Sebastian Barry
Sebastian Barry was born on July 5th, 1955 and is currently 69 years old. Sebastian Barry was born in Dublin, Ireland. Barry attended Trinity College Dublin.
Sebastian Barry is a renowned Irish playwright, poet, and novelist celebrated for his poignant explorations of identity, history, and resilience. Serving as the Laureate for Irish Fiction from 2018 to 2021, Barry has garnered numerous accolades for his works, including
The Secret Scripture and
A Long Long Way, both of which were shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Additionally,
The Secret Scripture won the 2008 James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Costa Book of the Year Award. Barry's
Days Without End also claimed the Costa Book of the Year Prize, making him the first author to win the honor twice. His novel
On Canaan’s Side was longlisted for the Booker Prize.
Barry lives in County Wicklow, Ireland, and in 2001, he donated his extensive personal and professional archives—containing poetry, short stories, drawings, essays, and scripts—to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, Austin. Recognized for his literary contributions, he has received honorary degrees from the University of East Anglia (2010), NUI Galway (2012), and the Open University (2014).
Days Without End is a haunting yet hopeful narrative that delves into themes of love, self-renewal, and survival during the tumultuous era of the American Civil War. The story follows two young orphans, Thomas McNulty and John Cole, who forge a profound bond of friendship and love after meeting during a rainstorm. Despite enduring severe hardships—hunger, homelessness, and brutal violence—their loyalty to each other sustains them. Together, they enlist in the U.S. Army and navigate the atrocities of war, including battles with Native Americans and involvement in the Civil War. The couple adopts a young Sioux girl, creating an unconventional family amid chaos. Barry’s writing captures the brutality and prejudice of the time while highlighting the enduring power of love and human connection. This novel is a masterful blend of historical fiction and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of stories that celebrate resilience in the face of adversity.
A Long Long Way takes place against the backdrop of World War I and tells the heart-wrenching story of 18-year-old Willie Dunne, who leaves his Irish homeland to join the Allied forces fighting on the Western Front. Amid the horrors of trench warfare, Willie clings to letters from home and the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers to endure the relentless mud, death, and despair. When Willie returns to Ireland, he finds his homeland in turmoil, fractured by political upheaval. Torn between his loyalty to his country and his duty as a soldier, Willie faces inner conflicts that mirror the broader societal struggles of the time. Barry's evocative prose brings to life the devastating effects of war and the deep personal toll it takes on those who fight. This novel is a powerful and moving exploration of sacrifice, loyalty, and the unyielding human spirit, ideal for readers drawn to historical and wartime narratives.
Barry’s unique ability to infuse even the darkest stories with hope and resilience has solidified his place as one of Ireland’s most cherished literary figures.
Sebastian Barry: Awards & Accolades
Barry's books have won multiple awards, On Canaan's Side won the Walter Scott Prize, Best Historical Fiction Novel, in 2012. Days Without End won the Walter Scott Prize, Best Historical Fiction Novel, in 2017.
Sebastian Barry books have also been nominated for multiple awards, A Long Long Way was nominated for the Booker Prize, Best Fiction Book, in 2005. The Secret Scripture was nominated for the Booker Prize, Best Fiction Book, in 2008 as well as the Los Angeles Times Book Prize - Best Fiction in 2008. On Canaan's Side was nominated for the British Book Awards, International Author of the Year, in 2011. Days Without End was nominated for the British Book Awards, Fiction Book of the Year, in 2017.
Related Authors
The most common authors followed by users who also follow Sebastian Barry are:
- Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch Series.
- Paula Hawkins, author of the novel: The Girl on the Train.
- Amor Towles, author of the novel: A Gentleman in Moscow.
- James Patterson, author of the Alex Cross Series.
- John Grisham, author of the Jake Brigance Series.
Sebastian Barry: F.A.Q
When was Sebastian Barry Born? How old is Sebastian Barry?
Sebastian Barry was born on July 5th, 1955. Sebastian Barry is currently 69 years old.
Where was Sebastian Barry Born?
Sebastian Barry was born in Dublin, Ireland and is Irish.
What book awards has Sebastian Barry won?
What was the first book Sebastian Barry wrote?
The first book written by Sebastian Barry was Macker's Garden, published in 1982.
What was the most recent book Sebastian Barry wrote?
His most recently released work was Old God's Time on March 21st, 2023.
Will there be any more books by Sebastian Barry?
Sebastian Barry does not have any upcoming books with a set publication date within the next few months at this time.
How many books has Sebastian Barry written?
Sebastian Barry has written 29 books excluding contributions to anthologies. 2 books in the Days Without End Series, 4 books in the Dunne Family Series, 3 books in the McNulty Family Series, 8 Standalone Novels, 9 books in the Plays, 2 books in the Collections, 1 book in the Non-Fiction Books.