The An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 shortlist has been announced, comprising a spectacular range of writing by new and emerging authors across 20 diverse categories. In a brand new segment this year, Hodges Figgis History Book of the Year was introduced in order to recognise and celebrate the work of history writers in Ireland and the significance of historical literature in shaping Ireland’s literary scene.
Among the 2024 nominees are Roddy Doyle, a previous Booker Prize winner, who has been nominated for his new book titled The Woman Behind the Door. Colm Tóibín, who has previously been nominated thrice for the Booker Prize, was also selected for his new novel titled Long Island. Sally Rooney, a previous Irish Book Award recipient, is also in the running with her latest novel, Intermezzo.
Oliver Callan, who will host a one-hour TV special airing on RTÉ One on the 19th of December, will reveal the winners. The programme will present exclusive glimpses into the nominated books and their authors vying for the prestigious accolade of An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2024, cumulating in the announcement of the overall winner of the year.
Some of the notable books in the Novel of the Year shortlist include The Woman Behind the Door by Roddy Doyle and Long Island by Colm Tóibín. The Best Irish-Published Book of the Year category includes entries like The Enchanted Bay: Tales and Legends from Ernie O’Malley’s Irish Folklore Collection and The Irish Words You Should Know.
The following works are worth noting in the realm of Irish literature:
In the sphere of food history, “Irish Food History: A Companion” by Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire & Dorothy Cashman, published by the Royal Irish Academy, presents a comprehensive view. Meanwhile, “1588, The Spanish Armada and the 24 Ships Lost on Ireland’s Shores” by Michael B. Barry of Andalus Press takes a a deep dive into maritime history.
The LGBTQ+ history “Reeling in the Queers: Tales of Ireland’s LGBTQ Past”, authored by Páraic Kerrigan and released by New Island Books, is interesting.
Turning to biographical titles we have John Creedon’s “This Boy’s Heart: Scenes from an Irish childhood” (Gill Books), as well as Bridget Hourican’s “Finding Mangan: The Lives and Afterlives of Ireland’s National Poet” and Colum McCann and Diane Foley’s “American Mother”, both published by Gill Books. Patsy McGarry’s “Well, Holy God: My Life as an Irish, Catholic, Agnostic Correspondent” (Merrion Press), “Leaning on Gates” authored by Seamus O’Rourke, and Seán Ronayne’s “Nature Boy: A journey of birdsong and belonging” (Hachette Books Ireland) round out the selection.
History enthusiast will appreciate Maurice J. Casey’s “Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism’s Forgotten Radicals” (Footnote Press) or “Revolutionary Times – Ireland 1913-23: The Forging of a Nation” by Mike Cronin and Mark Duncan (Merrion Press). Other notable mentions include “Land Is All That Matters: The Struggle That Shaped Irish History” by Myles Dungan (Apollo, Head of Zeus), “The Revelation of Ireland: 1995-2020” by Diarmaid Ferriter (Profile Books), and “Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New Perspectives” by Hélène O’Keeffe, John Crowley, Donal Ó Drisceoil, John Borgonovo and Mike Murphy (Cork University Press).
The non-fiction book of the year category boasts the intriguing “Who Killed Una Lynskey? A True Story of Murder, Vigilante Justice and the Garda ‘Heavy Gang’” by Mick Clifford (Sandycove, Penguin) and “Twelve Sheep: Life lessons from a lambing season” by John Connell (Allen & Unwin).
Original Text Rewrite: The wonder concealed within an Irish rainforest is visually explored by Eoghan Daltun in his piece, published by Hachette Books Ireland. On the other hand, the quest to find a sleuth’s murderer is engrossingly revealed in ‘Murder at Lordship’, written by Pat Marry and Robin Schiller and launched by Allen & Unwin. ‘Money: A Story of Humanity’ by David McWilliams (published by Simon & Schuster) offers an intriguing take on finances, while the exploration of family secrecy in Clair Wills’ Missing Persons makes for a gripping read.
In the food and drink genre, there are innovative salad ideas shared by Theo Kirwan in ‘Sprout & Co Saladology”, published by Mitchel Beazley, Octopus Books. An in-depth look at Irish food history is provided by Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire & Dorothy Cashman in their tome, and Neven Maguire serves up inspiration for enjoying restaurant quality food at home with ‘Eat Out at Home’. Mark Moriarty’s ‘Season’ sheds light on how taste develops over time, while Brigid O’Hora offers comprehensive advice on wine selection in ‘The Home Sommelier’, and ‘Dad Food’ by Dylan McGrath introduces a new spin on home cuisine.
