Tom Kettle News Today

Evolving at a stately but plausible pace, Sebastian Barry’s new book encompasses a great deal of Irish social history in a gripping and realistic manner.

Unusually varied list also includes Jonathan Escoffery’s debut, If I Survive You

The Irish novelist and playwright on the positives of ageing, his struggles with depression and a golden age of Irish writing

From a tale of Helen of Troys murderous sister to a thrilling psychological debut, check out our critics picks of the best new books to read this weekend.

Plus: life with multiple sclerosis, a Brooklyn-set beach read and Fern Brady’s prize-winning memoir

Did your favourites make the cut?

Irish author on prizes, translations and being the second Laureate of Irish Fiction

Far too many books to chose from, but here are my picks of the year.

Far too many books to chose from, but here are my picks of the year.

Our man in the library, Pat Carty, selects the books that floated his boat over the last year.