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Ordinary Saints
An unmissable, award-winning exploration of family, grief, queer identity, and the legacy of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
*SELECTED AS A RADIO 2 BOOKCLUB PICK*
*WINNER OF THE INAUGURAL PFD QUEER FICTION PRIZE*
*SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE DISCOVERIES AWARD*
*A BOOKSELLER PICK OF THE MONTH*
'Beautifully written and brilliant on grief, love and family expectations. Wonderful' Daily Mail
'A sparkling debut. Absolutely brilliant' Sara Cox
Can you imagine it? I'd say to them. Can you imagine me there in the front row in Saint Peter's Square? The lesbian sister of a literal saint.
Brought up in a devout household in Ireland, Jay is now living in London with her girlfriend, determined to live day to day and not think too much about either the future or the past. But when she learns that her beloved older brother, who died in a terrible accident, may be made into a Catholic saint, she realises she must at last confront her family, her childhood and herself . . .
Inspired by the author's own devout upbringing, Ordinary Saints is a brilliant debut novel from a fresh, exciting new voice which asks - who gets to decide how we are remembered - and who we will become?
More praise for Ordinary Saints:
'Stunning. A beautiful story about the awkward, often painful silences around dinner tables. A fresh funny, honest portrayal of familial love. I adored it' Louise Nealon, international bestselling author of Snowflake
'The best debut novel I've read in a long time. Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin is a writer of immense delicacy, perception and heart, drilling deep into questions of faith, family and love. A beautiful novel and a huge talent'
Jessica Moor
'Funny and deeply moving. I adored it'
Chloe Michelle Howarth, author of Sunburn
'Mesmerising and original, Ordinary Saints is quite a an empathetic, heart-felt and nuanced exploration of the Catholic church in modern Ireland, queer identity, family and so much more. I absolutely loved it'
Victoria MacKenzie, award-winning author of For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy on My Little Pain
'An engrossing and absorbing read . . . Uplifting and absolutely gripping' Rachel Dawson, author of Neon Roses
'Ní Mhaoileoin's writing has a real magic to it that hits you right from the first sentence'
Okechukwu Nzelu
'I both learnt - and felt - a lot reading Ordinary Saints. An intriguing, compelling and deeply original debut'
Roxy Dunn, author of As Young As This
'An outstanding debut. Delicately woven through with the threads of modern Irishness. Emotionally intelligent, hilarious, superb'
Soula Emmanuel, author of Wild Geese
'A clever, emotionally complex, and unfailingly generous debut, I found Ordinary Saints both deeply moving and utterly gripping'
Kate Young, author of Experienced
*SELECTED AS A RADIO 2 BOOKCLUB PICK*
*WINNER OF THE INAUGURAL PFD QUEER FICTION PRIZE*
*SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE DISCOVERIES AWARD*
*A BOOKSELLER PICK OF THE MONTH*
'Beautifully written and brilliant on grief, love and family expectations. Wonderful' Daily Mail
'A sparkling debut. Absolutely brilliant' Sara Cox
Can you imagine it? I'd say to them. Can you imagine me there in the front row in Saint Peter's Square? The lesbian sister of a literal saint.
Brought up in a devout household in Ireland, Jay is now living in London with her girlfriend, determined to live day to day and not think too much about either the future or the past. But when she learns that her beloved older brother, who died in a terrible accident, may be made into a Catholic saint, she realises she must at last confront her family, her childhood and herself . . .
Inspired by the author's own devout upbringing, Ordinary Saints is a brilliant debut novel from a fresh, exciting new voice which asks - who gets to decide how we are remembered - and who we will become?
