The title character in Niamh Boyce’s novel The Herbalist causes upheaval when he sets up his stall in the square of a sleepy Irish market town in the 1930s.

The shortlists for “the biggest celebration of Irish writing” was announced yesterday.

Richard Fitzpatrick picks his top summer reads — don’t go to the beach without one of these in your bag.

DIARIES have always proved a fascination. From the Diary of Anne Frank, through Bridget Jones and Adrian Mole, they form the basis of cult books and movies.