Novelist Andrew Miller has won the 2011 Costa Book of the Year, his first major literary award, for his sixth novel, Pure. Set in pre-revolutionary Paris in 1785, Pure is the story of Jean-Baptiste Baratte, an ambitious young engineer, who is assigned the task of emptying the noxious, overflowing Parisian cemetery Les Innocents, and of …
Should we bluntly say that there are problems with this book, or should we, in the manner of the book itself say that, like the dough into which the weary-boned crone in the kitchen of the tired and time-eaten farmhouse forgets to put the yeast that will make the bread rise like a pheasant breaking …
This month our book club features on Ireland AM’s book club slot discussing Sebastian Barry’s On Canaan’s Side. We were delighted to participate, and despite the nerves and sleepless nights, we survived the experience! Thanks to Marie, Sheila and Emer for being brave enough to take part, and thanks to TV3 for inviting us in the …
We are delighted to have been awarded the Best New Shop in the Top 5 Bookshops outside the City Centre by The Dubliner magazine. [The Company of Books] have a smart, high-minded selection, with the emphasis on lost masterpieces recently returned to print. Browsing recently I discovered a new edition of ‘Beautiful Losers’, Leonard Cohen’s …
Twilight fans the wait is over! The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer goes on sale tomorrow, Saturday 5th June. I began this story a long time ago—before ‘Twilight’ was even released. Back then I was just editing ‘Eclipse’, and in the thick of my vampire world. I was thinking a lot …
The Dublin Writers Festival runs from 1st to 6th June and celebrates the best of Irish and international writing. Writers, both authors and songwriters, talk about their work and their approach to writing. Event highlights include: 1 June – Ian McEwan at The National Concert Hall 2 June – David Mitchell at The Project Arts …