Tag: Anne Griffin

New Paperback Editions of WHEN ALL IS SAID on the way!

Posted on Thursday, June 20th, 2019

Today, we are able to share with you the covers for two fantastic, upcoming paperback editions of Anne Griffin‘s critically-acclaimed, best-selling debut — WHEN ALL IS SAID! Above you can see the new UK cover for the novel, and below is the cover that will grace the paperback in Ireland. Both editions are due to be published by Sceptre, on June 27th. Here’s the synopsis…

‘I’m here to remember – all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories – of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice – the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

WHEN ALL IS SAID has been showered in praise since review copies went out, and there appears to be no end in sight for this incredible outpouring of excellent reviews. Here are just a few of them…

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘A hugely enjoyable, engrossing novel, a genuine page-turner. Maurice is a fabulous character, wonderfully flawed and completely engaging; his voice is familiar and real, full of sadness and regret and defiance, and unexpected tenderness.’ — Donal Ryan, award-winning author of The Spinning Heart

‘[An] impressively confident debut … Maurice Hannigan emerges as an engaging, compassionate creation’ — Guardian

‘Pitch-perfect prose… Moving and beautifully written, this is a wonderfully assured debut.’ — Mail on Sunday

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘A proper tear-jerker, but one that will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.’ — Grazia

‘An intimate character study of a wealthy 80-year-old Co Meath farmer, WHEN ALL IS SAID is also a study of extreme reticence and self-sabotage, giving voice to a man who, in matters of the heart, has all too often chosen to remain silent… Griffin’s strength is in voice and in the rhythm of her prose, which is rich without being overwritten. A winner of the John McGahern Award for Literature, she fits into the Irish lyrical tradition… but WHEN ALL IS SAID feels like a bridge between the past and the present, Maurice’s belated loquacity breaking open that familiar Irish silence… a testament to Griffin’s talent that she paints such a complete portrait of a man whose contrariness disguises his stoicism. By the end of the novel his humanity is clear; he has made himself known.’ — Independent

‘Griffin’s portrait of an Irish octogenarian provides a stage for the exploration of guilt, regret, and loss, all in the course of one memorable night.’ — Kirkus

‘Maurice’s humor, his keen observations on class and family, and his colloquial language, as well as Griffin’s strong sense of place, create the feeling of a life connected to many others by strands of affection and hatred.’ — Publishers Weekly

The novel is also available in North America, published by St. Martin’s Press, and also in a growing number of translated editions.

Anne Griffin’s WHEN ALL IS SAID now available in Lithuania!

Posted on Monday, May 20th, 2019

WHEN ALL IS SAID, Anne Griffin‘s best-selling, critically-acclaimed and award-nominated debut novel, is available now in Lithuania! Published by Tyto Alba as KAI VISKAS PASAKYTA, here’s the synopsis…

Tikriausiai dėl pasakotojo, kuriam neįmanoma atsispirti, – Moriso Henigeno, išdidaus 84 metų airio. Tai ne pasigailėtinas senukas, o žmogus, nugyvenęs ilgą ir garbingą gyvenimą. Gyvenimą, vertą istorijos.

Jis sėdi prie baro viešbutyje, vienas kaip visuomet. Šis vakaras ypatingas. Šiandien Morisas turi tikslą ir planą. Bet pirmiausia mes turime išgirsti jo istoriją.

Prisėskite šalia.

Šį vakarą Morisas penkis kartus pakels savąjį stiklą už žmones, kurie jo gyvenime buvo svarbiausi. Penki tostai – penkios istorijos apie laimę, kuri taip ir liko neišsakyta, apie netektis, apie kerštą ir neapykantą, visą gyvenimą rusenusią po pelenais, apie meilę, apie ištikimybę. Apie godumą, turtą ir atleidimą.

Moriso Henigeno gyvenimas buvo ilgas ir turiningas. Tai gyvenimas stipraus vyro, mokėjusio mylėti ir neapkęsti, gailėtis ir valdyti, iškęsti vargą ir nepriteklius. Nemokėjo jis tik vieno – kalbėti apie tai, ką jaučia, bet šiandien jo žodžiai liete liejasi.

WHEN ALL IS SAID is published in the UK by Sceptre, in North America by St. Martin’s Press, and is also available in a growing number of translated editions. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember – all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories – of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice – the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

Here’s just a small selection taken from the aforementioned critical acclaim the novel has enjoyed since release…

‘A hugely enjoyable, engrossing novel, a genuine page-turner.’ — Donal Ryan

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears.’ — John Boyne

‘Griffin is a magical storyteller whose prose is effortless and clear. She conjures an intimate, poignant and ultimately enthralling portrait of a man who has battled loneliness and other demons throughout his life.’ — Fanny Blake

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘[An] impressively confident debut … Maurice Hannigan emerges as an engaging, compassionate creation’ — Guardian

‘Pitch-perfect prose… Moving and beautifully written, this is a wonderfully assured debut.’ — Mail on Sunday

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘A proper tear-jerker, but one that will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.’ — Grazia

‘Griffin’s portrait of an Irish octogenarian provides a stage for the exploration of guilt, regret, and loss, all in the course of one memorable night.’ — Kirkus

‘Maurice’s humor, his keen observations on class and family, and his colloquial language, as well as Griffin’s strong sense of place, create the feeling of a life connected to many others by strands of affection and hatred.’ — Publishers Weekly

WHEN ALL IS SAID a finalist for Big Book Awards!

Posted on Monday, May 13th, 2019

Anne Griffin‘s best-selling, critically-acclaimed debut, WHEN ALL IS SAID is nominated for Good Housekeeping’s Big Book Award 2019! The award, given by Hearst UK, is intended to ‘highlight[…] the finest new or emerging fiction and non-fiction titles in UK publishing’. Huge congratulations to Anne on this very well-deserved nomination!

The novel is published by Sceptre in the UK and Thomas Dunne Books in North America. Here’s the synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

Here is just some of the aforementioned critical acclaim…

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘Beautiful. Intimate. Tearful. Aching and lyrical. So simply and beautifully told.’ — Louise Penny

‘Beautifully written, unhurried and thoughtful, a lonely man truthfully wrought and a character you love from the off, in spite of his flaws or maybe because of them… a terrific debut.’ — Kit de Waal, award-winning author of My Name is Leon

‘A hugely enjoyable, engrossing novel, a genuine page-turner. Maurice is a fabulous character, wonderfully flawed and completely engaging; his voice is familiar and real, full of sadness and regret and defiance, and unexpected tenderness.’ — Donal Ryan, award-winning author of The Spinning Heart

‘Pitch-perfect prose… Moving and beautifully written, this is a wonderfully assured debut.’ — Mail on Sunday

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘A proper tear-jerker, but one that will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.’ — Grazia

‘An intimate character study of a wealthy 80-year-old Co Meath farmer, WHEN ALL IS SAID is also a study of extreme reticence and self-sabotage, giving voice to a man who, in matters of the heart, has all too often chosen to remain silent… Griffin’s strength is in voice and in the rhythm of her prose, which is rich without being overwritten. A winner of the John McGahern Award for Literature, she fits into the Irish lyrical tradition… but WHEN ALL IS SAID feels like a bridge between the past and the present, Maurice’s belated loquacity breaking open that familiar Irish silence… a testament to Griffin’s talent that she paints such a complete portrait of a man whose contrariness disguises his stoicism. By the end of the novel his humanity is clear; he has made himself known.’ — Independent

‘Griffin’s portrait of an Irish octogenarian provides a stage for the exploration of guilt, regret, and loss, all in the course of one memorable night.’ — Kirkus

‘Maurice’s humor, his keen observations on class and family, and his colloquial language, as well as Griffin’s strong sense of place, create the feeling of a life connected to many others by strands of affection and hatred.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘The most impressive aspects of this first novel from the pen of prize-winning short-story writer Anne Griffin are its rich, flowing prose, its convincing voice, and its imaginative and clever structure. She has complete mastery of her quite complex plot, and manages to imbue her sizeable cast of diverse characters with life and energy… Griffin is a writer of unusual confidence and authority, and a welcome arrival to the literary scene.’ — Irish Times

This Friday: Anne Griffin will be at Cork World Book Fest!

