The Family on Paradise Pier

Set in the early decades of the 20th century, this stunning historical saga follows the lives and loves of one extraordinary family, beginning with the Goold Verschoyle children in 1915. Though there is a war going on in the world outside, they seem hardly touched by it--midnight swims, flower fairies, and regatta parties form the backdrop to their enchanted childhood. But as they grow older, changes within Ireland and the wider world encroach upon the family's private paradise. Based upon the lives of a real Anglo-Irish family, this novel superbly recreates a family in flux--driven by idealism, wracked by argument, and united by love and the vivid memories of childhood. At the height of his powers as a master storyteller, the author has created a spellbinding and magnificent achievement.

'Dermot Bolger's vision is ragingly incandescent. He has been described as Dublin's Pasolini, and truly his work exerts a cinematic grip. Bolger is to contemporary Dublin what Dickens was to Victorian London: archivist, reporter, sometimes infuriated lover. Certainly, no understanding of Ireland's capital at the close of the 20th-century is complete without an acquaintance with his magnificent writing.' Joseph O'Connor 'Joyce, O'Flaherty, Brian Moore, a fistful of O'Briens, this is a succulent Who's Who of Irish writing, and Dermot Bolger is of the same ilk. An exceptional literary gift.' Independent 'Bolger's writing is so strong, so exact, so much the right colour for each moment. Bare and passionate.' Financial Times 'A strong contender for the crown of Ireland's finest novelist.' Daily Mail 'Bolger is a lively writer. He is a bold storyteller and this bold endeavour, while flawed, is certainly never boring.' Lucy Atkins, Sunday Times 'Bolger has never written better. His has never been an imagination that works well in a vacuum, but the richness of Sheila Fitzgerald's experience and the obvious warmth that developed between them adds a special dimension to this remarkable book.'Scottish Sunday Herald