A Girl's Writing Is Never Done (c) Shauna Gilligan 2026
While I occasionally post about some of my reading habits, there are, naturally, many books, articles and so on that I read without mentioning them in blogposts. I’ve noticed how many of these are personal writings that feel necessary reading right now.
Here are a few I’ve read this summer that use beautiful writing to explore personal experiences with societal/political/cultural structures which, though devastating at times, reflect something universal, shine a light, and speak truth to power.
I’m delighted to be taking part in two events in the Swift and Vanessa Festival in Celbridge, County Kildare.
On Thursday evening, July 16th, join me for a Literary Evening where I will interview Mary O’Donnell about her latest novel – which is brilliant, by the way – Sweep the Cobwebs off the Sky (époque press, 2026). Geraldine O’Brien will interview Martina Murphy about her DS Lucy Golden series. The event takes place in the Hunting Room in the gorgeous Castletown House. Book your tickets here.
On Saturday afternoon, July 18th, I’m interviewing Dearbhla Mescal about her debut publication, Finding Joy – in itself a joy – in the lovely Church of Ireland Christchurch. Book your tickets here.
The festival runs until 19th July and has an astonishing array of events for all ages and tastes. I look forward to participating and attending many of the events.
I was delighted when John Lavin of the great Lonely Crowd asked me to write about my book of the year. Over the past year I’ve read so many great books, both newly published, and classics. I’m currently reading another brilliant one (Tania Hershman’s It’s Time: A Chronomemoir Guillemot Press, 2025). So how did I narrow my list down? I selected a fiction and a non-fiction book that chimed with each other and touched on something akin to magic, in how these two texts explored the body, and creativity, and pathways to and of living.
Check out the Lonely Crowd‘s Books of Year Part 1, Part 2 (where you’ll find my recommendations), and Part 3.
Wishing everyone continued happy reading. May the written word bring you peace and comfort in these last weeks of 2025 and into the new year of 2026.
Shauna Gilligan Writer 