More praise for Ordinary Saints:
'Stunning. A beautiful story about the awkward, often painful silences around dinner tables. A fresh funny, honest portrayal of familial love. I adored it' Louise Nealon, international bestselling author of Snowflake
'The best debut novel I've read in a long time. Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin is a writer of immense delicacy, perception and heart, drilling deep into questions of faith, family and love. A beautiful novel and a huge talent'
Jessica Moor
'Funny and deeply moving. I adored it'
Chloe Michelle Howarth, author of Sunburn
'Mesmerising and original, Ordinary Saints is quite a an empathetic, heart-felt and nuanced exploration of the Catholic church in modern Ireland, queer identity, family and so much more. I absolutely loved it'
Victoria MacKenzie, award-winning author of For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy on My Little Pain
'An engrossing and absorbing read . . . Uplifting and absolutely gripping' Rachel Dawson, author of Neon Roses
'Ní Mhaoileoin's writing has a real magic to it that hits you right from the first sentence'
Okechukwu Nzelu
'I both learnt - and felt - a lot reading Ordinary Saints. An intriguing, compelling and deeply original debut'
Roxy Dunn, author of As Young As This
'An outstanding debut. Delicately woven through with the threads of modern Irishness. Emotionally intelligent, hilarious, superb'
Soula Emmanuel, author of Wild Geese
'A clever, emotionally complex, and unfailingly generous debut, I found Ordinary Saints both deeply moving and utterly gripping'
Kate Young, author of Experienced
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First published April 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews
April 22, 2025
Ordinary Saints is the best book I’ve read so far this year. Multiple times while reading it, I declared to anyone in my family who’d listen (!), “this book is absolutely brilliant”.
The author perfectly encapsulates the absurdities and peculiarities of Irish Catholicism, from the veneration of saints to the unspoken, buried traumas - all of it wrapped up in clear-eyed, precise prose and a fascinating, gently provocative and compelling story.
Jay (Jacinta) is a queer Irish woman building a life for herself in London when word comes through from her family at home in Ireland that her late brother Ferdia may be made into a Catholic saint.
In a first person narrative that moves fluidly from present to past and back again, the reader gets to know Jay and Jay’s family in all of their complexity and simplicity. Relationships, beliefs and uncomfortable truths sit side by side and are handled with nuance and sensitivity, and for me, a grimy layer is gently pulled away to expose the totally mad paradox that is Irish Catholicism. You could write a thesis on it, but why would you when you could just read Niamh’s brilliant book instead?
This is Ní Mhaoileoin’s debut novel. She was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize Discoveries Award and awarded the PFD Queer Fiction Prize in 2022. She has a hugely bright figure ahead of her and this deserves to be a bestseller read by book clubs everywhere. Loved it. 5/5⭐️
*Huge thanks to @bonnierbooks_uk @gillhessltd for sending me an advance #gifted copy. Ordinary Saints will be published this week (25 April) but is likely already widely available in Irish bookshops!
The author perfectly encapsulates the absurdities and peculiarities of Irish Catholicism, from the veneration of saints to the unspoken, buried traumas - all of it wrapped up in clear-eyed, precise prose and a fascinating, gently provocative and compelling story.
Jay (Jacinta) is a queer Irish woman building a life for herself in London when word comes through from her family at home in Ireland that her late brother Ferdia may be made into a Catholic saint.
In a first person narrative that moves fluidly from present to past and back again, the reader gets to know Jay and Jay’s family in all of their complexity and simplicity. Relationships, beliefs and uncomfortable truths sit side by side and are handled with nuance and sensitivity, and for me, a grimy layer is gently pulled away to expose the totally mad paradox that is Irish Catholicism. You could write a thesis on it, but why would you when you could just read Niamh’s brilliant book instead?
This is Ní Mhaoileoin’s debut novel. She was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize Discoveries Award and awarded the PFD Queer Fiction Prize in 2022. She has a hugely bright figure ahead of her and this deserves to be a bestseller read by book clubs everywhere. Loved it. 5/5⭐️
*Huge thanks to @bonnierbooks_uk @gillhessltd for sending me an advance #gifted copy. Ordinary Saints will be published this week (25 April) but is likely already widely available in Irish bookshops!
May 27, 2025
Truly exceptional. The way this novel moves is like a dream, amazing plotting, emotional payoffs and such beautifully complex relationships. It's hilarious and still manages to pack emotional gut punches that left me winded every few chapters.
Catholic trauma and queerness, the perfect combo.
Catholic trauma and queerness, the perfect combo.
July 23, 2025
“Can you imagine it? Can you imagine me there in the front row in Saint Peter’s Square? The lesbian sister of a literal saint.”
This is perhaps the easiest five star review I have ever given. If this is Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin’s debut, I can only imagine what we will see from her in years to come. Mhaoileoin is a force to be reckoned with, and Ordinary Saints rocked me to my core. This is a book brimming with grief, love, sacrifice, hope, and the unthinkable reality of questioning everything that you had previously thought to be true. It is no surprise that Mhaoileoin won the PFD Queer Fiction Prize for this powerful, unflinching and wholly life changing book. Thank you so much to Bonnier Books for my advance copy!
This is perhaps the easiest five star review I have ever given. If this is Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin’s debut, I can only imagine what we will see from her in years to come. Mhaoileoin is a force to be reckoned with, and Ordinary Saints rocked me to my core. This is a book brimming with grief, love, sacrifice, hope, and the unthinkable reality of questioning everything that you had previously thought to be true. It is no surprise that Mhaoileoin won the PFD Queer Fiction Prize for this powerful, unflinching and wholly life changing book. Thank you so much to Bonnier Books for my advance copy!
June 5, 2025
Well, this is unfortunate.
If Jay has zero haters then I’m dead…I hate to say it but she was the most insufferable character I have ever had the displeasure of reading about, especially being inside her head for 348 pages. I am a lesbian ex-Catholic, so I went into this genuinely believing this would be a 5 star read. The concept was, in theory, everything I should love in literary fiction. But the execution did not live up to the hype. The writing style didn’t move me at all – I found the majority of the interactions stale and boring and above all I just absolutely hated Jay and did not agree with 90% of her decisions. And listen, I know how complicated religious trauma and grief can be, but I still couldn’t justify Jay’s actions, and most of all she was just ANNOYING! What do you mean you’re blaming your Dad for NOT outing you to your entire Catholic family?
There were a few good lines about the Church that were relatable, and it picked up towards the end, but this was such a disappointing read for me, especially after seeing all of the 5 star reviews. I’m not sure I got the same copy as everyone else.
If Jay has zero haters then I’m dead…I hate to say it but she was the most insufferable character I have ever had the displeasure of reading about, especially being inside her head for 348 pages. I am a lesbian ex-Catholic, so I went into this genuinely believing this would be a 5 star read. The concept was, in theory, everything I should love in literary fiction. But the execution did not live up to the hype. The writing style didn’t move me at all – I found the majority of the interactions stale and boring and above all I just absolutely hated Jay and did not agree with 90% of her decisions. And listen, I know how complicated religious trauma and grief can be, but I still couldn’t justify Jay’s actions, and most of all she was just ANNOYING! What do you mean you’re blaming your Dad for NOT outing you to your entire Catholic family?
There were a few good lines about the Church that were relatable, and it picked up towards the end, but this was such a disappointing read for me, especially after seeing all of the 5 star reviews. I’m not sure I got the same copy as everyone else.
December 22, 2025
4.5 stars
The back story of me picking up this book….
I was in Dublin with my childhood best friend, Tara and our husbands. I happened to see a bookstore, Books Upstairs. Tara and I tell our husband we are going to pop in. Upon entering the store, it was quite noisy and the owner of the bookstore said there was a new, up and coming author. We bought three of her books and the author was kind enough to sign them and introduce herself to us. Niamh was so lovely. What a grand memory……
Finally, at the end of the year. I am reading the book. Now a queer book would not of been something I would normally pick up; but I adored the bones of this book. Absolutely amazing.
