2020, the year of Coronavirus. 2021, the year of Irish books? While Ireland is undoubtedly well known for producing it’s fair share of exceptional authors, and it has had this reputation for some time, there is something about 2021. This year we have been blessed with a number of excellent Irish books from Irish authors, be it their debut into the literary world or another in a line of amazing work. Here at Midland Books, we are officially dubbing 2021 the year of brilliant Irish books. We have compiled a short list containing a few of our favourite Irish books of the year so far (this was truly a difficult task). 

White City by Kevin Power

With a thirteen year wait between his debut and his second novel, Kevin Power’s ‘White City’ is an eagerly anticipated release by a magnificent writer. Ben has his life go from the highest of highs to rock bottom when he is admitted to rehab. Even his girlfriend, once infatuated, is sick of him. Then Ben meets an old friend who makes an offer that will take him right back to the top and rid him of all his problems: his addictions, his father’s very public disgrace, and his own self-loathing and regret. Or so Ben thinks. 

Shop White City here.

Snowflake by Louise Nealon

A sizzling start with this debut novel by Kildare native, Louise Nealon. Follow Debbie as she breaks away from her sheltered rural life into the big city where she is about to begin university.  There she meets Xanthe and a new gang of friends, finding it increasingly difficult to navigate between the world of home, and her new life, coming to see that sometimes even the maddest of families are our real places of safety.

Shop Snowflake here.

Diving for Pearls by Jamie O Connell

‘Diving for Pearls’ is the talented debut by Jamie O’Connell. When a young woman’s body is found in a Dubai marina, the lives of six individuals begin to unravel. A young Irish man staying with his sister, a Russian sex worker, a Pakistani taxi driver, an Emirate man with a haunting secret and an Ethiopian maid.

Shop Diving for Pearls here.

Holding Her Breath by Eimear Ryan

Another stunning debut, ‘Holding Her Breath’ is the first novel by Eimear Ryan. A young woman must shed the assumptions of her family’s past as she starts afresh at university. She is free to establish herself as her own person and create a new identity. A story of love, ambition and grief.

Shop Holding Her Breath here. 

Other Women by Cathy Kelly

By now we have all heard of Cathy Kelly’s brilliance and her latest release is no exception. Meet three very different women who become tangled as life unfolds around them. Sid is forever independent as a result of her past. Bea has lost the love of her life and believes she has only got one love story. Marin has the perfect family life, or so it seems. 

Shop Other Women here.

Shop all of these amazing Irish books and many more at Midland Books. Our collection is available both in store and online!