Book review: A quiet story of personal crisis that swells into tumultuous tide of history

'Conversations with the Sea' is a precise, masterly novel that encompasses themes of trauma, displacement, war, history, love, hope, and hopelessness
Hugo Hamilton: Asks urgent questions of how is it possible to live without being overwhelmed. Picture: Christian Jungeblodt

Hugo Hamilton: Asks urgent questions of how is it possible to live without being overwhelmed. Picture: Christian Jungeblodt

Sat, 30 Aug, 2025 - 01:00
Eoghan Smith

  • Conversations with the Sea
  • Hugo Hamilton
  • Hachette Books, €16.99

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

185 years of the Irish Examiner

185th
Anniversary Offer

Six months of digital access for €18.50

No obligation. Ts&Cs apply.

BOOKS & MORE

Check out our Books Hub where you will find the latest news, reviews, features, opinions and analysis on all things books from the Irish Examiner's team of specialist writers, columnists and contributors.

More in this section

Film reviews: Bad Apples is a bold dark comedy with a good core Film reviews: Bad Apples is a bold dark comedy with a good core
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 RTÉ confirms Ireland will not participate in Eurovision Song Contest 2027
Five For Your Radar: Culture Night, Bad Apples, MobLand... Five For Your Radar: Culture Night, Bad Apples, MobLand...
#Books - FictionPerson: Hugo Hamilton
<p>Among the guests to join Patrick Kielty on Friday night's Late Late Show were Siobhán McSweeney, Danny O'Donoghue and Caitriona Balfe. Liam Neeson and Catherine Corless also joined Kielty in the studio.</p>

6 talking points from The Late Late Show, including The Traitors and Liam Neeson on Catherine Corless

READ NOW

Scene & Heard

Newsletter

From music and film to books and visual art, explore the best of culture in Munster and beyond. Selected by our Arts Editor and delivered weekly.

Latest

Scene & Heard

Newsletter

From music and film to books and visual art, explore the best of culture in Munster and beyond. Selected by our Arts Editor and delivered weekly.

Sunday, September 27
Marina Market, Cork. 10am-1pm

FREE

Gift bag

worth 100€

Buy Tickets
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited