Colin Barrett

Colin Barrett is an Irish author known for his short story collection 'Young Skins', which won several awards including the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature and the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Wild Houses

    In the small town of Ballina, Ireland, tensions rise as a local feud escalates into violence. Cillian English, a small-time dealer, finds himself at odds with the intimidating Ferdia brothers, Gabe and Sketch. When Cillian's younger brother, Doll, ends up in the clutches of the Ferdias, a reclusive man named Dev is reluctantly pulled into the conflict. Meanwhile, Nicky, Doll's girlfriend, senses something is wrong and embarks on a desperate quest to find him, all while grappling with her own uncertainties about life in Ballina. "Wild Houses" weaves a tale of desperation, hidden secrets, and the struggle to escape one's circumstances.

    The 6495th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Young Skins

    Set in the fictional Irish town of Glanbeigh, this collection of short stories delves into the lives of young men and women grappling with the constraints of small-town life. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the book explores themes of isolation, longing, and the search for identity amidst the backdrop of a community marked by economic stagnation and social inertia. The characters, each uniquely flawed and vividly drawn, navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and ambition, often finding themselves at the crossroads of youthful dreams and harsh realities.

    The 8517th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Homesickness

    Stories

    Set in the rugged landscapes of rural Ireland, this collection of short stories delves into the lives of individuals grappling with the complexities of modern existence. Each tale is a poignant exploration of themes such as identity, longing, and the human condition, capturing the raw emotions and intricate relationships that define small-town life. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human psyche, the narratives weave together moments of humor, despair, and hope, painting a vivid picture of a community that is both intimately familiar and universally relatable.