Beth Crowe

begins university longing for a fresh start. She has potential as a competitive swimmer, but on campus, she is surprised to find herself among those who adore the poetry of her grandfather, Benjamin Crowe. Amongst an affair, she also finds herself compelled to discover the truth about him – but it means unearthing family secrets she had no idea were there. Eimear Ryan’s Holding Her Breath (Sandycove, approx €14.99, out June 17) is an enthralling Irish debut.