Donal Ryan and Ruth Gilligan The Irish Novel

The Irish novel is enjoying something of a purple patch and two hugely successful Irish writers talk about their art and why we are so fascinated with the Irish culture. Donal Ryan’s work has been published in over twenty languages to major critical acclaim. His novels, including The Spinning Heart and The Queen of Dirt Island, have been multi award-winners. Ruth Gilligan’s The Butchers won the 2021 Ondaatje Prize for the book that best evokes the spirit of a place. She is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham.

Talking to Clare Clark