Anne Griffin: Award-Winning Irish Author
Anne Griffin is an acclaimed Irish author known for her bestselling novels “The Island of Longing,” “Listening Still,” and “When All is Said.” Born in Dublin, Anne now resides in Mullingar, County Westmeath, where she continues to craft her compelling stories. Her literary talent has garnered widespread recognition, earning her prestigious awards and nominations.
Anne’s debut novel, “When All is Said,” released in 2019, was met with critical acclaim and won the Irish Book Awards Newcomer of the Year Award. This novel, described by RTÉ’s Eileen Dunne as a “little peach of a book,” marked her as a significant new voice in Irish literature. Her subsequent novels, “Listening Still” (2021) and “The Island of Longing” (2023), have continued to captivate readers and critics alike, with the latter being chosen as Eason’s book of the month in May 2023.
Griffin’s work has been published in twenty-five territories and translated into twenty-three languages, reflecting her global appeal. Her literary achievements include being shortlisted for the John McGahern Annual Book Prize, the Kate O’Brien Award, and the Christopher Bland Prize. Additionally, she has been longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, further cementing her reputation as a leading contemporary author.
Anne’s journey to literary success is inspiring. Originally from a working-class family in Blackrock, Dublin, she worked for bookseller Waterstones before attending Maynooth University, where she qualified in community work. She later worked as a community development officer and in the voluntary sector. Anne began writing at the age of 44 and went on to complete an M.A. in Creative Writing at University College Dublin.
Initially gaining prominence as a short story writer, Anne won the John McGahern Award for Literature and was shortlisted for the Hennessy New Irish Writing Award and the Sunday Business Post Short Story Award. Her transition to novel writing has only expanded her acclaim and audience.
Anne Griffin’s literary works are celebrated for their deep emotional resonance and masterful storytelling, making her a cherished figure in Irish literature. Her dedication to her craft and ability to touch readers’ hearts worldwide highlight her exceptional talent and enduring impact on the literary world.
