Two local authors in mix for Irish book of the year
Two Cork authors are in the running for book of the year award with the winners being announced today, 19 December.
Books by Cork’s Graham Norton and Seán Ronayne are up against Donal Ryan, Eilish Fisher and illustrator Dermot Flynn, Jane Casey and Johnny Sexton for the accolade of An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024.
The six titles competing for the overall award were drawn from the category winners at the An Post Irish Book Awards, and were chosen on the principle of the highest number of votes secured during the shortlist voting process across all categories.
‘Frankie’ by Graham Norton is described as a dazzling, richly woven story, spanning decades and continents. It follows Frankie Powell, a woman who has spent her life on the edges, observing but never leading. From conservative 1940s Ireland to the vibrant art scene of 1960s New York and back to her modest London flat, Frankie’s life unfolds in fragments shared with her young Irish carer, Damian.
Through her memories of ambitious artists, aspiring writers, and captivating personalities, we see how her quiet presence shaped events in ways she never anticipated. A poignant exploration of identity, missed opportunities, and the unexpected paths life takes, the novel reveals that even lives lived on the periphery can hold deep meaning and unexpected influence.
‘Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging’ is Seán Ronayne's inspiring memoir of self-discovery, passion, and the healing power of nature. Growing up in Cork, Seán found solace in the woods, learning to identify birds and plants with his father and grandfather.
Despite being labelled ‘Nature Boy’ by peers, his love for ornithology blossomed into a career. At 32, Seán discovered he was autistic, a revelation that brought clarity to his life and underscored his unique connection to the natural world. In 2021, he embarked on an ambitious journey to sound-record all of Ireland's regularly occurring bird species, showcasing both the beauty of birds and the urgent need to protect their habitats. ‘Nature Boy’ celebrates individuality, belonging, and the wonder of the natural world.
The others are ‘Heart, Be at Peace’ by Donal Ryan, ‘Fia and the Last Snow Deer’ by Eilish Fisher and illustrated by Dermot Flynn, ‘A Stranger in the Family’ by Jane Casey and ‘Obsessed: The Autobiography’ by Johnny Sexton with Peter O’Reilly.
Larry MacHale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards said: “Six incredible titles are in the running for the prestigious An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024. Celebrating the very best of Irish writing, these books highlight the diversity and talent that define Ireland’s incredible literary landscape.
“From captivating fiction and compelling memories, to crime and a beautifully illustrated children’s book, this year’s top six books reflect the remarkable range of voices and stories that have captured the heart and imagination of Irish readers this year. I would like to congratulate all the nominees on their success and wish them the very best of luck,” he added.
One of the six titles will be revealed as the An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024 during a one-hour television special on RTÉ One hosted by Oliver Callan on tonight, 19 December at 10.15pm.