ONE Limerick author and his local publisher are celebrating after being named in contention for the prestigious Booker Prize.
The announcement marked a significant milestone for author Ciaran O’Driscoll, and Limerick Writer’s Centre, who published his acclaimed work, The Golden Ass.
The poet and author is set to unveil his latest literary masterpiece in a much-anticipated launch event hosted by the Limerick Writer’s Centre on May 26.
Dominic Taylor, the centre’s managing editor, said that the novel “faced rigorous scrutiny during the eligibility assessment, and I’m delighted to announce that The Golden Ass emerged as a worthy contender for the esteemed £50,000 prize.”
With Irish writers holding a prominent position among Booker Prize recipients, including Limerick’s own Paul Lynch clinching the award last year for his dystopian masterpiece Prophet Song, there is palpable anticipation surrounding The Golden Ass.
The publisher aspires to further strengthen Limerick’s literary legacy by securing at least a longlisting for the 2025 Booker Prize.
Living in Limerick since 1986, and a distinguished member of Aosdána, Mr O’Driscoll boasts an illustrious literary career, with 10 published volumes of poetry and a poignant childhood memoir titled A Runner Among Falling Leaves to his credit.
The Golden Ass stands as his second venture into the realm of novels. In collaboration with Dominic Taylor, he also oversees the newly established Gerald Griffin First Adult Fiction Prize.
The Golden Ass weaves a compelling narrative around Martin, a teacher and former monk who embarks on a journey to confront his inner demons.
His path intertwines with that of Hilary, a youthful rent boy, leading to a tumultuous affair set against the backdrop of Europe.
As Martin’s wife Sarah endeavors to locate him, a series of unforeseen events ensue, including encounters with Irish musician Christy and Parisian colleague Ella, culminating in a dramatic turn with the pronouncement of a fatwa.
O’Driscoll says of the novel that he “aimed to explore themes of sex and beauty with a touch of humour reminiscent of classical authors, offering a blend of dark comedy and introspection”.
