Another notable mention must be The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams — a trilogy of four books. Also, the novels of Maeve Binchy taught me that there is no need for reams of words about a character in a novel — one simple line by fabulous Maeve was enough. I think Maeve and people like Patricia Scanlan have sent the very essence of Irishness out into the world. With books, the beginning is the hardest bit and sadly, it’s not enough to dose it up with Calpol. Book accompaniment — tea, coffee, alcohol, cake, spaghetti?

Source: Irish Examiner March 28, 2026 01:01 UTC