Posted on Wednesday, April 24th, 2019

Just a quick announcement/reminder, to let you know that Anne Griffin will be at Cork World Book Fest this Friday (26th) at 8pm! Anne will be taking the stage with Kit de Waal and in conversation with Paul McVeigh.

Anne is the author of WHEN ALL IS SAID, the best-selling, critically-acclaimed debut novel. de Waal was one of the first people to read and praise the novel, describing it as ‘Beautifully written… a terrific debut.’

The novel is out now in the UK and Ireland, published by Sceptre. Here’s the synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual — though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

The novel has also been published in North America (Thomas Dunne Books), France (Delcourt Littérature) and the Netherlands (Harper Collins).

Here is just some of the aforementioned critical acclaim that WHEN ALL IS SAID has received…

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘Beautiful. Intimate. Tearful. Aching and lyrical. So simply and beautifully told.’ — Louise Penny

‘Griffin’s portrait of an Irish octogenarian provides a stage for the exploration of guilt, regret, and loss, all in the course of one memorable night.’ — Kirkus

‘Maurice’s humor, his keen observations on class and family, and his colloquial language, as well as Griffin’s strong sense of place, create the feeling of a life connected to many others by strands of affection and hatred.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘The most impressive aspects of this first novel from the pen of prize-winning short-story writer Anne Griffin are its rich, flowing prose, its convincing voice, and its imaginative and clever structure. She has complete mastery of her quite complex plot, and manages to imbue her sizeable cast of diverse characters with life and energy… Griffin is a writer of unusual confidence and authority, and a welcome arrival to the literary scene.’ — Irish Times

WHEN ALL IS SAID out now in the Netherlands!

Posted on Tuesday, April 9th, 2019

Already a best-seller in Ireland, and a critical success on both sides of the Pond, Anne Griffin‘s debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID is now available in the Netherlands! Published in Dutch by Harper Collins as ALS ALLES IS GEZEGD, here’s the synopsis…

Als je vijf mensen zou moeten opnoemen die het belangrijkst zijn geweest in je leven, wie zou je dan kiezen? Als je op ieder van hen een toost zou uitbrengen, wat zou je dan zeggen? En wat zou je over jezelf te weten komen als alles is gezegd en gedaan?

Op een avond in juni bestelt de vierentachtigjarige Maurice Hannigan vijf drankjes aan de bar van een hotel. Met elk drankje heft hij het glas op iemand die belangrijk voor hem is geweest. Zijn jonggestorven broer, zijn complexe schoonzus, zijn dochtertje dat slechts vijftien minuten oud werd, zijn zoon in het verre Amerika en zijn geliefde vrouw. Door deze mensen, die hem inmiddels allemaal hebben verlaten, vertelt hij zijn levensverhaal, met alle spijt, ruzies, vreugde en liefde die erbij horen.

Maurice Hannigan heft nog vijf keer het glas op zijn leven.

Published in the UK by Sceptre and in North America by St. Martin’s Press, here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

We’re pleased to re-state, also, that there are more editions of the novel on the way. Keep your eyes on our news- and Twitter feeds for more information. We’ll share it as soon as we have it.

Here is just a small selection of that praise that the novel has enjoyed since it was made available to readers, reviewers and fellow authors…

 

‘Griffin’s portrait of an Irish octogenarian provides a stage for the exploration of guilt, regret, and loss, all in the course of one memorable night.’ — Kirkus

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘Maurice’s humor, his keen observations on class and family, and his colloquial language, as well as Griffin’s strong sense of place, create the feeling of a life connected to many others by strands of affection and hatred.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Beautiful. Intimate. Tearful. Aching and lyrical. So simply and beautifully told.’ — Louise Penny

‘Pitch-perfect prose… Moving and beautifully written, this is a wonderfully assured debut.’ — Mail on Sunday

‘The most impressive aspects of this first novel from the pen of prize-winning short-story writer Anne Griffin are its rich, flowing prose, its convincing voice, and its imaginative and clever structure. She has complete mastery of her quite complex plot, and manages to imbue her sizeable cast of diverse characters with life and energy… Griffin is a writer of unusual confidence and authority, and a welcome arrival to the literary scene.’ — Irish Times

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘A proper tear-jerker, but one that will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.’ — Grazia

Anne Griffin’s TOUTE UNE VIE ET UN SOIR out now in France!

