Debut novelist Ryan spinning yarns from the heart

After Kevin Barry’s win last year, could Dónal Ryan land the IMPAC prize for Ireland again? Orlagh Ní Arrachtáin looks at the contenders.

THERE are now only ten novelists remaining in contention for the 2014 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. This year’s shortlist includes two Irish novels: Dónal Ryan’s The Spinning Heart and David Park’s The Light of Amsterdam.

The result of a collaboration between over 100 libraries worldwide, the IMPAC award is unique in the literary world, not only for its democratic nomination process but also for its generous prize fund. Last year the €100,000 award was won by Irish novelist Kevin Barry for his debut novel City of Bohane.