Irish Fiction

Collects forty-six contemporary Irish short stories featuring contributions by notables including Mary Leland, William Trevor, Mary Dorcey, Patrick McCabe, and Brian Moore.

This volume presents the entire canon of Irish fiction in English, from Jonathan Swift (born 1667) to Emma Donoghue (born 1969). Selections from 100 renowned writers, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and others, are presented along with background information.

The Guide to Irish Fiction has led to the identification of hundreds of unknown or forgotten Irish authors and their works, and provides thousands of summaries of novels and anthologies. Carefully documented, the book presents details of the publication of Irish fiction in Ireland, England, North America, Australia, as well as several other European countries. Written for literary scholars and students and for anyone interested in Ireland and its literature, this book also constitutes and essential tool for historians, librarians, collectors of Irish books, and antiquarian booksellers.

Following the structure of other titles in the Continuum Introductions to Literary Genres series, Irish Fiction includes: A broad definition of the genre and its essential elements. A timeline of developments within the genre. Critical concerns to bear in mind while reading in the genre. Detailed readings of a range of widely taught texts. In-depth analysis of major themes and issues. Signposts for further study within the genre. A summary of the most important criticism in the field. A glossary of terms. An annotated, critical reading list. This book offers students, writers, and serious fans a window into some of the most popular topics, styles and periods in this subject. Authors studied in Irish Fiction include: Maria Edgeworth, Sydney Owenson, John and Michael Banim, Gerald Griffin, William Carleton, Charles Lever, Sheridan Le Fanu, Edith Somerville, Violet Martin, George Moore, James Stephens, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Flann O'Brien, Sean O'Faolain, Frank O'Connor, Liam O'Flaherty, Kate O'Brien, Elizabeth Bowen, Francis Stuart, Brian Moore, William Trevor, Edna O'Brien, Jennifer Johnston, Roddy Doyle, John McGahern, John Banville, Eoin McNamee, Colm Toibin, Anne Enright and Emma Donoghue>

With characteristic lawlessness and connection to the common man, the figure of the rogue commanded the world of Irish fiction from 1660 to 1790. During this period of development for the Irish novel, this archetypal figure appears over and over again. Early Irish fiction combined the picaresque genre, focusing on a cunning, witty trickster or pícaro, with the escapades of real and notorious criminals. On the one hand, such rogue tales exemplified the English stereotypes of an unruly Ireland, but on the other, they also personified Irish patriotism. Existing between the dual publishing spheres of London and Dublin, the rogue narrative explored the complexities of Anglo-Irish relations. In this volume, Lines investigates why writers during the long eighteenth-century so often turned to the rogue narrative to discuss Ireland. Alongside recognized works of Irish fiction, such as those by William Chaigneau, Richard Head, and Charles Johnston, Lines presents lesser-known and even anonymous popular texts. With consideration for themes of conflict, migration, religion, and gender, Lines offers up a compelling connection between the rogues themselves, marked by persistence and adaptability, and the ever-popular rogue narrative in this early period of Irish writing.

An enchanting novel of fierce loyalty and love in changing times, from the bestselling author of Light a Penny Candle. 'Full of warmth and pure delight' Woman & Home 'Binchy's novels are never less than entertaining' Sunday Times 'What better books to raise the spirits than the gentle, insightful Irish tales of Maeve Binchy?' HELLO! Magazine ____________ Trouble is brewing for this circle of friends. Generous-hearted Benny Hogan and the elfin Eve Malone have been best friends for years, growing up in sleepy Knockglen. Their one thought is to get to Dublin, to university and to freedom... On their first day at University College, the inseparable pair are thrown together with fellow students: beautiful but selfish Nan Mahon and the handsome Jack Foley. But trouble is brewing for Benny and Eve's new circle of friends and, before long, they find passion, tragedy - and the independence they yearned for. ____________ 'I absolutely adore Circle of Friends - my 'fave Maeve' - and I have returned to read it time and time again' Lorraine Kelly 'If any author can help you survive lockdown, it's Binchy... Sheer bliss from every page' Irish Daily Mail 'I find myself yearning for the rain-soaked watercolour writing of Maeve Binchy [...] Circle of Friends is a good place to start' Guardian Best Comfort Reads 'A beloved classic [...] This nostalgic, coming-of-age tale is always worth another read' Image Reads, 5 Brilliant Novels to Devour Again ____________ Readers love Circle of Friends ... ***** 'I loved this book!! It's so well written and the character development is amazing.' ***** 'This book is the ultimate comfort read for me. A heart-warming, emotionally gratifying & rewarding experience.' ***** 'Highly recommended to all who like character driven books, books with a strong sense of place with a heart warming and uplifting vibe.' ***** 'Still one of my favourite books. Best written book ever.' ***** 'Never before an author managed to keep me awake all night and hours beyond sun rise to finish their novel.'

Winner of the Sunday Times short story prize Winner of the Edge Hill short story prize A kiss that just won't happen. A disco at the end of the world. A teenage goth on a terror mission. And OAP kiddie-snatchers, and scouse real-ale enthusiasts, and occult weirdness in the backwoods... Dark Lies the Island is a collection of unpredictable stories about love and cruelty, crimes, desperation, and hope from the man Irvine Welsh has described as 'the most arresting and original writer to emerge from these islands in years'. Every page is shot through with the riotous humour, sympathy and blistering language that mark Kevin Barry as a pure entertainer and a unique teller of tales.

Winner of the Booker Prize – Roddy Doyle’s witty, exuberant novel about a young boy trying to make sense of his changing world It is 1968. Patrick Clarke is ten. He loves Geronimo, the Three Stooges, and the smell of his hot water bottle. He can't stand his little brother Sinbad. His best friend is Kevin, and their names are all over Barrytown, written with sticks in wet cement. They play football, lepers, and jumping to the bottom of the sea. But why didn't anyone help him when Charles Leavy had been going to kill him? Why do his ma and da argue so much, but act like everything is fine? Paddy sees everything, but he understands less and less. Hilarious and poignant, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha charts the triumphs, indignities, and bewilderment of a young boy and his world, a place full of warmth, cruelty, confusion and love.