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“From its opening pages, this book exerts a quiet, propulsive hold over its reader. The three generations of Aylward women will break your heart and then put it back together again.” –Maggie O'FarrellThis is a generous mosaic of a novel about the staying power of love and pride and history and family. –Colum McCann, author of Apeirogon and Let The Great World Spin  From the multi-award-winning and internationally bestselling author Donal Ryan, a searing, jubilant story about four generations of women and fierce loveThe Aylward women of Nenagh, Tipperary, are mad about each other, but you wouldnt always think it. Youd have to know them to know that—in spite of what the neighbors might say about raised voices and dramatic scenes—their house is a place of peace, filled with love, a refuge from the sadness and cruelty of the world.   Their story begins at an end and ends at a beginning. It involves wives and widows, gunrunners and gougers, sinners and saints. Its a story of terrible betrayals and fierce loyalties, of isolation and togetherness, of transgression, forgiveness, desire, and love. Of all the things family can be and all the things it sometimes isnt. The Queen of Dirt Island is an uplifting celebration of fierce, loyal love and the powerful stories that bind generations together.

The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan is a poignant and atmospheric novel that delves into the lives of the residents of a small Irish island. The story revolves around the O'Neills, a family struggling to make ends meet in the wake of the economic downturn. As they grapple with financial hardship, they are forced to confront their past and search for a way to reclaim their lives.

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Sarah O'Neill, the matriarch of the family. Sarah is a strong and resilient woman who has always put her family first. However, the recent economic crisis has taken a toll on her, and she is struggling to maintain her optimism. Her husband, Christy, is a kind and hardworking man, but he is haunted by the mistakes he made in the past.

The O'Neills' children, Ryan and Carmel, are also facing their own challenges. Ryan is a talented artist who dreams of escaping the island and pursuing his creative aspirations. Carmel is a sensitive and introspective young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world.

As the O'Neills navigate the complexities of their lives, they find themselves drawn into a conflict with a wealthy developer who plans to build a luxury resort on the island. This conflict forces them to confront their own values and decide what is truly important to them.

The Queen of Dirt Island is a beautifully written and moving novel that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Ryan's evocative prose brings the island and its inhabitants to life, and his characters are complex and relatable. This novel is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and those interested in the social and economic issues facing Ireland today.