1 Top Recommendation

I Don’t Want to Talk About Home by Suad Aldarra. Published by Penguin Books, €15.40

“We all come from somewhere. However, when someone asks where I come from, I pause, for longer than I should, before I answer. And every time I say I am from Syria, I feel like I’m standing at a funeral while Syria lies in an open casket and mourners tell me how sorry they are for my loss.” Irish citizen Suad Aldarra captivates you with a memoir of her journey from birth in Saudi Arabia, fleeing war in Syria, to life as a data scientist and mother in Dublin.

Winner of the 2024 Rooney Prize, and my book of the year.

2 Ireland’s Best

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney.

Published by Faber, €14.99

Sally Rooney’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. Conversations With Friends and Normal People were her first two works, and the dramatisation of the latter was the rocket that launched the acting career of Paul Mescal into space.

Now, Rooney is back with her fourth work, Intermezzo, and it needs no recommendation to readers, already being a best-seller. It is a typical Rooney work, full of carefully crafted words, none ever wasted. It is also a different work, ambitious and disturbing, telling the tale of two brothers in the immediate aftermath of their father’s death. Another Rooney classic.

3 Classic Christmas

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Published by Penguin Classics, €11.59

Everyone knows the story of this Charles Dickens tale, but have you ever read it? Stage and screen adaptations abound, but there is nothing to beat the original source. The novella written in 1843 is about 100 pages long, and this is a book that should be read aloud in a family setting.

It tells the story of how Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart is filled again with generosity after he is visited by four spirits – his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, and those of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come. A tale of hope, it will always be a classic.

4 The Arts

Achill Remembers Marie Howet by Mary J Murphy.

Published by Knockma Publishing, €24

Admired by Matisse and known to Rodin, among many others, the acclaimed Belgian painter Marie Howet was very closely associated with Achill Island for half a century. Largely neglected, the impressionist artist is beautifully remembered on the 40th anniversary of her death by Mary J Murphy.

The book celebrates Murphy’s own love for art and the island, and is an exquisite tribute to Howet, who was herself painted by George Russell and Sean O’Sullivan. The book is a pure joy and available (with free delivery) from Kennys Bookshop, kennys.ie, or from the author mjmurphyscribe@gmail.com

5 Gripping Biography

Davy Russell My Autobiography with Donn McClean.

Published by Bonnier Books, €19.99

Tiger Roll won the Grand National at Aintree twice, endearing himself to racing and non-racing fans alike. He was ridden on both occasions by Youghal native Davy Russell, a man who endured many highs and some lows, all of which are recounted with brutal honesty in this biography.

A captivating character, Russell has also forged a life outside racing, though horses are part of his DNA.

He attracted a new fan base when competing in TV’s Dancing With The Stars, and has raised millions with his charity work, Hurling for Cancer. This is the story of a fascinating journey.

6 Short Read

Killing Time by Alan Bennett.

Published by Faber, €11.60

Quintessentially British, Alan Bennett is a true writing genius, and his work travels beyond his homeland. He may have turned 90 in May, but his latest work, a novella titled Killing Time, shows that he has lost none of his skill, with his ability to turn a dreadful time into an enjoyable read.

Set in a nursing home during the pandemic, a scene of many terrible happenings, he still brings a wry smile to the reader’s face. Bennett manages to touch your heart.

7 Le Carré Honoured

Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway.

Published by Penguin/Viking, €16.99

Being the son or daughter of a famous parent, and wanting to follow in their footsteps, must be one of the most daunting prospects, especially when your dad is John le Carré (real name David Cornwell), creator of George Smiley, probably the most iconic spy in literature. Thankfully, his son Nick has carved his own career as a noted novelist, but he became linked to his father’s work when he finished le Carré’s final work. He brings us another Smiley tale, and fans will be pleased.

8 Horror Shorts

Your Own Dark Shadow edited by Jack Fennell.

Published by Tramp Press, €16

Jack Fennell has unearthed 11 lost Irish horror stories, ranging from William Carleton’s The Lianhan Shee in 1834, to Tomás Bairéad’s The Third Woman more than a century later. In this anthology, monsters, killers and unique spirits stalk the pages. This is the latest from Tramp Press, an independent Irish publisher, and is the tenth volume in their recovered voices series.