Doireann Ní Ghríofa wins first prize at the An Post Irish Book of the Year Awards



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The debut novel by Cork-based poet and essayist Doireann Ní Ghríofa has been named Post-Irish Book of the Year 2020.

A ghost in the throat was announced as the overall winner of the An Post Irish Book Awards, broadcast on RTÉ One.

The novel is described by the Dublin-based author’s Tramp Press publisher as “a true original” that is a “fluid hybrid of essay and self-fiction”, a recent literary trend that is part autobiography and part fiction, intertwining two complementary stories, that of the narrator’s own experience with pregnancy and motherhood, and the life of the 18th century poet Eibhlín Dublin Ní Chonaill.

The novel, which has garnered much critical acclaim, beat out competition from 13 other category winners, including comedian Graham Norton. Stretching at home and Louise O’Neill’s After silence.

The winner was chosen by online public voting and jury selection.

The Galway native, who grew up in Co Clare, has won several awards for her poetry in both Irish and English, including the 2016 Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, which is given to young writers whose body of work is seen as promising.

Ms. Ní Ghríofa (39) said: “I am delighted with this spectacular award! A ghost in the throat it is a narration of my story, but it also tells the story of Eibhlín Dublin Ní Chonaill, and I am very grateful to all the readers who have held us both in their hearts. I accept this award with deep appreciation to each and every one of you. Míle buíochas libh go léir ”.

Online editors

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