Jay, a lesbian, young woman finds out her brother, who died in his early 20s is going to be canonised and made a saint. Jay struggles with the Catholic Church and its intolerance of gay couples. Her parents, who are strong Catholics struggle with Jay’s choices. The drama and fall out are momentous. Jay loves her brother Ferdia, and although he was well on his way to being a priest in Rome when he died, to canonise him feels like she is losing her brother to the Church.
This was truly amazing because it begs the questions? Why should someone feel more comfortable and accepted around gay friends and not feel welcomed in
church, where God should be the mainstay. The actions of the church can cause people to lose their faith. Sad indeed.
Interesting stuff and lots to discuss. There are great bookclub questions in the back of the book.
This was the author’s debut book and I will definitely be looking out for future releases from her. 🥂 Slainte!
The back story of me picking up this book….
I was in Dublin with my childhood best friend, Tara and our husbands. I happened to see a bookstore, Books Upstairs. Tara and I tell our husband we are going to pop in. Upon entering the store, it was quite noisy and the owner of the bookstore said there was a new, up and coming author. We bought three of her books and the author was kind enough to sign them and introduce herself to us. Niamh was so lovely. What a grand memory……
Finally, at the end of the year. I am reading the book. Now a queer book would not of been something I would normally pick up; but I adored the bones of this book. Absolutely amazing.
Jay, a lesbian, young woman finds out her brother, who died in his early 20s is going to be canonised and made a saint. Jay struggles with the Catholic Church and its intolerance of gay couples. Her parents, who are strong Catholics struggle with Jay’s choices. The drama and fall out are momentous. Jay loves her brother Ferdia, and although he was well on his way to being a priest in Rome when he died, to canonise him feels like she is losing her brother to the Church.
This was truly amazing because it begs the questions? Why should someone feel more comfortable and accepted around gay friends and not feel welcomed in
church, where God should be the mainstay. The actions of the church can cause people to lose their faith. Sad indeed.
Interesting stuff and lots to discuss. There are great bookclub questions in the back of the book.
This was the author’s debut book and I will definitely be looking out for future releases from her. 🥂 Slainte!
May 30, 2025
*2.5* The first half of this novel is weak, full of repetitive anecdotes meant to illustrate the protag’s childhood trauma and therefore her reasoning against her late brother’s beatification.
The second half improves, finally adding some emotional depth to the characters and attempting some growth. This would have been much more effective if the characters were properly understood in the first half.
Unfortunately I found the writing quality to be poor, with cringeworthy sentences and weak characterization. None of the characters felt like real people and the dialogue was stilted and often strange. Overall, I think this is a case of significant under-editing and reminds me of other recent novels (e.g. Butter, List of Suspicious Things) that had similar issues.
The second half improves, finally adding some emotional depth to the characters and attempting some growth. This would have been much more effective if the characters were properly understood in the first half.
Unfortunately I found the writing quality to be poor, with cringeworthy sentences and weak characterization. None of the characters felt like real people and the dialogue was stilted and often strange. Overall, I think this is a case of significant under-editing and reminds me of other recent novels (e.g. Butter, List of Suspicious Things) that had similar issues.
July 3, 2025
Definitely my favourite book of the year, maybe my favourite book full stop 🫣 a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable portrayal of grief, family, sexuality and religion. The writing is perfect. The flow and pacing are perfect. The characters are layered and funny and the dynamics between them are fascinating. It’s just perfect! 11/10!!
September 21, 2025
This book explores some of the important things, such as sexual identity, sibling relationships, family issues, the Catholic Church, and grief. The themes seem familiar, but it felt like I'd never read something like this before because of how uniquely the author explores them. It was clearly written with purpose. One thing I love about this book is its exploration of grief. It shows that grief becomes easier over time, yet it can still hit hard. It beautifully illustrates that even years later, the act of missing and loving someone you'll never see again can remain deeply devastating. The author also didn't go easy on the Catholic Church or the way religion operates within families and communities, but she approached it with consideration. The main character's conflict with the church growing up was handled sensitively and with respect. The most compelling part of the story for me was Jay's personal journey. I loved watching her confront her past, navigate her family relationships, and define the person she wanted to be. She's a character full of emotions. it's a gorgeous story, overall.
