The Language of Remembering

Returning from Brazil with his wife and daughter, Oisín is looking to rebuild a life in Ireland and reconnect with his mother, Brigid, who has early onset Alzheimer’s. As her condition deteriorates she starts to speak Irish, the language of her youth, and reflects on her childhood dreams and aspirations.

 

The Language of Remembering asks how we connect to the people we love and how we move on from the past to find meaning in the present.

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‘In a profoundly moving tale, Holloway brings us close to real, earthy, honest, human beings whose experience comes from several languages and who live through the day-to-day minutiae of both past and present. The prose is exquisite, energetic and exciting. One of the most beautiful books you will read this year.’

Mary O’ Donnell, author of The Elysium Testament and Where They Lie.

 

‘The Language of Remembering is such a powerful, original debut, beautifully considered and crafted, full of feeling and humanity. Patrick Holloway is one of the most exciting voices to emerge in Irish writing in quite some time, and I have no doubt that this novel will bring him a wide and enthusiastic audience.’

Billy O’ Callaghan, author of The Paper Man.

 

‘The Language of Remembering is a deeply moving novel, as skilful as contemporary fiction gets. An insightful rendition of young families in the past and present day, it illuminates the sorrows and the joys that we inherit from our parents and the absences which freight our adult lives.’

Benjamin Wood, author of The Young Accomplice.

 

‘This novel captured my heart. A devastatingly beautiful testament to the power of family, language and love. An exquisite, sharply observed story of hope and resilience. Hard to believe it’s a debut!’

Danielle McLaughlin, author of The Art of Falling.