Book Review: Colm O'Regan – Ann Devine: Handle With Care

The world of Ann Devine is expanded upon in the latest offering from comedian and columnist Colm O’Regan, exactly when we need some vintage storytelling during the pandemic.

Set in Ann’s fictional home village of Kilsudgeon, the novel manages to incorporate heavy topics such as the March for Truth, religious controversies, the Repeal referendum and Presidential election, all while maintaining just the right tone. The Irish mammy plays a million different roles: always the carer, fixer-of-problems and shoulder to cry on – though time and again, family proves more important than anything else.

O’Regan’s flair for dialogue is matched by his observational skills, empathy and listening ear, as he again proves himself one of the foremost chroniclers of rural Ireland.

• Out now via Transworld Ireland