Author interview: ‘The greatest things that we do in life are always about a group’

Joseph O’Connor’s novel celebrates forgotten heroes of the Second World War, and reminds us that we’re at our best when we work together

Joseph O’Connor’s 2002 novel ‘Star of the Sea’ propelled him to international fame. Picture: Moya Nolan

If he ever dropped a book on the floor, Joseph O’Connor’s grandfather used to kiss it before putting it back on the shelf.

He passed on that affection for literature to his grandson, but despite his love for books, O’Connor has no issue scribbling in them and cracking their spines open.