July 6, 2025
I’ve been trying to shake a reading slump this week, and this book was a solid attempt to do it.
The story follows Jay, a queer woman raised in a devout Catholic household in Ireland, who finds out years after her brother’s accidental death that he might be put forward for sainthood. That news pulls her right back into the messiness of her grief, family bonds, and her complicated feelings about faith.
I thought the book handled the religious themes with a lot of honesty, acknowledging the trauma and violence the church has caused, while still showing how someone you love might remain part of it, a distinction I haven't seen explored in the books I normally read. Jay’s reflections on faith and her place within it really resonated, especially as someone who grew up Catholic too.
The audiobook was excellent, the pacing worked, and Jay’s relationship with her mother felt painfully raw.
I’d recommend this to anyone interested in contemporary fiction about queerness, faith, and complex mother/daughter relationships.
4/5 ⭐
The story follows Jay, a queer woman raised in a devout Catholic household in Ireland, who finds out years after her brother’s accidental death that he might be put forward for sainthood. That news pulls her right back into the messiness of her grief, family bonds, and her complicated feelings about faith.
I thought the book handled the religious themes with a lot of honesty, acknowledging the trauma and violence the church has caused, while still showing how someone you love might remain part of it, a distinction I haven't seen explored in the books I normally read. Jay’s reflections on faith and her place within it really resonated, especially as someone who grew up Catholic too.
The audiobook was excellent, the pacing worked, and Jay’s relationship with her mother felt painfully raw.
I’d recommend this to anyone interested in contemporary fiction about queerness, faith, and complex mother/daughter relationships.
4/5 ⭐
Read
May 27, 2025#Gifted
I read Ordinary Saints earlier in the month and I still find myself thinking about it. It’s also the author’s debut novel, which is a startling realisation when you know just how good it is.
Jay (Jacinta) has escaped her devout Catholic home in Ireland and now lives with her girlfriend in London, determined not to engage with the memories of her beloved brother’s death when she was just a teenager. Ferdia was a priest in training when a tragic accident took his life, and left his family bereft. Now, it seems that Jay & Ferdia’s parents have begun the process to have their son made into a Catholic Saint, something Jay finds abhorrent.
“Can you imagine it? Can you imagine me there in the front row in St Peter’s Square? The lesbian sister of a literal saint”
Finally accepting that this is happening, Jay must at last come to terms with her own childhood, her family, and how her upbringing has affected every subsequent relationship she has had.
There’s a lot going on here; complex relationships, the oppressive nature of organised religion (but the Catholic Church in particular), and how that intersects with societal acceptance and attitudes towards homosexuality and modern life.
It sounds bleak, and my heart did break for Jay more than once, but there’s also a lot of hope in here. The ending made me cry in a good way.
I can’t think of the last time I read a book that explored such substantial topics as grief, faith, and personal/familial identity as well as this book does, but with an emotional depth to the forefront at all times.
An incredibly thought provoking read: recommend!
With many thanks to the publishers for my copy. #OrdinarySaints is available to buy now. All opinions are my own, as always.
I read Ordinary Saints earlier in the month and I still find myself thinking about it. It’s also the author’s debut novel, which is a startling realisation when you know just how good it is.
Jay (Jacinta) has escaped her devout Catholic home in Ireland and now lives with her girlfriend in London, determined not to engage with the memories of her beloved brother’s death when she was just a teenager. Ferdia was a priest in training when a tragic accident took his life, and left his family bereft. Now, it seems that Jay & Ferdia’s parents have begun the process to have their son made into a Catholic Saint, something Jay finds abhorrent.
