Books matching: contemporary ireland
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- #1
Save:Sally Rooney's 'Beautiful World, Where Are You' delves into the lives and friendships of four protagonists in their late twenties and early thirties - Alice, Eileen, Felix, and Simon. Through alternating perspectives and inner dialogues, Rooney offers readers an intimate look into the minds of her characters, inviting us to share in their uncertainties, anxieties, and desires. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, mental health, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic. Rooney's thought-provoking prose invites readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships, with a focus on the intimate and contemplative exploration of human relationships.
Rooney's characteristically unflinching examination of contemporary issues, such as climate change, political turmoil, and capitalism, shapes the inner lives of the characters against the backdrop of a world in crisis. The novel is a compelling work that captures the essence of the human experience, offering a deep and nuanced portrayal of the characters' inner worlds. Through conversations, emails, and introspective moments, 'Beautiful World, Where Are You' navigates the complexities of modern society while exploring the intricacies of human relationships and the pursuit of authenticity in an increasingly artificial world.
A woman sat in a hotel bar, watching the door. Her appearance was neat and tidy: white blouse, fair hair tucked behind her ears. She glanced at the screen of her phone, on which was displayed a messag... - #2
Save:The Bee Sting by Paul Murray is a sprawling novel that delves into the dysfunctional lives of the Barnes family. The story intricately weaves together the past and present motivations of the main characters, leading to a haunting conclusion. Murray's writing style is described as amazing, with the main characters being unforgettable for their tragically complicated and unhappy lives. The book follows the interior dialogues of the family members amidst momentous life events, exploring themes of confusion, misunderstanding, and cause and effect.
- #3
Save:'Not My Problem' by Ciara Smyth is a heartwarming and hilarious story that follows Aideen, a witty and vibrant teen who decides to solve others' problems instead of her own. The book explores Aideen's journey as she forms accidental friendships, navigates through heavy and humorous situations, and experiences unexpected chances at love. The writing style captures the casual juxtaposition of humor and heaviness, creating a narrative that delves into themes of friendship, growth, and self-discovery.
Aideen's character is deeply flawed yet relatable, reminiscent of the popular TV show 'Derry Girls,' questioning everything and displaying realness that resonates with readers. The story not only focuses on the witty banter and interactions between characters like Aideen, Meabh, and Kavi but also delves into heavier topics such as toxic relationships, self-acceptance, and the impact of family dynamics on an individual's growth. With a mix of humor, heartbreak, and personal growth, 'Not My Problem' offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #4
Save:"The Spinning Heart" by Donal Ryan is a novel set in a small Irish village dealing with the aftermath of the economic collapse in 2008. Through a series of interconnected stories told by different characters, the book explores the impact of the recession on the community. The narrative is structured with each chapter offering a unique perspective on the struggles faced by the villagers, creating a mosaic of voices that come together to paint a vivid picture of a town in crisis. The writing style is raw and realistic, capturing the coarse language and bleak reality of the characters' lives with a touch of underlying humor.
MY FATHER STILL lives back the road past the weir in the cottage I was reared in. I go there every day to see is he dead and every day he lets me down. He hasn’t yet missed a day of letting me down. H... - #5
Save:Fourteen-year-old Meg Finn finds herself in limbo after dying during a botched robbery. Balanced between good and evil deeds, she is given a second chance to redeem herself by helping an elderly man, Lowrie, fulfill his final wish list. With the looming threat of Satan trying to prevent her from succeeding, Meg must navigate her way through the afterlife and Earth to tip the scales towards goodness and secure her place in heaven. The Wish List combines supernatural elements, humor, and a heartwarming tale of redemption, showcasing Eoin Colfer's unique storytelling style that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
For the thousandth time, Meg Finn wondered what she was doing here. How had she sunk this far— skulking around the old folks’ apartments with a lowlife like Belch Brennan? Her reflection glared accusi... - #6
Save:'Normal People' by Sally Rooney follows the complex relationship between two young individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate through high school and college years, dealing with issues of miscommunication, self-worth, and emotional struggles. The story delves into the intricacies of their evolving friendship and love, portraying realistic dialogues and character interactions that highlight the challenges faced by the protagonists as they grow and change over time. Rooney's writing style captures the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the characters, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
She turns and walks down the hall. He follows her, closing the door behind him. Down a few steps in the kitchen, his mother Lorraine is peeling off a pair of rubber gloves. Marianne hops onto the coun... - #7
Save:Artemis Fowl follows the story of a young boy genius who embarks on a scheme to extort fairy gold by kidnapping a fairy and holding her hostage. The book delves into a world where magical beings are militarized and the protagonist, Artemis, must outwit the fairies to achieve his goal. The narrative is filled with action, humor, and a unique twist on the fantasy genre, portraying Artemis as a villainous character who is not entirely evil, adding depth to the storyline.
