The Saint of Lost Things

Tish Delaney's first novel, Before My Actual Heart Breaks, suggested that she was an author of rare promise and acuity. This follow-up confirms her as one of the most arresting voices of her generation. The tale of an aunt and niece living in uncomfortable proximity and mutual antagonism with each other in rural Donegal, it combines deep psychological insight with unexpected touches of lightness and humour. Delaney never succumbs to cliche, but creates a vividly realised narrative in which you long for her characters to break free and triumph

Observer

You'll be moved, you might laugh and there may well be redemption

Evening Standard

An engrossing read

Image Magazine

This is a fantastic read

Henley Life

Delaney has an effortless skill to unlock the fabric and nuances of working-class family life. Thoroughly absorbing, it didn't let me down

Alex Wheatle, Guardian

Striking. In creating a protagonist who is steely against the odds, Delaney shows deftly that our dreams need never abandon us

Irish Times

Novel never loses its humanity in portrayal of a troubled life: authentic and complex [...] elegantly paced. [A] warm, truthful, character-driven novel worth a read for its unusual and entirely believable characters

Business Post

Superb. An assured second novel. The destructive impulses driving Delaney's characters reap a bitter harvest. Delaney has a long and fruitful career ahead of her

Financial Times

Reading The Saint of Lost Things was one of those perfect reading experiences that come along very occasionally; it's moving, funny, tragic, triumphant, totally gripping, a pure gift of a novel

Donal Ryan

Delaney's writing is a beautiful wave flowing lyrically through the life of Mary Rattigan. A touching tale of how one woman survives a tough beginning to eventually end up exactly where her heart belongs.

Anne Griffin author of When All Is Said on Before My Actual Heart Breaks

Two pages into this book you know you've unlocked something special . . . the book is brightened up plenty by sunshine characters and the magnificence of Tyrone nature . . . Tish knows what she's talking about.

Irish Examiner on Before My Actual Heart Breaks

Gorgeous prose . . . my heart broke several times.

Good Housekeeping on Before My Actual Heart Breaks