Posted on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

Anne Griffin‘s debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID is out now in France! Published by Delcourt as TOUTE UNE VIE ET UN SOIR, here’s the synopsis…

Dans une bourgade du comté de Meath, Maurice Hannigan, un vieux fermier, s’installe au bar du Rainsford House Hotel. Il est seul, comme toujours – sauf que, ce soir, rien n’est pareil : Maurice, à sa manière, est enfin prêt à raconter son histoire. Il est là pour se souvenir — de tout ce qu’il a été et de tout ce qu’il ne sera plus. Au fil de la soirée, il veut porter cinq toasts aux cinq personnes qui ont le plus compté pour lui. Il lève son verre à son grand frère Tony, à l’innocente Noreen, sa belle-soeur un peu timbrée, à la petite Molly, son premier enfant trop tôt disparu, au talent de son fils journaliste qui mène sa vie aux États-Unis, et enfin à la modestie de Sadie, sa femme tant aimée, partie deux ans plus tôt. Au fil de ces hommages, c’est toute une vie qui se révèle dans sa vérité franche et poignante…

WHEN ALL IS SAID is out now in the UK, published by Sceptre; and in North America, published by St. Martin’s Press. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

Be sure to keep your eyes on our news- and Twitter feeds for information about other upcoming translations of the novel.

Here is just a small selection of that praise that the novel has enjoyed since it was made available to readers, reviewers and fellow authors…

‘Griffin’s portrait of an Irish octogenarian provides a stage for the exploration of guilt, regret, and loss, all in the course of one memorable night.’ — Kirkus

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘Maurice’s humor, his keen observations on class and family, and his colloquial language, as well as Griffin’s strong sense of place, create the feeling of a life connected to many others by strands of affection and hatred.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘The most impressive aspects of this first novel from the pen of prize-winning short-story writer Anne Griffin are its rich, flowing prose, its convincing voice, and its imaginative and clever structure. She has complete mastery of her quite complex plot, and manages to imbue her sizeable cast of diverse characters with life and energy… Griffin is a writer of unusual confidence and authority, and a welcome arrival to the literary scene.’ — Irish Times

‘Pitch-perfect prose… Moving and beautifully written, this is a wonderfully assured debut.’ — Mail on Sunday

‘Beautiful. Intimate. Tearful. Aching and lyrical. So simply and beautifully told.’ — Louise Penny

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘A proper tear-jerker, but one that will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.’ — Grazia

Dutch edition of WHEN ALL IS SAID out next week!

Posted on Monday, April 1st, 2019

Next week, Anne Griffin‘s critically-acclaimed and best-selling debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID is getting a Dutch edition! Due to be published in the Netherlands by Harper Collins as ALS ALLES IS GEZEGD on April 9th, here’s the synopsis…

Als je vijf mensen zou moeten opnoemen die het belangrijkst zijn geweest in je leven, wie zou je dan kiezen? Als je op ieder van hen een toost zou uitbrengen, wat zou je dan zeggen? En wat zou je over jezelf te weten komen als alles is gezegd en gedaan?

Op een avond in juni bestelt de vierentachtigjarige Maurice Hannigan vijf drankjes aan de bar van een hotel. Met elk drankje heft hij het glas op iemand die belangrijk voor hem is geweest. Zijn jonggestorven broer, zijn complexe schoonzus, zijn dochtertje dat slechts vijftien minuten oud werd, zijn zoon in het verre Amerika en zijn geliefde vrouw. Door deze mensen, die hem inmiddels allemaal hebben verlaten, vertelt hij zijn levensverhaal, met alle spijt, ruzies, vreugde en liefde die erbij horen.

Maurice Hannigan heft nog vijf keer het glas op zijn leven.

