- Published: 19 July 2022
- ISBN: 9781529176735
- Imprint: Penguin
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 352
- RRP: $22.99
Diving for Pearls

















- Published: 19 July 2022
- ISBN: 9781529176735
- Imprint: Penguin
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 352
- RRP: $22.99
A hugely engaging novel from a talented new writer
John Boyne
A compelling tale uncovering a world of secrets, injustice and, for the lucky few, escape
Anne Griffin, author of When All is Said
Shimmering, beguiling and ruthless. A fizzing and assured debut
Colin Barrett
Sprawling and encompassing so many worlds, it's utterly gripping. Excellent.
Sophie White, author of Corpsing
If you're after a total page turner then try Diving for Pearls . . . A fantastic debut novel
Stellar
Love this . . . a really fantastic read
Sinéad Moriarty
This page-turner is the debut offering from Cork writer O'Connell and the sign of great things to come from him
Irish Examiner
The opening chapter grabbed me right away . . . I'm gripped
The Art House, 96FM
[O'Connell's] talent is clear
The Ryan Tubridy Show
It's tough to link so many narrative threads . . . but O'Connell pulls it off with aplomb
Irish Times
An instantly gripping page-turner
Sunday Independent Life Magazine
From the first pages I knew I was in for a treat and the book delivered, over and over again
Books Ireland
A cast of characters you think you will know, trapped in a world you definitely won't. Illuminating, claustrophobic, addictive
Ciaran McMenamin
Wonderful depictions of life in Dubai and an intriguing, interwoven plot
Zoë Miller, author of The Perfect Sister
A literary thriller set in Dubai... O'Connell's debut does mainly reinforce the notion that expats are terribly entitled people but there's nuance in the few characters desperately seeking a better, more meaningful life.
Guardian
An enjoyable and unconventional thriller... readers will be hearing more from Jamie O'Connell, I've no doubt.
Sunday Times
An instantly gripping page-turner set around a death in Dubai.
Sunday Independent
Stunning... a tour de force.
Pat Kenny, The Pat Kenny Show (Newstalk)