30 Cork books of the year: Fiction, crime, sport, kids, and more
Some of the cream of the Cork literary crop in 2023, L-R: JP Quinn, Clara Kumagai, Billy O'Callaghan
The Douglas writer’s fourth novel takes inspiration from real life in this absorbing blend of history and romance, partly set in ‘Jewtown’ in 1980s Cork, once home to the city’s Jewish community. When Jack Shine discovers a cache of love letters to his late mother, he is transported back to 1930s Vienna and the story of her relationship with a famous footballer known as the Paper Man.
Another Cork-based novel, set in the more recent past of the last recession, this enjoyable and acutely observed story from Rochestown native O’Donoghue focuses on the friendship between Rachel and James, who find a life raft in each other in the messy and tumultuous seas of their early 20s. Contains numerous points of recognition for anyone who has enjoyed the hospitality of the city’s many drinking establishments.
O’Mahony, originally from Cork and now based in London, was inspired to write this gripping novel by the real-life Doolough tragedy in Co Mayo which took place during the Famine. Hundreds of starving adults and children walked miles in freezing conditions only to be refused any sustenance by their English landlords. The central character of the book, Honora O’Neill, survives the disaster and escapes to the American West in search of a better life.
The Famine is also the backdrop of this historical novel from the singer/songwriter who has adeptly added another string to his bow. The follow-up to his debut, The Pawnbroker’s Reward, and the second in a planned trilogy, it follows the lives of residents in the Cork town of Macroom as they struggle to survive in one of the darkest chapters of our history.
A wonderfully atmospheric read from the Cork writer, set in a fishing village in Italy and inspired by Wall’s own travels there. When her husband dies unexpectedly, academic Kate discovers the Italian love nest he shared with his mistress and decides to escape there. Out of her misfortune comes opportunity, friendship and perhaps another chance at love.
Detective Garda Tim Collins made for a memorable central character in Coakley’s previous crime novel, Whatever It Takes, and he returns in this tense thriller, set in Cork city. The former inter-county hurler teams up with new partner Deirdre Donnelly to find the murderer of a young woman as they work against the clock to stop the killer striking again.
A murderer also stalks the streets of Cork in the second novel from Cronin, who lives in Nohoval. Anna Clarke, a clerical officer in a Cork garda station, is once again drawn into the seedy underworld of crime while getting scloser to the truth about the mysterious disappearance of her parents.
The premise of the Cork-born writer’s latest thriller will send a shiver down the spine of any parent — journalist Sive is checking her phone on a trip to London with her family when her two children get on to the Tube without her. When she gets to the next station, only one of her children is there. As tense as it sounds.
The Cork-based solicitor and writer sets out to challenge Trinity as the campus setting du-jour in this entertaining tale set in her own alma mater, UCC. Sleuthing solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick finds herself in the middle of more than just a crime scene after someone is killed at a college dinner she attends.
The writer, who grew up in the suburb of Grange, seems to have an endless reservoir of fiendish plots and she pulls it off again in this twisty thriller inspired by the spate of real-life disappearances of women in Ireland in the 90s. It follows several characters who are trying to solve the riddle of three missing women but as ever with Ryan Howard, nothing is as it seems.
Published by Cork City Libraries, as part of Cork City Council’s 1920-1923 Commemoration Programme, this comprehensively researched book looks at the life of Seán French, who after a spell as a Republican prisoner, became the city’s longest-serving Lord Mayor, during the 1920s and 1930s. He also helped to establish the Fianna Fáil party and served his city with distinction before dying of pneumonia at the relatively young age of 48.
This hefty tome from Cork University Press, commemorating the 102nd anniversary of the death of Terence MacSwiney, presents the famous political figure’s literary output under the categories of poetry, drama and prose, along with introductions and analysis.
The fascinating story of Cork’s first and only Jewish Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, whose immense contribution to the cultural life of the city is still remembered by many. Exploring his parents’ past becomes a voyage of discovery in itself for their son David.
It is not easy for anyone to capture Dervla Murphy’s essence between the covers of one book but Cork sociologist Ethel Crowley does a fine job in this anthology of the late lamented travel writer’s work. Features a preface by another travel writing legend, Colin Thubron.
Originally published in 2005, this relaunched book explores the horrific conditions endured by inmates of the Cork Union Workhouse which was located in the grounds of St Finbarr’s Hospital in the city. Originally designed in 1840 to hold 2,000 people, by the height of the Famine in 1847, it housed an estimated 7,000.
: One for true-crime fans, the newest instalment of this popular series from the Ballycotton-based historian looks at grisly goings on from Ballincollig to Mallow, Glanmire to Fermoy and everywhere in between.
For those who like to read about whiskey as well as drink it, this book from Cork University Press gives the story behind what was one of the latest distilleries in Cork, run by three generations of the Wise family, who were among the city’s merchant princes.
The current Lord Mayor is a fount of knowledge when it comes to Cork’s local history and heritage, producing numerous books on the topic. His latest delves into the cultural and geographical quirks of the county, from abandoned villages to mysterious dolmens.
A photographic chronicle of four decades in the life of the coastal environs of Kinsale, comprising documentary, landscape and underwater photographs, accompanied by personal essays from the author.
Experience the city and county from a new angle as well-known photographer Horgan takes to the skies once again with his perennially popular bird’s eye view shots of Cork city and county.
Some of the finest footballers to don the Rebel red and white recall the highlights of their careers, which live long in the memories of the fans who cheered them on.
The Tipperary camogie player and Cork-based author provides a much-needed female perspective on the trials and tribulations of sport in this engrossing and beautifully written book, recently named Sports Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards.
A follow-up to the hugely popular A Bee at UCC by Quinn, head of the visitor centre at the Cork university, this is another topical tale of environmental sustainability told through Reddie the California Redwood tree, who rises up against the robot trees.
The writer, already an accomplished poet, shows another side to her talents in this wonderfully imaginative debut novel. Young readers will be bewitched by the adventures of Raven McKay as she navigates life with a foster parent in her mysterious new home.
Encouraged by her own children, Kinsale-based teacher Forde wanted to create a relatable version of the Wimpy Kid series for Irish kids and the result, Milly McCarthy Is a Complete Catastrophe, was a huge hit with readers. Here she brings us more hilarious antics from the lovable 10-year-old Cork girl as her efforts to win an Irish dancing medal don’t quite go to plan.
The Cork sportswriter brings a tragic episode in Irish history to life for a new generation, through the stories of three children who were killed when British forces opened fire on a Gaelic football match in Croke Park. A challenging subject well handled by Foley, whose thorough research is obvious throughout.
A stunning and distinctive debut from the Japanese-Irish author who spent some of her formative years in the Cork village of Minane Bridge. In this YA novel, Kumagai consummately weaves the myth and legend of Japan into the story of Sora, a young girl contending with the aftermath of an earthquake.
This beautifully produced book from the Irish Examiner writer and digital sports editor tells you everything you need to know about the roll call of Irish sporting stars as well as standout moments in our sporting history, including Italia '90 and the opening up of Croke Park to soccer and rugby. Russell also turns the spotlight on the achievements of female sporting legends from Cork athlete Sonia O’Sullivan to the jockey Rachael Blackmore.
A heartwarming tale from Cork native Muireann Ní Chíobháin, a presenter on Irish language TV channel Cúla4, who tells the story of the sun and the moon and how they overcome their differences to become friends again.
A contemplative collection of prose and poetry from the much-loved Innishannon writer, celebrating the benefits of taking time out to reflect and restore our creative spirit.
Cork-born journalist Barry gives an engaging insight into the impact of social media on all aspects of our lives, including her own experience of online stalking.
The third and last instalment of the anthology, which celebrates the wealth of contemporary Cork writing talent, showcasing the work of 165 or so contributors.
