Riding high on the crest of a wave

Want something to read on World Book Day today? Mark Gallagher talks to Joseph O’Connor, whose latest novel became a best-seller a year after publication.

IT'S become the sort of book that's on the must-read list of frequent flyers, commuters and afternoon shoppers. Star of the Sea is everywhere these days. And readers are characterised neither by age nor gender. Even in England, people are entranced by the journey of the eponymous Famine ship.

This is where the story gets strange. Joseph O'Connor's novel concerns the Famine. Despite being our great historical ghost, plots involving the Great Hunger tend to be met with puzzled expressions and disinterested sighs in this country. We learnt enough about the Famine in school and Britain certainly doesn't need to be reminded about it. Except you can't escape the book. On both sides of the pond.