Maggie O’Farrell
Some years ago, Maggie O’Farrell was in the back of an ambulance with her middle child – who – since birth, has suffered from extreme, sometimes life-threatening, allergic reactions. “That night she was very sick and…
Sarah Moss
It all started on holiday in Scotland. Having been born in Glasgow, and, according to family legend learned to walk on the shores of Lough Lomond, Sarah Moss decided to return there, and experience a beautiful…
Review. Dermot Bolger
I first became aware of Dermot Bolger in 2000, when I read his seventh novel, Temptation. I was blown away; marvelling at Bolger’s ability to get into the mind of a woman so well. In that,…
Doireann Ni Ghriofa
There’s something other worldly about Doireann Ní Ghríofa. Exuding warmth and empathy, she speaks as she writes – fast and fluently, and there’s a natural lyricism there. She’s also quite disarming honest. Highly renowned in the…
Adrian McKinty
When Adrian McKinty won The Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year award recently, he was overwhelmed. The Northern Irish author is no stranger to prizes; his wins include The Edgar Award, the Ned Kelly…
Michael Russell
Back in 1979, Michael Russell lived in Leeds. He stayed for eleven years, first farming and writing, and then working for Yorkshire television. It was the time when Peter Sutcliffe, better known as the Yorkshire Ripper,…
John Boyne
John Boyne quite enjoyed lockdown. Without the need to get out and meet people – without appointments in his calendar, he spent his days doing what he likes best; simply reading and writing. Starting at 8.00…
Emma Donoghue
When Emma Donoghue delivered her latest novel last March, the publication date was set for 2021. But, surprising her, the editor decided to bring the date forwards. And, pulling together in harmony, her Canadian, American and…
Kathleen MacMahon
Back in 2016, Kathleen MacMahon holidayed, as usual, with her family on the Costa Brava. Afterwards, whilst her husband flew home, she took a train to Antibes with their twin teenage daughters. She wanted to start…
Caragh Bell
Caragh Bell simply loves writing. She adores her characters – enjoys talking about them, and misses them when, having written, The End, she has to bid them farewell. But that comes as no surprise to the…
Review. The Switch. Beth O’Leary
Last year, Beth O’Leary produced a debut that really hit the spot. Warm and clever, with characters one wished were friends, The Flat Share featured two people who share a bed – but at different times,…
Cauvery Madhavan
Earlier this year, Cauvery Madhavan was reading from her new novel, The Tainted, at Madras University. At dinner afterwards, she was sitting next to a retired professor of English, who asked her what the book was…