Here are ten notable books set in or related to Belfast, Northern Ireland, along with brief descriptions:
1. Milkman by Anna Burns
This Man Booker Prize-winning novel is set in an unnamed city recognizable as Belfast during the Troubles. It follows an 18-year-old woman who attracts the unwanted attention of a powerful and frightening older man known as "Milkman." The book is a compelling, humorous, and unsettling portrayal of life during this tumultuous period[2].
2. Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
Set in the summer of 1994, this novel tells a Romeo and Juliet-like story during the Troubles. It follows Maeve Murray, a smart-mouthed young woman, as she navigates her final exams and a complicated relationship in a small Northern Irish town. The book is a poignant and calamitous tale of love and conflict[2].
3. The Raptures by Jan Carson
This novel is set in a small Northern Irish town and explores themes of faith, community, and the supernatural. It follows a group of children who claim to have seen the Virgin Mary, leading to a series of events that expose the deeper issues within their community. The book is a fascinating and well-acclaimed exploration of Northern Irish life[1][2].
4. The Twelve (The Ghosts of Belfast) by Stuart Neville
This debut novel by Stuart Neville is a crime thriller that follows Gerry Fegan, a former paramilitary contract killer haunted by the ghosts of his victims. The story delves into the aftermath of the Troubles and the psychological impact on those involved. It won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in 2010[2][4].
5.Close to Home by Michael Magee
Set in modern-day Belfast, this novel follows a young man who returns home from university in Liverpool and falls back into his old habits of drink, drugs, and violence. The book explores themes of generational trauma, family, and personal struggle, offering a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in Belfast[1].
6. These Days by Lucy Caldwell
This novel is set during the Belfast Blitz and focuses on the sexual repression of women during that era. It is a well-written and acclaimed book that explores the personal lives and struggles of women amidst the backdrop of war and societal constraints[1].
7. The Watch House by Bernie McGill
Although not set during the Troubles, this novel is based on historical events and takes place on Rathlin Island off the coast of Northern Ireland in the late 1800s. It weaves a story of love and murder around the early tests of Marconi's wireless telegraphy, bringing the modern world to a remote island[2].
8. Thunder and Lightning by Colin Bateman
This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's childhood in Bangor, a town near Belfast, during the Troubles. It offers a unique perspective on life in a town that was relatively untouched by the violence but still felt its impact. The book is a humorous and insightful look at growing up in Northern Ireland during this period[2].
9. A Belfast Child by John Chambers
This memoir provides a powerful and honest account of growing up in Belfast during the 1970s and 1980s. It explores the dark heart of Northern Irish sectarianism and the author's unique childhood experiences with searing honesty and native Belfast wit[2].
10. Two Souls by Henry McDonald
This novel is set in Belfast and follows a group of punks growing up during the Troubles. The story is interwoven with references to local bars and specific streets in the Holy Lands area of Belfast. The chapter names are inspired by track names from David Bowie's album "Low," adding a unique musical element to the narrative[1].
These books offer a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, from historical fiction to contemporary life, and provide a rich understanding of Belfast and its complex history.
Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/northernireland/comments/1fyapdg/books_set_in_northern_ireland/
[2] https://northernirelandholidays.co.uk/best-books-on-northern-ireland-and-ireland/
[3] https://fivebooks.com/best-books/troubles-timothy-knatchbull/
[4] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/BEQ/the-belfast-novels/
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