Eilis Ni Dhuibhne's Dunmharu sa Daingean is the sort of souffled reading that has never been common in Irish. Certainly, there have been any number of (unintentionally) lightweight books but Ni Dhuibhne has deliberately written a simple, comprehensible story for the adult who knows how to read the language but doesn't usually bother.
Part Bridget Jones and part Miss Marple, Saoirse Ni Ghallchoir is a young woman artist who loses her job, boyfriend and flat in Dublin. The offer of a house in the Kerry Gaeltacht tempts her to up sticks in order to rediscover herself and her art. Subsequently, she finds herself caught up in a murder case.
Ni Dhuibhne, whose novel The Dancers Dancing was nominated for the Orange Prize for Fiction this year, has created an enjoyable read which won't stretch the reader's Irish or imagination too much. The opening chapters on the vacuity of life in the Temple Bar art scene and travelling on the DART are perceptive and there's a wry sense of humour and light touch throughout. That said, there are narrative weaknesses - in one ungracious moment, Saoirse mentally criticises a recently murdered acquaintance for holding up her development as an artist! - and some very nasty literal translations from English - "ras na bhfrancach", being one particularly painful example.
Mention must be made of the excellent production values of the Dublin-based publisher, Cois Life. This is a beautifully produced volume. Go on. Have a read.
Pol O Muiri is Irish Language Editor of The Irish Times