The Maker of Swans

By Paraic O’Donnell

Orion Books

Launching his debut novel, Paraic O’Donnell is from Co Wicklow and is set to stir things up on the literary scene with The Maker of Swans.

Set on an opulent country estate, we are immersed in the action immediately with the character of Eustace, who works as a servant awakening to the sounds of gunshots.

As the story unravels, we meet Mr Crowe, a rich man who leads a life of grandeur, although it could also be described as quite peculiar. Gone are his days of travelling the world and toasting in fine salons. Now, he leads a quiet life with his loyal servant Eustace and his mute ward Clara.

Life as he knows it gets thrown into disarray when he commits a crime of passion involving a beautiful actress named Arabella. This attracts the attention of Dr Chastern, the figurehead of a secret society to which Crowe belongs, resulting in him taking something of value from Crowe.

The first thing that will strike you about this book is that the writing is utterly compelling. Beautifully written, it’s not surprising that Paraic is also a poet. However, at times, it is nearly too poetic, requiring you to read and re-read sentences.

Despite the action-packed start, it does tend to slow, so you have to persevere as it really is worth it thanks to a twist in the story that will have you gripped (we don’t want to give too much away).

This is a book that will keep you pondering long after you have closed the cover.

Our Song

By Dani Atkins

Gill Hess

Last year in Irish Country Living’s book club, we profiled Jojo Moye’s Me Before You. Well, if, like us, you were a fan of that then you’re going to love Our Song by Dani Atkins.

Meet Ally and Charlotte. Although their paths have crossed in life, you wouldn’t exactly call them friends. One night, they end up in an intensive care unit in hospital, each with their husbands in a critical state. The only thing is Charlotte is married to David, Ally’s ex and first true love. And so at this crucial time in their lives, they each start to look back on the journey that has led them to their current situation, bringing the reader along with them as they recollect.

And now there are tough decisions to be faced in the horrific 24-hour period that is their present day. It is a powerful story about people who have lost their way, soulmates and making the very best of the situation life throws at you.

Although the book does become a little predictable, that doesn’t seem to matter so much as you flick through the pages to see what actually does happen.

This is a really great read and one to curl up with on a cold February afternoon.

The Perfect Girl

by Emma Hannigan

Hachette Books

Now on her 11th novel, we think there must be something in that Wicklow water that is producing such good authors. In The Perfect Gift, we meet Roisín, a girl who always knew she was adopted.

Following a stint in France, she returns home to the seaside village of Ballyshore, after a relationship that left her heartbroken. To distract her, she throws herself into pursuing her dream of setting up a food emporium.

On her 30th birthday, however, Roisín receives a card in the post that knocks her for six. Every year, she gets a card from her birth mother who she’s never met. But this year a letter signed with love turns her life into disarray. This is an easy read, one that is enjoyable and entertaining. When it comes to family sagas, Emma Hannigan is really in her niche.