In praise of Anne Enright, by Sinéad Gleeson

We are not short of exceptional women writers in Ireland. When it comes to the canon and continuity, Anne Enright rightly sits alongside Elizabeth Bowen, Edna O'Brien and Maeve Brennan.

At the same time her work is so distinct that it’s difficult to compare her to another Irish writer. From page 1 of her stories and novels the voice is instantly recognisable. She is both expert and economist with words, and few writers can craft tone and mood – I never forget the mood of her books – the way she does.

The Forgotten Waltz, arguably the best fictional evocation of Ireland's recession, soars on its instincts; The Gathering is a landmark; and Making Babies is perhaps the funniest work of nonfiction ever written about parenthood.

Recent Irish literary writing has inched away from humour, but there is a charcoal seam in the spine of Enright’s books. There are also depth and transgression, especially about women’s lives, and even with familiar themes Enright inverts and dismantles all cliche. She is fearless, brash and brilliant.

Other favourites Maeve Brennan and Iris Murdoch.

Sinéad Gleeson presents The Book Show on RTÉ Radio 1