The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan (Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Doubleday)

The Aylward women live in a village outside Nenagh in southwest Ireland.  All strong and single-minded women. There are worries and concerns, disputes over land, family rows, and begrudges, but above all, there is an immense and powerful love. And women who will do anything to protect those they love.

What a poetic novel! If you like family sagas, you will love this novel. Exquisite, with vivid, developed characters and written with deep compassion and vulnerability.

Donal Ryan is a brilliant narrator.

4/5