There's also 'The Green Road' by Anne Enright which touches on LGBT themes within the framework of family relationships in Ireland. It shows how different family members with different views interact and how the characters navigate their own identities within this family and Irish society.
The 'The Heart's Invisible Furies' is extremely popular. It's not only about being gay in Ireland but also about family, friendship, and how society's views change over time. It's a story that many can relate to on different levels.
Another good read could be 'Singing Bird' by Clare Boylan. It has elements of LGBT themes within the Irish context, delving into the lives and emotions of its characters in a very engaging way.
In recent years, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' has been extremely popular. It's a fun and romantic story about the relationship between the son of the US president and a prince. Another popular one is 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' which features LGBT characters and a richly imagined fantasy world.
One of the most famous is 'Finnegans Wake' also by James Joyce. It's known for its extremely complex language and structure. It weaves together a web of stories, dreams, and Irish mythology, but it's not an easy read and requires a lot of patience and study.
One popular Irish fiction book is 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, who was Irish. This novel explores themes of beauty, morality, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle. Also, 'Room' by Emma Donoghue, set in Ireland, is a gripping story that looks at the relationship between a mother and son in a very unique and harrowing situation.
'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' is also great. It follows Aristotle and Dante, two boys who form a deep connection that blossoms into something more as they grow and understand themselves better. The writing is beautiful and the characters are well - developed.
One popular one is 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda'. It tells the story of a closeted gay teen named Simon who has an online relationship with another boy. It's a heartwarming and relatable story for many LGBT youth.
'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' is a popular young adult lgbt novel. It focuses on Simon, a high school boy who is gay and is being blackmailed because of it. It's a story about coming out, friendship, and finding love in the midst of high school chaos.
Ireland fiction books often have a strong sense of place. The Irish landscape, from the green fields to the bustling cities like Dublin, is frequently described in great detail. They also tend to explore complex family relationships. For example, in many books, you'll see how extended families interact and how family secrets shape the characters. Another characteristic is the use of Irish language and dialect in some works, which adds to the authenticity and charm.
The history of Ireland, including its struggles and triumphs, is a common theme. Whether it's the fight for independence or the effects of poverty, these historical elements are woven into the fabric of the stories. The characters are shaped by their country's past, and their actions often reflect the hopes and dreams of the Irish people over the years.
The book 'The Price of Salt' is also notable. It was one of the first lesbian - themed novels to have a somewhat happy ending. However, it still shows the discrimination that the characters had to endure throughout the story, which was quite significant considering the time it was written.