Louise O'Neill: One of Richard Chambers’ gifts is making complex ideas accessible

While A State of Emergency is fast-paced, compelling and unputdownable, there is also a great deal of respect and compassion shown to the thousands of families across Ireland who lost loved ones during this pandemic.

Louise O'Neill, author. Photograph Moya Nolan

I suppose I should have known by the letters. When my partner Richard Chambers and I first started dating, he would write me these eloquent notes — for our anniversary, for Christmas, for Valentine’s Day, etc.

They were so heartfelt and well-expressed; I would feel guilty about my hastily scribbled cards in return, dashing off a happy birthday with a couple of Xs underneath. The signs were there that this was a man who had a flair with words but I didn’t pay attention.