In the realm of popular lifestyle books, practical advice on combating anxiety and panic attacks is offered by Allison Keating in ‘It’s All Too Much’, while a detailed guidebook on outdoor swimming in Ireland is provided by Maureen McCoy and Paul McCambridge. Molly Nic Céile celebrates the beauty of the Irish language in ‘Gaeilge i Mo Chroí’, and the uplifting message to look beyond societal labels comes across in Laura Kennedy’s ‘Some of Our Parts’. Hiking enthusiasts can find fresh inspiration in Rozanna Purcell’s ‘The Hike Life’.
In the race for Author of the Year, eminent names like Sally Rooney, Donal Ryan, Colm Tóibín, Sheila O’Flanagan, Eoin Colfer, and Jo Spain are in contention.
This list includes a variety of intriguing titles, such as Joe Canning’s biography, co-authored with Vincent Hogan and published by Gill Books, and Hayley Kilgallon’s breakdown of the history of ladies Gaelic football titled “Unladylike,” available from New Island Books. There are also literary gems such as “The Racket” by Conor Niland, which provides an eye-opening tour of the tennis world, and “Blood and Thunder,” a historical examination of the interplay between rugby and Irish life penned by Liam O’Callaghan, both from Sandycove, Penguin. “Obsessed: The Autobiography,” the memoir of Johnny Sexton, also from Sandycove, Penguin is another standout.
For those interested in Gaelic fiction literature, there are books such as “Saighdiúir” by Cathal Ó Searcaigh, and “Flaitheas” by Proinsias Mac a’Bhaird, both published by Leabhar Breac, as well as “Mná” by Daithí Ó Muirí from Cló Iar-Chonnacht. For lovers of children’s literature, noteworthy titles include “Beanie the Bansheenie” by Eoin Colfer, and “The Golden Hare” by Paddy Donnelly.
The list concludes with Sarah Bowie’s “Nina Peanut Is Amazing,” a delightful read for older children from Scholastic. Each of these books provides an enriched lens through which to view the world, and they cater to a variety of reading interests and age groups.
The original text indicates a range of books spanning various genres. For children’s books, we have “Fia and the Last Snow Deer” penned by Eilish Fisher and illustrated by Dermot Flynn, published under Puffin, Penguin Random House Children’s. Another one is “Milly McCarthy and the Sports Day Shambles”, written by Leona Forde and illustrated by Karen Harte, produced by Gill Books.
Gill Books also published “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Irish Lighthouses” written by David Hare and illustrated by Linda Fährlin. “The History of Information” is another children’s book by Chris Haughton with Loonie Park, issued by DK Children’s. Sinéad Moriarty’s “Fixing Mum and Dad” is also within this category, and it’s also printed by Gill Books.
The O’Brien Press released “Molly Malone & Bram Stoker in The Riddle of the Disappearing Dickens” from writer Alan Nolan and “The Weather Girls”, a work authored by Sarah Webb.
John Treacy’s honour recognizes the Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year, including “Something’s About to Blow Up” by Sam Blake – Gill Books, “Braids Take a Day” by Zainab Boladale – The O’Brien Press, and “The Traitor in the Game” by Triona Campbell – Scholastic among others.
The Crime Fiction Book of the Year features “A Stranger in the Family” by Jane Casey (Hemlock Press), “Witness 8” by Steve Cavanagh (Headline), and “Where They Lie” by Claire Coughlan (Simon & Schuster) among others.
For the Newcomer of the Year, contenders include “Old Romantics” by Maggie Armstrong (Tramp Press) and “Spirit Level” by Richy Craven (Eriu), among others.
The contenders have been announced for the “Popular Fiction Book of the Year” award. Titles in the list span a range of genres, indicated by the titles “Into the Storm” by Cecelia Ahern (HarperCollins), “Whatever Happened to Birdy Troy?” written by Rachael English (Hachette Books Ireland), joined by “The Bookshop Ladies” from Faith Hogan (Aria), and others.
The “Listeners’ Choice Award” shortlist includes Edel Coffey’s “In Her Place” (Sphere, Little, Brown Book Group), and Kevin Barry’s “The Heart in Winter” (Canongate Books), among others.
Moving on to the “New Irish Writing Best Short Story” category, it features Margaret Cahill’s poignant “Growth”, Stephen Brophy’s “Night Shift”, and Dónal O’Sullivan’s enchanting “Estepona”, to name a few.
Meanwhile, the category for “New Irish Writing Best Poetry” has nominees such as Féilim James with his piece, “Dream of an Atrocity”, Bill Richardson’s pieces “It’s Hard to Burn a Word” and “Herding”, and other deserving contenders.
Independent retailers have also been recognised in the “Bookshop of the Year” category, which includes nominees such as Bridge Books in Dromore, Down; Liber in Sligo; and O’Mahony’s Booksellers in Limerick, amongst others.
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