Exploring Irish Literature: Best Irish Books of 2025 (so far!) and Anticipated Releases

In last week's episode, we chatted about our recent experiences with Irish literature, discussing recent book releases we've enjoyed and upcoming titles we're eagerly anticipating. With Saint Patrick's Day just gone, it was the perfect time to celebrate the richness of Irish writing.

Recent Reads by Irish Authors

Nesting by Roisín O' Donnell One of the standout books we've discussed is "Nesting" by Roisín O' Donnell. This tense and beautifully written novel follows wife and mother Ciara, who makes a life-changing decision to flee her unsafe home with her two young daughters. The story delves into the challenges of survival within Ireland's broken housing system, making it a profoundly moving and thought-provoking read. There are lots of content warnings with this one so please check them out if you feel they might be triggering to you.

Time of the Child by Niall Williams Recommended by our lovely bookseller friend Fiona, "The Time of the Child" is a touching story set in the rural town of Faha. It explores the life of Dr. Jack Troy and his daughter Ronnie, whose lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. Williams' exquisite descriptions and deep understanding of rural Irish life make this book a must-read.

The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Kerr Set in 1973 on Ireland's west coast, "The Boy from the Sea" tells the story of a baby found abandoned on the beach and adopted by a fisherman named Ambrose Bonnar. This novel beautifully captures the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of unexpected events on this family and their close-knit community, with a magical thread woven throughout.

The Stolen Child by Carmel Harrington "The Stolen Child" by Carmel Harrington is another recent favorite. This gripping novel follows the story of a missing child and the impact on the family left behind. With multiple POVs and timelines, Harrington's storytelling is both heart-wrenching and captivating, making it a story you'll read in a couple of sittings.

When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips "When We Were Silent" by Fiona McPhillips is a powerful and thought-provoking read. It delves into the dark secrets of an exclusive private school and the lengths people will go to protect their reputation. This book is both confronting and compelling, addressing heavy issues with sensitivity and depth. Another one to check out potential content warnings for.

The Bridge to Always by Lynda Marron Claire was reading "The Bridge to Always" by Lynda Marron when we recorded the episode, and could already tell it's a gem. Set in Cork, this novel weaves together the lives of multiple characters with depth and emotion. Marron's writing is stunning, and this book is one to watch out for.

Anticipated Releases

Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way by Elaine Feeney Elaine Feeney's upcoming release, "Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way," is highly anticipated by Rebecca. It follows Claire O'Connor as she navigates life after moving back to Ireland to care for her dying father; this novel promises to be an emotional exploration of love, resilience, and confronting one's past.

Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor Set in the world of "The Wizard of Oz," Hazel Gaynor's "Before Dorothy" takes us back to 1924 Chicago and 1932 Kansas, and Claire cannot wait to read it. The story follows Emily Gale as she embarks on a new life on the prairie, only to face tragedy and the arrival of her orphaned niece, Dorothy. This historical fiction novel is sure to captivate readers with its rich storytelling.

Listener Recommendations

We also asked our listeners for their favorite recent reads and most anticipated releases by Irish authors. Here are some of the top picks:

Favorite Recent Reads:

• "Nesting" by Rochelle Danielle (recommended a huge 13 times!)
• "The Stolen Child" by Carmel Harrington
• "Heart Be At Peace" by Donal Ryan
• "The Dark Hours" by Amy Jordan
• "Time of the Child" by Niall Williams

Most Anticipated Releases:

• "It Should Have Been You" by Andrea Mara
• "Burn After Reading" by Catherine Ryan Howard
• "Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way" by Elaine Feeney
• "A Bridge to Always" by Lynda Marron
• "Before Dorothy" by Hazel Gaynor

We hope you enjoy these recommendations and look forward to hearing your thoughts on these fantastic books. Happy reading!