The novel is already published in the UK by Sceptre and in North America by St. Martin’s Press (with more editions on the way!). Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

As we said at the top, WHEN ALL IS SAID has been critically-acclaimed. Here is just a small selection of that praise…

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘Beautiful. Intimate. Tearful. Aching and lyrical. So simply and beautifully told.’ — Louise Penny

‘Pitch-perfect prose… Moving and beautifully written, this is a wonderfully assured debut.’ — Mail on Sunday

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘A proper tear-jerker, but one that will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.’ — Grazia

‘Griffin’s portrait of an Irish octogenarian provides a stage for the exploration of guilt, regret, and loss, all in the course of one memorable night.’ — Kirkus

‘Maurice’s humor, his keen observations on class and family, and his colloquial language, as well as Griffin’s strong sense of place, create the feeling of a life connected to many others by strands of affection and hatred.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘The most impressive aspects of this first novel from the pen of prize-winning short-story writer Anne Griffin are its rich, flowing prose, its convincing voice, and its imaginative and clever structure. She has complete mastery of her quite complex plot, and manages to imbue her sizeable cast of diverse characters with life and energy… Griffin is a writer of unusual confidence and authority, and a welcome arrival to the literary scene.’ — Irish Times

WHEN ALL IS SAID, Anne Griffin’s critically-acclaimed debut, out tomorrow in North America!

Posted on Monday, March 4th, 2019

Already a bestseller and critical hit in the UK and Ireland, Anne Griffin‘s WHEN ALL IS SAID will arrive in North American stores tomorrow! Published by Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s Press, here’s the synopsis…

“I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.”

If you had to pick five people to sum up your life, who would they be? If you were to raise a glass to each of them, what would you say? And what would you learn about yourself, when all is said?

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual — though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerful and poignantly laid bare.

Beautifully heart-warming and powerfully felt, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said and done.

Published in the UK and Ireland by Sceptre, the novel has been praised far and wide on this side of the Pond.

Here are just a few of the reviews the novel has received so far…

‘This is how you tell a story’ — Cecelia Ahern

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘Beautiful. Intimate. Tearful. Aching and lyrical. So simply and beautifully told.’ — Louise Penny

‘A book to savour, and pass on. An absolute joy’ — Sunday Mirror

‘[An] impressively confident debut … Maurice Hannigan emerges as an engaging, compassionate creation’ — Guardian

‘Beautifully written, unhurried and thoughtful, and a character you love from the off’ — Kit de Waal

‘Anne Griffin has fashioned a rare jewel’ — John Banville

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘An intimate character study… Griffin’s strength is in voice and in the rhythm of her prose, which is rich without being overwritten… a testament to Griffin’s talent that she paints such a complete portrait of a man whose contrariness disguises his stoicism. By the end of the novel his humanity is clear; he has made himself known.’ — Independent

WHEN ALL IS SAID, this is a nice French cover for Anne Griffin’s debut…

Posted on Thursday, February 14th, 2019

Above you can see the French cover for Anne Griffin‘s critically-acclaimed debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID. Due to be published by Delcourt as TOUTE UNE VIE ET UN SOIR, on April 3rd, we don’t have a French synopsis just yet. The novel is out now in the UK, published by Sceptre, and is due to be published in the US by St. Martin’s Press in March. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual — though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

The novel has also been sold widely in other territories. We’ll have some more covers and details for you soon.

Here is just a small selection of the aforementioned critical-acclaim that WHEN ALL IS SAID has received so far…

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘Pitch-perfect prose… Moving and beautifully written, this is a wonderfully assured debut.’ — Mail on Sunday

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘A proper tear-jerker, but one that will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.’ — Grazia

‘A beautifully written, perfectly paced, heartfelt novel.’ — Saga Magazine

Heads-Up: Anne Griffin to Guest on Graham Norton’s Radio Show this Saturday!

Posted on Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

Just a quick heads-up: we’re very happy to report that Anne Griffin will be a guest on Graham Norton’s BBC Radio 2 show this Saturday! Anne will be discussing her critically-acclaimed and bestselling debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID! The show airs at 10am, but will also be available through the BBC’s various online media, too.

Graham was an early fan and supporter of WHEN ALL IS SAID…

WHEN ALL IS SAID is published by Sceptre in the UK, and is due to be published in North America by Thomas Dunne Books, in March. There are multiple translated editions on the horizon, too, and we’ll share information and covers as soon as we have them. In the meantime, here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

Anne Griffin’s WHEN ALL IS SAID is a #1 Bestseller!

