'The Wren' explores intergenerational trauma, blending poetic elements with humor. Set primarily in Dublin, it follows a fictional woman, a famed Irish poet who abandons his sick wife and two young daughters, making it relatable for young women in Dublin.
The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic future on an idyllic island inhabited by 122 villagers and three scientists. It combines sci-fi elements with a whodunit mystery, creating a dark and compelling narrative.
'Obsessed' covers Johnny Sexton's life from childhood to the present, detailing his journey, influences, and the challenges he faced, including not being selected for Ireland at 24. It reveals his obsessive drive to be the best on the field and offers a deeper look into his personality, which is described as funny yet dry.
'Hagstone' is set on a remote island off the Irish coast and follows an artist who takes on a project for a mysterious community of women. The novel explores themes of art, community, and loneliness, particularly highlighting the seasonal nature of tourism and the isolation of remote living.
'Bodies' delves into themes of identity and body autonomy, particularly focusing on young women. The book is described as dark, powerful, and full of surprises, making it a gripping and compelling read.
'The Ministry of Time' is a blend of sci-fi, romance, thriller, comedy, and historical fiction. It follows a civil servant in a future UK government ministry that gathers expats from different historical periods to test time travel limits, exploring cultural and temporal shocks.
The novel follows a young woman dying of cancer who enters the world of her favorite fantasy book as a villain. She must complete a task to survive in the real world, offering a unique perspective from the villain's viewpoint.
'Want' is a collection of anonymous letters from women sharing their sexual fantasies, curated by Gillian Anderson. The book includes commentary from Anderson and aims to explore and liberate women's discussions about sex, challenging societal taboos.
The novel follows a young man grappling with grief, inheritance, and the ghosts of his past. It is described as bizarre, funny, and dark, with a protagonist who is unlikable yet compelling, making it a haunting and paranoia-inducing read.
'Butter' is a Japanese thriller inspired by a true story of a female serial killer who seduced her victims with her cooking. The novel explores misogyny and fatphobia in Japan, while also vividly describing food, making it a fascinating and mouth-watering read.
It might be one of your New Year’s Resolutions to read more. Well, Ciara Treacy from Newstalk’s Digital Team joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to give her recommendations from books released in 2024!