Top ten Irish books of the decade

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"Angela's Ashes" author, the late Frank McCourt

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8. This Charming Man by Marian Keyes

Every girl knows one: a charming, charismatic cad you can't take your eyes off. But as Marian Keyes reminds us in this decidedly diverting novel, watch out. It can take a long time to figure out how badly you've been conned, and when the truth hits it can hit hard. Thankfully there are antidotes and Keyes lists them: friends, laughs and a jar or two - and this book, which you can wear as a talisman.

9. Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor

Star of the Sea is Joseph O'Connor's novel is set in 1847 against the backdrop of the Irish famine. Set aboard a famine ship making the journey from Ireland to New York, hundreds of refugees, most of them with humble and desperate backgrounds, are embroiled in a murder aboard ship. You'll savor the book for its language and invention.

10. Netherland by Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill's novel concerns the life of a Dutchman living in New York in the wake of the September 11 attacks. He takes up cricket and starts playing at the Staten Island Cricket Club. But there's a lot more going on beneath the surface of this hypnotic tale. Sometimes world changing tragedies can bring people together for the first time in new and unexpected ways that enrich their lives and this book charts new terrain in a similar vein.

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