Beginner’s pluck: Full-time writer Grace Flahive

Funny and heartwarming, 'Palm Meridian' novel portrays a realistic, yet not dystopian view of the future

Canadian-born author Grace Flahive: 'My grandparents moved from Co Kildare in 1951. I’m an Irish citizen.'

Grace spent her early summers reading, and has been writing stories since she was a small child.

“I wrote my first novel — a very self-indulgent one — as a teenager, and continued writing through university.”

After graduating in Canada, Grace moved to the UK to take an MA.

“I meant to stay for just a year, but I’m still here. I got a job in publishing with DK Books in London and then for Thames & Hudson.

“After my MA, I made the decision to take writing seriously. I started writing Palm Meridian in 2021 and knew from the first chapter it was a book I wanted to run with.

“I found my agent, Susan Armstrong, and the book sold at a three-way auction in the UK and the USA.”

Who is Grace Flahive?

Date/place of birth: “My grandparents moved from County Kildare in 1950. I’m a dual Canadian/Irish citizen.”

Education: Catholic Secondary School in Toronto; McGill University, Montreal, English Literature with philosophy; University of the Arts, London. MA in Publishing.

Home: London. “I spent part of covid in Toronto.”

Family: Wife.

The day job: Full-time Writer. “It’s a dream come true. I was having to squeeze my writing in.”

In another life: When I was growing up, I played ice hockey. I was set on becoming professional.”

Favourite writers: “My main influences are Lauren Groff, Rachel Khong, Melissa Broder, and Olivia Laing.”

Second book: “I’m at the messy stage of starting.”

Top tip: “Writing is fickle. It’s easy to feel discouraged. Sleep on it. The next morning, with fresh eyes you may feel differently.”

Instagram: @graceflahivewrites.

The debut

Palm Meridian

Renegade Books, €23.20

It’s 2026 in Palm Meridian Retirement Resort — a Florida resort for lesbians — and Hannah — sick with terminal cancer, is enjoying her last day alive. 

She’s throwing an end of life party and is hoping her long lost lover might attend. Before the night ends, she learns a devastating secret.

The verdict: Funny and heartwarming, this novel portrays a realistic, yet not dystopian view of the future.