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

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

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner.

Annual €130 €80

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

Benefit image

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

Singer Lisa McHugh pulls out of live show after health setback Singer Lisa McHugh pulls out of live show after health setback
Five For Your Radar: Wuthering Heights, Savoy reopening... Five For Your Radar: Wuthering Heights, Savoy reopening...
How To Get To Heaven From Belfast: Sinéad Keenan on the new show from the Derry Girls creator How To Get To Heaven From Belfast: Sinéad Keenan on the new show from the Derry Girls creator
#Books - FictionPerson: Hugo Hamilton
<p>Friday's Late Late Show guests: Una Healy, Tom Allen, and PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey. Picture: Late Late Show/X</p>

Five Late Late Show talking points from Valentine's special

READ NOW

Scene & Heard

Newsletter

Music, film art, culture, books and more from Munster and beyond.......curated weekly by the Irish Examiner Arts Editor.

Latest

Scene & Heard

Newsletter

Music, film art, culture, books and more from Munster and beyond.......curated weekly by the Irish Examiner Arts Editor.

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

© Examiner Echo Group Limited