Books of the year: Ryan ascends to the top table of writers with his latest novel

From the best Irish novelists to great nature writing, and a memorable US ambassador to France, Jack Power selects his books of the year

Donal Ryan is quickly ascending to the pantheon of great Irish writers.

Heart, Be At Peace by Donal Ryan (Doubleday, Penguin pb €16.99)

It might have been premature — just — to include Donal Ryan in the all-time pantheon of Irish writers before the publication of the magnificent Heart, Be At Peace but that wonderful, upliftingly good, that tremendously well-constructed novel secures his place at the very top table of Irish novelists.