Memoir

Brave Rose McGowan HQ €21

Part memoir, part manifesto, this is a powerful roar of defiance directed at a maledominated film industry that has used and abused women, including the author.

Notes From The Cévennes Adam Thorpe Bloomsbury Continuum €23.79

Novelist Thorpe’s reflections on life in the rugged region of southern France where he has lived for the past 25 years. Some of these essays are funny, some serious. All are memorable.

People Like Me Lynn Ruane Gill Books €16.99

She grew up in a loving home in Tallaght but, as a teen, Lynn Ruane went off the rails, culminating in getting pregnant aged 15. This proved to be a turning point, after which she returned to education, and began campaigning for those on the margins of society. Now an independent member of the Seanad, this is a brave story, brilliantly told.

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life Eric Idle W&N €19.99

The Monty Python man embraced fame and became friends with George Harrison, David Bowie, Paul Simon and many others. This is an unashamedly starry autobiography, packed with hilarious namedropping anecdotes.

The Last Landlady Laura Thompson Unbound €23.79

Exquisitely observed and brilliantly written memoir of the life of the author’s grandmother, Vi, the first woman in England to hold a pub licence in her own name.

The Art Of Not Falling Apart Christina Patterson Atlantic €21

When your job is the only thing holding your life together, what happens when you get fired? Journalist Christina Patterson explains how she weathered the storm in this funny, frank book.