Donal Ryan

Donal Ryan is an Irish author best known for his novels "The Spinning Heart" and "The Thing About December," as well as the short-story collection "A Slanting of the Sun." His forthcoming novel, "All We Shall Know," further expands his literary repertoire. Ryan's works often explore themes of rural Irish life, human resilience, and societal challenges, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.

Born in 1977 in a village in north Tipperary near Lough Derg, Ryan holds a degree in Law from the University of Limerick. He previously worked for the National Employment Rights Authority before transitioning to a full-time writing career following the success of his early novels. Ryan's prose is celebrated for its lyrical quality and emotional depth, capturing the complexities of contemporary Ireland with authenticity and compassion.
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 The Spinning Heart 2012
2 The Thing About December 2013
3 All We Shall Know 2016
4 From a Low and Quiet Sea 2018
5 Strange Flowers 2020
6 The Queen of Dirt Island 2023
7 Heart, Be at Peace 2024
Collections
# Title Year
1 A Slanting of the Sun 2015
Donal Ryan Anthologies
# Title Year
1 Dubliners 100 2014
2 How Much the Heart Can Hold 2016