Description

Book Synopsis
Winner of the Irish Book Award
Finalist for the Booker Prize

This “affecting” debut is “reminiscent of William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying” as it paints a vivid portrait of a working-class community in contemporary rural Ireland (New York Times Book Review).

“One of my favorite Irish books . . . Moving, atmospheric and beautiful.” —Tana French

In the aftermath of Ireland’s financial collapse, dangerous tensions surface in an Irish town. As violence flares, the characters face a battle between public persona and inner desires. Through a chorus of unique voices, each struggling to tell their own kind of truth, a single authentic tale unfolds.

The Spinning Heart speaks for contemporary Ireland like no other novel. Wry, vulnerable, all-too human, it captures the language and spirit of rural Ireland and with uncanny perception articulates the words and thoughts of a generation. Technically daring and evocative of Patrick McCabe and J.M. Synge, this novel of small-town life is witty, dark, and sweetly poignant. Donal Ryan’s brilliantly realized debut announces a stunning new voice in fiction.
 
Irish Book of the Decade (Dublin Book Festival)
First Book Award (The Guardian)
“Newcomer of the Year” and “Book of the Year” (Irish Book Award)
“Best Book of the Year” (Library Journal)

The Spinning Heart: A Novel

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 19 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Donal Ryan

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      View other formats and editions of The Spinning Heart: A Novel by Donal Ryan

      Publisher: Steerforth Press
      Publication Date: 25/02/2014
      ISBN13: 9781586422240, 978-1586422240
      ISBN10: 1586422243

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Winner of the Irish Book Award
      Finalist for the Booker Prize

      This “affecting” debut is “reminiscent of William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying” as it paints a vivid portrait of a working-class community in contemporary rural Ireland (New York Times Book Review).

      “One of my favorite Irish books . . . Moving, atmospheric and beautiful.” —Tana French

      In the aftermath of Ireland’s financial collapse, dangerous tensions surface in an Irish town. As violence flares, the characters face a battle between public persona and inner desires. Through a chorus of unique voices, each struggling to tell their own kind of truth, a single authentic tale unfolds.

      The Spinning Heart speaks for contemporary Ireland like no other novel. Wry, vulnerable, all-too human, it captures the language and spirit of rural Ireland and with uncanny perception articulates the words and thoughts of a generation. Technically daring and evocative of Patrick McCabe and J.M. Synge, this novel of small-town life is witty, dark, and sweetly poignant. Donal Ryan’s brilliantly realized debut announces a stunning new voice in fiction.
       
      Irish Book of the Decade (Dublin Book Festival)
      First Book Award (The Guardian)
      “Newcomer of the Year” and “Book of the Year” (Irish Book Award)
      “Best Book of the Year” (Library Journal)

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