The Irish Muse

by Brian O'Sullivan

This intriguing collection of stories by new Irish writer Brian O’Sullivan puts an original twist on foreign and familiar territory. Merging the passion and wit of Irish storytelling with the down-to-earth flavour of contemporary New Zealand (where he currently resides), these stories will thrust you deep into the lives of:

* a ringmaster’s daughter who is too implausible to be true — despite all the evidence to the contrary
* an ageing nightclub gigolo in one last desperate bid to best a younger rival
* a Wellington consultant whose uncomplicated affair with a public service colleague proves anything but
* an Irish career woman in London stalked by a mysterious figure from her past
* a sleep-deprived translator struggling to make sense of bizarre events in a French city.

‘Leannán Sidhe’ (pronounced Lan-awn Shee) is a fairy or otherworld creature in Irish folklore; a muse that accepts a lover’s affection in return for the ability to create a work of art of immense feeling.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Brian O'Sullivan was born in county Cork, Ireland. On completing a degree at University College Cork, he went on to travel extensively. He is now based in New Zealand with his family but returns to Ireland on a regular basis.

Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy) and contemporary versions of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series and the Irish Woman Warrior Series).

Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style and humour has meant that his books have become firm favorites of readers all around the world.

The sixth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: The Betrayal) was released in April 2025.

The author is currently working on the next book in the Beara Series.