Book cover of Dark Lies the Island: Stories

Book description

Kevin Barry's deliciously wicked collection Dark Lies the Island delivers on the many reckless promises made by his virtuosic and prizewinning debut novel, City of Bohane. It firmly establishes him as both a world-class word slinger and a masterful storyteller.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Dark Lies the Island as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I wholeheartedly recommend this entire short story collection, but the title story, which centers on a recent high school grad, is a standout. While her architect father gallivants around Spain, Sara is left alone in his cold, modernist home on the coast of County Cork and battles her compulsion to self-harm.

This is a delicate subject matter, but it’s another example of an adult man inhabiting the mind of a teenage girl with a surprising facility. Kevin Barry is hands-down one of the best contemporary writers working today—no one uses language quite so inventively. Not for nothing, he’s one of…

From Caroline's list on for adults about being a teenager.

If you love Dark Lies the Island...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Dark Lies the Island?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 16 books like Dark Lies the Island.

Browse books like Dark Lies the Island

Book cover of Prep
Book cover of Anthropology of an American Girl
Book cover of Special Topics in Calamity Physics

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Dark Lies the Island, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!