The writing style of the book is described as engaging, fun, and quick-paced, with a mix of magic and technology that appeals to a wide range of readers. The plot unfolds with a blend of humor, adventure, and intriguing characters, including the clever protagonist Artemis Fowl, the resourceful fairy Holly Short, and the loyal butler Butler, creating an entertaining and captivating story that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
HO Chi Minh City in the summer. Sweltering by anyone’s standards. Needless to say, Artemis Fowl would not have been willing to put up with such discomfort if something extremely important had not been... - #8
Save:The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes follows the story of Helen Walsh, a private investigator hired to find a missing boy band member. The book delves into themes of depression, relationships, and family dynamics, all wrapped in a light mystery plot. Readers praised the well-developed characters, sarcastic humor, and the author's skill in blending serious issues with comedic elements.
I was thinking about food. Stuck in traffic, it’s what I do. What any normal person does, of course, but now that I thought about it, I hadn’t had anything to eat since seven o’clock this morning, abo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Walsh Family ) - #9
Save:'Keeping 13' in the series 'Boys of Tommen' by Chloe Walsh is a gripping and emotionally charged story that follows the lives of Shannon, Johnny, and the rest of the characters in a turbulent and dramatic journey. The book seamlessly continues the storyline from the previous book, 'Binding 13', delving deep into themes of family, friendship, young love, and survival. Chloe Walsh's writing style effortlessly weaves together heartbreak and comedy, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The characters in 'Keeping 13' are vividly portrayed with unique personalities that make them feel real and relatable. The story is filled with intense moments, tragic events, and heartwarming scenes, all culminating in an explosive conclusion that leaves readers wanting more. Chloe Walsh's ability to balance dark and light elements in the narrative, along with her skillful storytelling, makes 'Keeping 13' a compelling read that resonates with readers on an emotional level.
Every inch of my body was burning, screaming out in protest every time I inhaled too deeply. I was in trouble, I realized. Something was seriously wrong with me and still, I remained exactly where I w...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Boys of Tommen ) - #10
Save:Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar is a heartwarming story that delves into the complexities of friendship, cultural identity, and self-discovery. The book follows Hani and Ishu, two young women navigating high school life as non-straight and non-white individuals in Ireland. Through a fake dating arrangement, the protagonists explore themes of biphobia, toxic friendships, and the importance of standing up for oneself. The narrative beautifully captures the struggles of finding acceptance and belonging while staying true to one's identity.
The writing style of Adiba Jaigirdar is praised for its ability to create a cozy and engaging atmosphere that immerses readers in the characters' lives. The book features a mix of light-hearted moments and profound discussions on friendship, boundaries, and personal growth. With a focus on the fake dating trope, the story unfolds with a delightful blend of humor, romance, and valuable life lessons, making it a compelling read for those seeking a heartwarming and thought-provoking narrative.
“What the fuck?” I mumble to the air, shutting my biology book with a thud and diving into the bin full of nothing but used makeup wipes and torn-up pieces of paper. I didn’t know that my phone was a)...
