Since its inception, the An Post Irish Book of the Year Award has been won by a series of landmark titles which have gone on to become Christmas bestsellers and firm favourites with readers. The winner will be announced at the televised awards on Dec 19.
Previous winners of the An Post Irish Book of the Year Award include Paul Murray for "The Bee Sting", Sally Hayden for "My Fourth Time, We Drowned", Fintan O’Toole for "We Don’t Know Ourselves", among many others.
First awarded in 2006, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year, the An Post Irish Book Awards bring together a vast community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2024 is no different.
The six titles competing for the overall An Post Irish Book of the Year 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.
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Here are the nominees for the An Post Irish Book of the Year Award 2024:
"Heart, Be at Peace" – Donal Ryan
"Heart, Be at Peace" – Donal Ryan
In "Heart, Be at Peace", which can be read independently, Donal picks up the 21 voices from "The Spinning Heart" ten years on, in 2019.
Small-town Ireland has rebounded from the economic crash, with work restored and past struggles seemingly behind. However, beneath the surface, old and new grudges are simmering, and a new threat is quietly emerging.
As young people are lured by the allure of quick money, the older generation battles an intangible enemy, setting the stage for a community on the brink of turmoil.
"Fia and the Last Snow Deer" – Eilish Fisher
"Fia and the Last Snow Deer" – Eilish Fisher
"Fia and the Last Snow Deer" is described as a powerful and beautiful debut verse novel set in snowy pre-historic Ireland, brought to life with stunning illustrations from Dermot Flynn.
Fia and her snow deer, Solas, share a deep bond, but their village, trapped in an eternal winter, believes Solas is key to fulfilling a prophecy that demands a devastating sacrifice to restore sunlight. Refusing to allow the worst to happen, Fia and her cousin Mish, alongside Solas, flee into the wilderness to seek the mythical Deer Mother, who holds the power to awaken the sun.
Facing harsh landscapes and lurking dangers, the pair must navigate risky choices that will determine the fate of their village and their beloved companion.
7
"Frankie" – Graham Norton
"Frankie" – Graham Norton
"Frankie" is described as a dazzling, richly woven story by Graham Norton, 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.
"A Stranger in the Family" – Jane Casey
"A Stranger in the Family" – Jane Casey
"A Stranger in the Family" is the 11th book in the bestselling detective series featuring DS Maeve Kerrigan.
Sixteen years after nine-year-old Rosalie Marshall disappeared, her mother, Helena, is found dead alongside her husband. However, DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent quickly uncover layers of secrets within the Marshall family. As they delve deeper, they realize someone is willing to kill to keep the truth buried. Maeve must unravel the mystery of Rosalie's disappearance to prevent further danger and finally uncover the chilling truth.
"Obsessed: The Autobiography" – Johnny Sexton with Peter O’Reilly
"Obsessed: The Autobiography" – Johnny Sexton with Peter O’Reilly
Johnny Sexton's autobiography recounts his journey from being an overlooked rugby player at 24 to becoming Ireland’s most accomplished and inspiring sportsperson. Chronicling his career highs - four European Cups, four Six Nations titles (including two Grand Slams), historic wins in the Southern Hemisphere, and the World Player of the Year award - Sexton reflects on how he helped transform Leinster and Ireland to rugby powerhouses.
With honesty and insight, he shares stories of his childhood, pivotal relationships with teammates and coaches, and his thoughts on the game that defined his extraordinary career.
"Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging" – Seán Ronayne
"Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging" – Seán Ronayne
"Nature Boy" 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.
Reflecting on the nominees, Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards said "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.”
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