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Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘I found myself standing semi-naked on the roof of a cop car in Amsterdam – but they were nice about it'
Donal Ryan is an author from Nenagh, Co Tipperary. He has published several novels, including his most recent work of fiction, Heart, Be at Peace, for which he won the 2025 Orwell Prize for political fiction. He lives in Co Limerick with his wife and two children.
Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Author Donal Ryan: ‘I found myself standing semi-naked on the roof of a cop car in Amsterdam – but they were nice about it'
Donal Ryan is an author from Nenagh, Co Tipperary. He has published several novels, including his most recent work of fiction, Heart, Be at Peace, for which he won the 2025 Orwell Prize for political fiction. He lives in Co Limerick with his wife and two children.
The Journal
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Irish author Donal Ryan wins Orwell Prize for Political Fiction
IRISH AUTHOR DONAL Ryan has been awarded the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction for his novel Heart, Be at Peace. Ryan's latest book shares similarities with his 2012 novel, The Spinning Heart. Both are set in his native north Tipperary. Heart, Be at Peace received the prestigious award 'For its clarity. For its perfectly pitched voices. For its humanity and kindness,' said Jim Crace, chair of judges of the Orwell Prize. Ryan told RTÉ Radio this morning that he doesn't consider himself a political writer. 'The things I write about are fairly universal,' he said. Advertisement The winner of the 2025 Orwell Prize for Political Fiction is Donal Ryan, for Heart, Be at Peace. "For its clarity. For its perfectly pitched voices. For its humanity and kindness." - Jim Crace, Chair of Judges Congratulations, Donal! 🎉 @PenguinUKBooks @doubledaybooks — The Orwell Prize (@TheOrwellPrize) June 25, 2025 Ryan said his mother, who works in Tesco in Nenagh, was always being asked about the characters in The Spinning Heart, which led her to push him to write a follow-up novel. He also described how his approach to writing has changed, moving from a less disciplined process to one that's more regimented, which is a result of his work as a creative writing teacher. On the subject matter of the book, which deals with the illegal drug trade, Ryan said: 'What's been shocking to me in the last number of years is that it's so open now.' 'Whereas we all knew there was a drugs trade but it was always kind of occluded, it was in the dark, shadowy corners, but now it's right out on the street, in housing estates and on the road. It's amazing.' One of Ryan's fans is Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, who told RTÉ Radio his writing was 'masterful' and that Ireland is 'lucky to have him'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Toronto Star
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Donal Ryan's spellbinding sequel in 21 voices continues the saga of a small Irish town
In 2014 Donal Ryan published a novel in the U.S. called 'The Spinning Heart' about a rural Irish town after the 2008 financial collapse. It was narrated by a chorus of voices, one per chapter, and at the center was a good-hearted contractor, Bobby Mahon. Ryan's latest book is a spellbinding sequel, 'Heart, Be at Peace,' that works just fine on its own. It chronicles the changes that have buffeted Nenagh, County Tipperary, in the decade since the recession. Once again, the story is told by 21 townspeople, including one who has died, and Bobby is at the center.
Hamilton Spectator
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Book Review: Donal Ryan's spellbinding sequel in 21 voices continues the saga of a small Irish town
In 2014 Donal Ryan published a novel in the U.S. called 'The Spinning Heart' about a rural Irish town after the 2008 financial collapse. It was narrated by a chorus of voices, one per chapter, and at the center was a good-hearted contractor, Bobby Mahon. Ryan's latest book is a spellbinding sequel, 'Heart, Be at Peace,' that works just fine on its own. It chronicles the changes that have buffeted Nenagh, County Tipperary, in the decade since the recession. Once again, the story is told by 21 townspeople, including one who has died, and Bobby is at the center. Over the years he has done well for himself with a 'kitchen the size of a soccer pitch' and a 'marble island in the middle of it that you could feed an army at,' as one envious frenemy grouses. But recently Bobby has been having panic attacks because a compromising picture of him at a stag party in Amsterdam has been making the rounds. Also, he is worried sick about the drug dealers lurking around town in cars with blacked-out windows, posing a threat to the children, including his own. Another member of the chorus is Lily, who describes herself as 'witch by training' and prostitute by inclination. She learned her magic from a Roma woman who settled in the town, 'caught roots' and married a local. Lily adores her beautiful granddaughter, Millicent — her long legs, blue eyes and 'the shine off of her like the sun on the water of the lake.' They go for long walks in the meadows, gathering wild garlic, dock leaves and sorrel, but lately, the girl has fallen under the spell of Augie Penrose, the ringleader of the drug dealers, and Granny knows in her heart it will not end well. Bobby, Lily, Millicent and all the others — each one sees the town and its residents, including the newcomers from Eastern Europe, from a different perspective. Together, they narrate a gripping story that is heartbreaking, funny and occasionally raunchy of a beaten-down but resilient community that embodies the best and worst of humanity. The book ends with a monologue from Bobby's preternaturally wise and forbearing wife, Triona, who is puzzling over a dramatic plot development in the last chapter. 'There's more to that story, a lot more I'd say, but it'll be told elsewhere, I'm sure.' If she is right, then perhaps Ryan is already planning the third installment of a trilogy. What a gift that would be for readers everywhere. ___ AP book reviews:
