That They May Face the Rising Sun: Cillian Murphy: 'One of the greatest Irish writers’

With a new foreword by Kevin Barry, McGahern's 'timeless' (Sinéad Gleeson) novel of rural Irish life is perfect for admirers of Claire Keegan.

'I’m grateful for every sentence McGahern left in this world.' Donal Ryan

When the bells rang out for Mass, the strokes trembling on the water, they had the entire world to themselves.

Joe Ruttledge has returned to his native Ireland with his wife Kate. Leaving behind their life in London, the couple begin their new existence on a tranquil lakeside farm. Over a year, they become embedded in the rural community: entwined in the dramas of neighbours, friends and relatives, and immersed in the rhythm of the seasons, work, play, religion - and soon, their little world becomes an Everywhere: a universe in miniature, cast in light and dark.

'Extraordinary.' Colin Walsh
‘The preeminent Irish writer of his generation.’ Anne Enright
'McGahern’s exquisite sentences capture every nuance of elegy, regret, yearning and hope.' Andrew Michael Hurley

• Publication date: 30 July 2026
• Page count: 400
• Dimensions: Height 197 mm; Width 129 mm; Thickness 27 mm
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-13: 9780571399499