In a year brimming with literary talent, one novel has risen above the rest to claim the prestigious title of Irish Book of the Year 2025. But here’s where it gets controversial: The Ghosts of Rome by Joseph O’Connor has not only captivated readers but also sparked debates about the enduring relevance of historical fiction in today’s world. This gripping tale, set against the backdrop of Rome under Nazi control, paints a vivid and unflinching portrait of a city in turmoil—brutal, chaotic, and yet, strangely beautiful. It’s the second installment in O’Connor’s Escape Line trilogy, following the critically acclaimed My Father’s House, which has sold over 150,000 copies in English alone. The final book is eagerly anticipated for early 2027.
The competition was fierce, with The Ghosts of Rome vying against five other exceptional works, each a category winner at the Irish Book Awards. These included Ninety-Nine Words for Rain (and One for Sun) by Manchán Magan, a beautifully illustrated exploration of language and nature; Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell, a poignant tale of family and identity; Solo by Gráinne O’Brien, a compelling narrative of self-discovery; Heart on My Sleeve by Andrew Porter, a heartfelt memoir; and A Time for Truth by Sarah Corbett Lynch, a powerful account of justice and healing. Each of these books brought something unique to the table, making the judges’ decision no easy feat.
Paul Howard, chair of the judging panel, remarked, ‘Choosing a Book of the Year was like comparing apples and oranges—each book was outstanding in its own right. It took us nearly four hours of deliberation to crown a winner.’ And this is the part most people miss: What set The Ghosts of Rome apart wasn’t just its masterful storytelling but its timely exploration of ordinary people standing up to fascism. In an era where such themes resonate deeply, O’Connor’s novel feels both urgent and essential.
O’Connor himself expressed profound gratitude for the award, dedicating it to the real-life heroes of his story, including Hugh O’Flaherty, a priest whose courage saved thousands from tyranny. ‘I salute his magnificent spirit of resistance,’ O’Connor said. With 11 novels to his name, including bestsellers like Star of the Sea and Ghost Light, O’Connor’s work has been translated into 40 languages, cementing his place as a literary giant. In 2014, he was appointed Frank McCourt Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Limerick, further solidifying his impact on the literary world.
Boldly, let’s ask: Does historical fiction like The Ghosts of Rome merely entertain, or does it challenge us to confront the past and its echoes in the present? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this thought-provoking masterpiece.
