How to Build a Boat

Author: Elaine FeeneyModern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)Published on 18th April 2024 by Vintage Publishing (Vintage) in the United Kingdom.Paperback / softback | 304 pages 198mm x 129mm | 213g ** SHORTLISTED FOR BEST NOVEL OF THE YEAR, IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2023 **** LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2023 **Meet Jamie and his community on the west coast of Ireland in the most uplifting and tender book of the yearA gorgeous gift of a novelDouglas Stuart, no.1 bestselling author of Shuggie BainHeart-rending and delightfulLouise Kennedy, no.1 bestselling author of TrespassesJamie ONeill loves the colour red. He also loves tall trees, patterns, rain that comes with wind, the curvature of many objects, books with dust jackets, cats, rivers and Edgar Allan Poe. At age 13 there are two things he especially wants in life: to build a Perpetual Motion Machine, and to connect with his mother Noelle, who died when he was born. In his mind these things are intimately linked. And at his new school, where all else is disorientating and overwhelming, he finds two people who might just be able to help him.How to Build a Boat is the story of how one boy and his mission transforms the lives of his teachers, Tess and Tadhg, and brings together a community. Written with tenderness and verve, its about love, family and connection, the power of imagination, and how our greatest adventures never happen alone.A heart-stopping read - Sinéad Gleeson, author of ConstellationsBursting with soul - Lisa McInerney, author of The Rules of RevelationI cant wait for readers to fall in love - Jan Carson, author of The Raptures