Savage Her Reply

The Children of Lir is one of Ireland’s best-known myths. Over the years it has been more than a little sanitized, and as a consequence almost entirely relegated to a children’s beloved fairytale. With her rich, poetic prose and unflinching honesty, Deirdre Sullivan brings the story right back into the adult sphere. Her characters emerge, flawed and seething, from the magical fog of myth to hurt and help each other, and to drag the enthralled reader with them through aeons of vengeance, loyalty, and, eventually, peace.

I can’t stress how beautiful this novel is. An epic poem almost, it satisfies… show more.

Published in 2020, this is the most recent book on my list. It’s a YA retelling of the well-known tale, "The Children of Lir", but from the perspective of the villain, Aife (or Aoife). Full of rage and injustice, the narrator asks us to re-examine the supposed truths we hold in our hearts. Beautifully written and full of lyrical poetry and dark ancient magic, it really felt like listening to one of the Tuatha Dé Danann speaking. I loved the cover too, by Karen Vaughan and the ogham motifs between the chapters.