If you are looking for some great books written by Irish authors to add to your reading list, then you have come to the right place. Ireland has a rich and vibrant literary culture, and its authors have churned out some truly spectacular works over the centuries. From historical novels to contemporary poetry, there is something for everyone. Here is a list of books by Irish authors that are sure to pique your interest.
5 Classics by Irish Authors You Should Not Miss
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Ulysses, by James Joyce – Considered by many to be one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, Ulysses follows the journey of Leopold Bloom, an advertising canvasser living in Dublin, over a 24-hour period. It is full of complex themes, philosophical themes, and abundant satire.
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Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift – This classic novel, which was originally published in 1726, is still popular today. It follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, who travels to four imaginary realms, including Lilliput and Brobdingnag. The novel is filled with satire, political commentary, and philosophical musings.
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Dubliners, by James Joyce – A collection of 15 short stories, Dubliners follows characters from different areas of Dublin as they go about their everyday lives. Joyce writes in great detail about the mundane moments in each character’s life, and his writing style is gorgeous and insightful.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde – This dark, psychological novel tells the story of Dorian Gray, a handsome young man whose beauty and popularity attracts sinister attention. The novel is full of intricate moral and philosophical musings, and the characters are compelling and complex.
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The Third Policeman, by Flann O’Brien – This comic novel first published in 1967 tells the story of John Divney, a man who thinks he has committed a murder. A mix of dark humour, surrealism, and science fiction, this is an outrageously funny read.
5 Contemporary Novels By Irish Authors You Should Read
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Normal People, by Sally Rooney – Rooney’s 2018 novel follows Connell and Marianne, two students from Co. Sligo, whose lives become intertwined over the course of three years. It is a powerful story about the complexities of human relationships, and it is beautifully written.
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The Spinning Heart, by Donal Ryan – This Booker-nominated novel tells the story of a small Irish town as it tries to recover from the country’s economic recession. With its multiple narrators and stream-of-consciousness writing style, the novel is both poignant and powerful.
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The Northern Lights, by Donal Gallagher – Set in 1973, this jaunty novel follows a young geography teacher as he embarks on a teaching assignment in the remote Irish village of Ballyshanah. He is soon drawn into the traditional Irish way of life of the people who live there, and the novel is full of humour and heart.
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How to be Both, by Ali Smith – Smith’s 2014 novel is a postmodern, gender-bending work of fiction. It is narrated by a 15-year-old living and dealing with grief in the present day, and an Italian artist living in the 15th century.
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The Party Wall, by Catherine McGrath – This compelling novel follows two very different couples as they build a party wall in their shared garden. Each chapter is narrated from each character’s perspective, and the story is full of humour and heart.
Other Notable Books by Irish Authors
- The Runaway, by Julie Mayhew
- Conversations with Friends, by Sally Rooney
- Anniverisary, by Ali Smith
- American War, by Omar El Akkad
- Solar Bones, by Mike McCormack
- Mink River, by Brian Doyle
- The Shore, by Sara Taylor
- The Noonday Witch, by Jiri Weil
- Permafrost, by Alastair Reynolds
- The Thing Around Your Neck, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Irish authors have written some truly astonishing works of literature over the centuries, from the classics to contemporary novels. This list of books by Irish authors provides a great starting point for anyone looking to add some Irish literature to their reading list. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book and dive in!
