Booker longlist spot was unexpected for Barrett

Colin Barrett, author of the acclaimed novel Wild Houses, was pleasantly surprised to find his debut novel longlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize. He shared that he had not anticipated this recognition and was simply proud of his work. Barrett, hailing from the West of Ireland, highlighted the theme of community in his novel, set in Ballina, County Mayo.

Wild Houses revolves around Dev, a reclusive young man, who finds himself entangled in a crime committed by his cousins. The story shifts between Dev and Nicky, the girlfriend of the kidnapped victim, offering a unique perspective on the unfolding events.

Despite taking six years to write his first novel, Barrett remains committed to his craft, trusting his editors and expertise to bring his stories to life. As a writer-in-residence at University College Dublin, Barrett has already garnered acclaim for his short story collections, Young Skins and Homesickness.

Now on the longlist, Barrett eagerly awaits the final six books announcement in September, with hopes of clinching the prestigious Booker Prize in November.