Beginner's Pluck: Gráinne Murphy says 'it was easier to write about Ireland from a distance'

“I’d love to work in a library for the books and the sense of community.”

WOW FEATURE Grainne Murphy

Gráinne had an idyllic rural childhood. “There was lots of freedom. We cycled, and played in the forest and the river.”

Her parents encouraged her love of reading — everything from Enid Blyton to the classics. After university, Gráinne worked as a
research assistant. “I wanted to be an academic, but it was an uncertain career, and I had six part-time jobs at the same time.”