in post-war Ireland. The novel follows Cyril Avery, who knows he’s not a “real” Avery—his eccentric adoptive parents made that clear. But who is he? Born to an outcast teenage mother and raised by a wealthy, disconnected Dublin couple, Cyril’s life unfolds in the shadow of a glamorous, reckless friend, Julian Woodbead. Spanning decades of love, loss and self-discovery, The Heart’s Invisible Furies is a poignant, often hilarious exploration of one man’s journey to find his place in the world.
“The Heart’s Invisible Furies follows the modern history of Ireland through one man’s eyes,” Buonocore adds, “and Cyril Avery is one of the great literary characters of our time. The perfectly crafted dialogue makes him feel like a real person.”
For fans of: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch and The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
In her 2018 novel, Milkman, Belfast-born Anna Burns transports readers to her home country in the 1970s, during The Troubles. In an unnamed city steeped in tension, an unnamed middle sister tries to keep her head down. But her quiet life unravels when a local paramilitary figure, the milkman, begins to take an unsettling interest in her. As rumors swirl and danger creeps closer, the middle sister’s attempts to stay invisible only make her more of a target. With biting wit and sharp insight, Milkman is a powerful tale of how the smallest actions can ignite the fiercest consequences. Burns delivers a darkly funny, unforgettable portrait of life under siege. And despite the historical setting, this is a timely story that will speak to modern readers.
For fans of: Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Maeve Binchy’s 2012 novel, the last one she published before her passing, takes readers to the small Irish town of Stoneybridge, where everyone knows one another, for the sort of feel-good book we could all use right now. Fall in love with a cast of well-rounded characters, starting with Chicky Starr. She sets out to transform a decaying cliffside mansion into a restful holiday house by the sea. Despite most of the town dismissing the plan as crazy, Chicky is helped by Rigger (a bad boy turned good who’s also handy) and Orla, her niece (a whiz at business). Soon, Stone House is ready to welcome its first guests, including an American actor going incognito, a librarian with psychic visions, and a husband-and-wife doctor duo in search of a break. Sharing a week with this motley crew is a guaranteed good time, full of Binchy’s trademark heart and humor.
For fans of: Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout and
Fans of the TV show Derry Girls will love Michelle Gallen’s 2020 novel, Big Girl, Small Town. The book follows Majella O’Neill, a chip-shop worker with a penchant for Dallas reruns and an aversion to small-town scrutiny. Set in post-Troubles Northern Ireland, this razor-sharp tale serves up a heroine who’s equal parts oddball and everywoman. Majella’s life is pretty unremarkable and simple, but then her grandmother dies and she begins to think there may be more to life than living within the confines of her town (and microwaved fish and chips). Gallen’s prose crackles with wit, painting a portrait of a woman—and a community—on the cusp of reluctant transformation.
For fans of: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If women’s fiction is your go-to genre, don’t miss Actress, which was long-listed for the Women’s Prize for Fiction when it was published in 2020. In short, it’s lights, camera, dysfunction in this novel that examines the complexities of love, legacy and the spotlight’s unforgiving glare. Dublin-born Anne Enright pulls back the curtain on Irish theater legend Katherine O’Dell through the eyes of her daughter, Norah. As Norah peels away the layers of her mother’s carefully crafted persona, she uncovers a tale of triumph and trauma that spans from rural Irish theaters to Hollywood’s glittering soundstages.
But this isn’t just Katherine’s story. Enright masterfully weaves Norah’s own journey of self-discovery—complete with sexual awakenings and paternal mysteries—into the fabric of her mother’s unraveling. As Katherine’s grip on reality loosens, fueled by fading stardom and a generous pour of whiskey, Norah finds herself cast in the role of reluctant caretaker.
For fans of: Wild Houses by Colin Barrett and
Lisa McInerney’s 2015 novel, The Glorious Heresies, kicks off with a bang and doesn’t let up until the final page. Set in Cork, Ireland, the story begins when grandmother Maureen Phelan gets spooked by a stranger who shows up in her home. She knocks out the intruder with a Holy Stone. By “knocks out,” we actually mean she kills the intruder, and the consequences of this unplanned murder connect four misfits—Ryan, a 15-year-old drug dealer; his alcoholic father, Tony; a semi-reformed sex worker named Georgie; and Maureen’s estranged son, Jimmy, a feared gangster. Darkly funny and biting, the novel explores the idea of finding salvation in the most unexpected places.
For fans of: James by Percival Everett
Paul Murray’s 2010 tragicomedy begins with the aftermath: 14-year-old Skippy has been found dead on the floor of a doughnut shop. Skippy Dies introduces readers to a cast of characters—including Skippy’s friend Ruprecht Van Dore, teenage drug dealer Carl, and Skippy’s headmaster—who were all part of Skippy’s life and, possibly, his death. Despite the topic (and title), this is a moving and funny book.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’ve been sharing our favorite books for over 100 years. We’ve worked with bestselling authors including Susan Orlean, Janet Evanovich and Alex Haley, whose Pulitzer Prize–winning Roots grew out of a project funded by and originally published in the magazine. Through Fiction Favorites (formerly Select Editions and Condensed Books), Reader’s Digest has been publishing anthologies of abridged novels for decades. We’ve worked with some of the biggest names in fiction, including James Patterson, Ruth Ware, Kristin Hannah and more. The Reader’s Digest Book Club, helmed by Books Editor Tracey Neithercott, introduces readers to even more of today’s best fiction by upcoming, bestselling and award-winning authors. For this piece on the best Irish authors, Farrah Penn tapped her experience as a novelist and avid reader to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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