Four writers from Ireland

Four writers from Ireland

Ireland has produced many great writers. Their books are often included in lists of the greatest literature in the world. There are also many modern writers who are well known in Ireland and whose books sell in huge numbers. Have you heard of any of these writers?

James Joyce (1882–1941) was a talented writer and musician. His work is experimental and modern. He is probably best known for the long novel Ulysses, which takes place on one single day, 16 June 1904. It is full of jokes and discussions on everything from astronomy to sex. We also hear the very many thoughts of the main character, Leopold Bloom.

Maeve Binchy (1939–2012) wrote humorous plays and short stories about life in small towns in Ireland. She is good at describing characters and often has a twist at the end of her stories. She is one of Ireland’s best-loved writers. Her novels have been translated into 37 languages and were bestsellers in the USA.

Roddy Doyle (1958–) usually writes about working-class people. He has written many novels, plays and short stories. Several of his novels have been made into films. The novels are unusual because they do not contain much description and are almost all dialogue, much of it in Dublin dialect.

Anne Enright (1962–) has won many prizes for her writing. She studied in Canada, Ireland and England before becoming a writer. She writes about Irish identity now and in the past and also about family relationships. She used to work as a TV producer and director. She writes novels, short stories and essays.