In 2023 four Irish novels made the Booker Prize longlist, and two the shortlist. Are we experiencing an “Irish Moment” in literature?

This year the Maleny Big Book Club welcomes back Kate Evans (ABC Radio National) to explore this question and discuss her love of Irish writers and writing.

We invite you to read one or both of the Irish novels we've chosen. 

The 2023 Booker Prize winner “Prophet Song” by Paul Lynch is a dystopian novel portraying the struggles of the Stack family, including Eilish Stack, a mother of four trying to save her family as the Republic of Ireland slips towards totalitarianism. “This is a triumph of emotional storytelling - bracing and brave” Esi Edugyan, Chair of the Booker Prize Panel.

“The Queen of Dirt Island” by Donal Ryan is a searing, jubilant novel about four generations of women and the love and stories that bind them. 'A generous mosaic of a novel about the staying power of love and pride, history and family' - Colum Mc Cann

DATE: Saturday 20 July 2024

TIME: 2.00 - 4.00 pm (afternoon tea served from 1.30pm)

• The Verandah Room, Maleny Community Centre
  23 Maple Street, Maleny, QLD 4552

• Claire Booth 0409597007 booth.claire@gmail.com