Posted on Monday, February 4th, 2019

We’re very happy to report that, after a spectacular first week, Anne Griffin‘s superb debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID, is the #1 bestseller in Ireland! Congratulations Anne! Absolutely deserved success.

Specifics can be found here, but we wanted to share this bit from the article…

This week’s featured book is brand new out and has gone straight to the top of the chart in just two days. When All is Said by Anne Griffin (what a lovely cover!) is proving to be immensely popular and is storming miles ahead of The Tattooist of Auschwitz with almost 2000 sales since release and glowing reviews from big names like John Boyne, Donal Ryan and Graham Norton, to name just a few.

The novel is out now, published in the UK and Ireland by Sceptre. Here’s the synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual — though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

WHEN ALL IS SAID is due to be published in the US by Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s Press, in March (cover below). The novel has received an outpouring of love since review copies were sent out, and even more from readers and reviewers since its UK release. Here is just a small selection of praise…

‘A book to savour, and pass on. An absolute joy’ — Sunday Mirror

‘This is how you tell a story’ — Cecelia Ahern

‘Beautifully written, unhurried and thoughtful, and a character you love from the off’ — Kit de Waal

‘Anne Griffin has fashioned a rare jewel’ — John Banville

‘Masterful storytelling’ — Graham Norton

‘[An] impressively confident debut… Maurice Hannigan emerges as an engaging, compassionate creation’ — Guardian

‘Warning: it is impossible to read the last chapter of this book without weeping copious tears… an ingenious narrative… Maurice’s toast to his late wife that will leave you reeling though. Here is a man who deeply loved a woman but just didn’t know how to show it (often held back by his own parsimony), stifling her in the process until one day she rebels in the smallest but most moving of ways. When you read that page, you might want to get the tissues at the ready…’ — Stylist

‘Pitch-perfect prose… Moving and beautifully written, this is a wonderfully assured debut.’ — Mail on Sunday

‘It’s all beautifully done; a tale told in the plain but poetic prose of a man who recognises the tragic truths gleaned from a life of love and loss. A gem of a book.’ 5* — Sunday Express

‘A proper tear-jerker, but one that will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.’ — Grazia

‘A beautifully written, perfectly paced, heartfelt novel.’ — Saga Magazine

If you’d like to hear Anne talk about the novel, she was interviewed for BBC Radio’s Front Row, which you can listen to here.

Anne Griffin’s highly-anticipated debut, WHEN ALL IS SAID is out now in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, January 24th, 2019

The wait is finally over: Anne Griffin‘s highly-anticipated, already critically-acclaimed debut WHEN ALL IS SAID is out today in the UK! Published by Sceptre, here’s the synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual — though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

As we mentioned at the top, the novel has already received an incredible amount of praise from far and wide: reviewers, bloggers and celebrated authors have taken to their websites, Twitter and interviews to mention how much they loved WHEN ALL IS SAID. Here is just a small selection from the reviews…

‘Anne Griffin’s debut novel is a must read. Beautifully observed, masterful story telling – stunning!’ — Graham Norton

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘Poetic and touching without being sentimental… something special.’ — Good Housekeeping

‘Warning: it is impossible to read the last chapter of this book without weeping copious tears… an ingenious narrative… Maurice’s toast to his late wife that will leave you reeling though. Here is a man who deeply loved a woman but just didn’t know how to show it (often held back by his own parsimony), stifling her in the process until one day she rebels in the smallest but most moving of ways. When you read that page, you might want to get the tissues at the ready…’ — Stylist

‘Beautifully written, unhurried and thoughtful, a lonely man truthfully wrought and a character you love from the off, in spite of his flaws or maybe because of them… a terrific debut.’ — Kit de Waal, award-winning author of My Name is Leon

‘A hugely enjoyable, engrossing novel, a genuine page-turner. Maurice is a fabulous character, wonderfully flawed and completely engaging; his voice is familiar and real, full of sadness and regret and defiance, and unexpected tenderness.’ — Donal Ryan, award-winning author of The Spinning Heart

‘Anne Griffin is a writer with a bright, bright future.’ — Janet Peery (National Book Award finalist)

WHEN ALL IS SAID is due to be published in North America by St. Martin’s Press, in March. The novel has also been sold in a number of other territories, and we’ll share details and covers as soon as we have them.

