The Queen of Dirt Island

Anne's Review

This is quite an amazing novel. Each chapter encapsulated, as it is, in less than two pages. It paints an intriguing picture of a world that is full of overpowering love, terrible betrayals and fierce loyalties. The story begins at the end and ends at the beginning and details all the things that family can be and all the things it sometimes isn’t! But above all it is about the Aylward women of Tipperary who are mad about each other and, despite what the neighbours might say about raised voices and dramatic scenes; believe that their house is a place of peace, filled with love and a refuge from the sadness and cruelty of the world .

Colm McCann says about the novel……”a generous mosaic of a novel about the staying power of love and pride and history of family.”

Publishers Reviews

From award winning Irish novelist Donal Ryan comes this jubilant searing novel of four generations of women and the love and stories that bind them.

Their story begins at an end and ends at a beginning. It's a story of terrible betrayals and fierce loyalties, of isolation and togetherness, of transgression, forgiveness, desire, and love. About all the things family can be and all the things it sometimes isn't. More than anything, it is an uplifting celebration of fierce, loyal love and the powerful stories that last generations.