‘… an arresting and original novel that is grounded in its locale. From the stunning descriptions of the landscape, to the dialogue of dry Kerry wit, to the historical context of the nearby Gleann na nGealt (the Valley of the Mad), O’Regan makes great use of place to extrapolate upon his themes. In this way, Though the Bodies Fall reaches far beyond one family’s story, back through the ages to all the lives who have teetered on the edge.’
‘Perceptive… O’Regan writes about difficult subjects such as depression, trauma and absence with a quiet eloquence… O’Regan’s exploration of ordinary lives shattered by extraordinary circumstances, strained sibling relations and the vicissitudes of solitude is perceptive. In unfussy prose, O’Regan creates an evocative sense of place and depicts Micheál’s sense of duty, guilt and increasing self-neglect with unflinching honesty.’
‘Stunning… The prose is simple and highly effective… O’Regan writes with compassion and sensitivity about the people who Micheál tries to save… Hope comes with the morning light – and there is a lot of hope in Noel O’Regan’s enthralling debut novel, despite its dark subject’
‘A feeling of joy goes through me when I find a book I think is this special. This eloquently written debut is a contender for one of my books of the year.’