Waterstones Running a Competition for Anne Griffin’s WHEN ALL IS SAID! (UK only)

Posted on Friday, January 18th, 2019

To celebrate the upcoming release of Anne Griffin‘s critically-acclaimed debut, WHEN ALL IS SAID, Waterstones are running a great competition! Full details can be found on the bookseller’s website, but on offer is a bottle of Midleton Very Rare Irish whiskey, a tasting set and six Master of Malt tasting glasses.

You may be asking yourself what prompted the competition. Well, during WHEN ALL IS SAID, main character Maurice Hannigan says:

‘Midleton, you can’t fault it. Majestic stuff.’

Does one need more of a reason? Didn’t think so. The competition is open to those aged 18+ residents of the UK, and closes on January 23rd.

WHEN ALL IS SAID is due to be published next week (24th) in the UK by Sceptre. The novel is due to be published in the US by St. Martin’s Press, in March (cover below). Here’s the synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember — all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual — though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

WHEN ALL IS SAID, Anne Griffin’s hotly-anticipated debut out next year!

Posted on Thursday, December 6th, 2018

Above you can see the lovely UK cover for Anne Griffin‘s highly-anticipated and already-critically-acclaimed debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID. Due to be published in January by Hodder in the UK, here’s the synopsis…

‘I’m here to remember – all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual — though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories – of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

The novel is also due to be published next year (March) in North America by St. Martin’s Press, with many translation editions on the way as well! We’ll keep you updated on these upcoming editions as soon as we have more information.

As we stated above, the novel has already been receiving some incredible reviews, from authors, reviewers and others. Here are just two examples, from Graham Norton and Cecelia Ahern…!

Here are some more early reviews…

‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears… There is something special here.’ — John Boyne

‘Beautifully written, unhurried and thoughtful, a lonely man truthfully wrought and a character you love from the off, in spite of his flaws or maybe because of them… a terrific debut.’ — Kit de Waal, award-winning author of My Name is Leon

‘A hugely enjoyable, engrossing novel, a genuine page-turner. Maurice is a fabulous character, wonderfully flawed and completely engaging; his voice is familiar and real, full of sadness and regret and defiance, and unexpected tenderness.’ — Donal Ryan, award-winning author of The Spinning Heart

‘Anne Griffin is a writer with a bright, bright future.’ — Janet Peery (National Book Award finalist)

‘WHEN ALL IS SAID captures the texture of a night catching up with an old friend — the pleasures and comforts, the stories and surprises — one that you never want to end, and all the more bittersweet because you know, of course, that it must.’ — Kathleen Rooney, author of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

WHEN ALL IS SAID in March — Anne Griffin’s debut out next year!

Posted on Friday, July 27th, 2018

Anne Griffin‘s debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID, is due to be published next year! Above you can see the cover for the US edition, published in March by Thomas Dunne Books.

A tale of a single night. The story of a lifetime.

If you had to pick five people to sum up your life, who would they be? If you were to raise a glass to each of them, what would you say? And what would you learn about yourself, when all is said and done?

This is the story of Maurice Hannigan, who, over the course of a Saturday night in June, orders five different drinks at the Rainford House Hotel. With each he toasts a person vital to him: his doomed older brother, his troubled sister-in-law, his daughter of fifteen minutes, his son far off in America, and his late, lamented wife. And through these people, the ones who left him behind, he tells the story of his own life, with all its regrets and feuds, loves and triumphs.

WHEN ALL IS SAID has already been receiving some fantastic advance praise; including this quote from John Boyne (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas): ‘An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears.’

Thomas Dunne Books bought the novel as part of a two-book deal, you can read the announcement here. WHEN ALL IS SAID has also been bought by Sceptre for the UK (due out in January 2019), and translation rights have been sold in a number of other territories (we’ll share more news and covers as soon as we can).