Noel O’Regan – Though The Bodies Fall  

 Though The Bodies Fall is the debut novel for accomplished short story writer Noel O’Regan. It tells the story of Michael who, following the death of his mother, has returned with his wife to live in the family cottage at the end of Kerry Head. As picturesque and peaceful as this life sounds, the cottage’s location comes at a price – it’s a known hotspot for suicides. Michael’s parents always felt it was their duty to save these lost souls – or visitors – and did so throughout their lives. However, for Michael, the continuation of their work comes at great personal expense. Though The Bodies Fall tells Michael’s story through a series of flashbacks interspersed with current situations – such as his siblings encouraging him to sell the land. O’Regan uses spare language to explore themes of isolation, estrangement and the exploration of ordinary lives shattered by extraordinary circumstances.  

O’Regan is a former Kerry writer in residence and the recipient of numerous prizes, including a 2022 Arts Council Next Generation Artist Award. His fiction has been published in The Stinging Fly, Ambit and The London Magazine.