“Can you imagine it? Can you imagine me there in the front row in St Peter’s Square? The lesbian sister of a literal saint”
Finally accepting that this is happening, Jay must at last come to terms with her own childhood, her family, and how her upbringing has affected every subsequent relationship she has had.
There’s a lot going on here; complex relationships, the oppressive nature of organised religion (but the Catholic Church in particular), and how that intersects with societal acceptance and attitudes towards homosexuality and modern life.
It sounds bleak, and my heart did break for Jay more than once, but there’s also a lot of hope in here. The ending made me cry in a good way.
I can’t think of the last time I read a book that explored such substantial topics as grief, faith, and personal/familial identity as well as this book does, but with an emotional depth to the forefront at all times.
An incredibly thought provoking read: recommend!
With many thanks to the publishers for my copy. #OrdinarySaints is available to buy now. All opinions are my own, as always.
December 24, 2024
I feel lucky to have read an advanced copy of this gorgeous novel. It really has everything you want. Expertly plotted and paced and a joy to read. A cast of loveable characters. Heartbreaking family drama and queer joy. And I learned so much about canonisation! Love love love love.
August 1, 2025
3.5
Solid debut, but was expecting a little more.
Jay had insufferable moments and the plot was a bit thin. But as someone with an Irish-Catholic upbringing, I found it an interesting device through which to examine familial and societal trauma.
Solid debut, but was expecting a little more.
Jay had insufferable moments and the plot was a bit thin. But as someone with an Irish-Catholic upbringing, I found it an interesting device through which to examine familial and societal trauma.
December 5, 2024
Good lord
April 29, 2025
4.5
I really liked this one. It's thoughtful and well-written. The way it explores identity, grief, and faith was actually pretty moving. It's a solid debut novel, definitely worth the read.
I really liked this one. It's thoughtful and well-written. The way it explores identity, grief, and faith was actually pretty moving. It's a solid debut novel, definitely worth the read.
Read
July 10, 2025one thing about Irish lesbians is they know how to write a book
November 8, 2025
Este libro es una contradicción maravillosa. Jay es una lesbiana que crece en una familia católica y muy practicante. Y si ya solo con esto la historia promete, hay que añadir que Jay tiene un hermano (Ferdia) que quiere convertirse en sacerdote. Como resultado de su disposición, el mayor se lleva toda la atención de los padres, dejando a Jay en un segundo plano.
Ferdia se muda a Roma para estudiar teología y allí, tras un trágico accidente, muere. Esto precipita a la familia a un agujero negro del que no consiguen salir nunca. Jay se separa de sus padres, tras haber perdido todo lo que les unía y se muda a Londres. No quiere saber nada de ellos.
Mientras tanto los padres consideran que la memoria de Ferdia no puede morir con su padecimiento y comienzan un proceso de canonización para convertir a su hijo en un santo de la religión cristiana.
Jay no se toma nada bien esta decisión y le genera constantes dudas acerca de la relación con sus padres, con la religión, con el amor y con su hermano fallecido. El libro desvela una encruzijada entre la religión y la identidad queer, entre la vida y la muerte, entre el abandono y la compañía.
Lo que más me llevo de este relato es, aparte del argumento tan interesante, la reflexión acerca de si todo es válido cuando se habla de la fe. De cúanto estamos dispuestos a dar de nosotros mismos a los demás. De la dignidad de la muerte, de cómo cada persona tiene su propio duelo. De compartir, de querer y de conversar.
Ferdia se muda a Roma para estudiar teología y allí, tras un trágico accidente, muere. Esto precipita a la familia a un agujero negro del que no consiguen salir nunca. Jay se separa de sus padres, tras haber perdido todo lo que les unía y se muda a Londres. No quiere saber nada de ellos.
Mientras tanto los padres consideran que la memoria de Ferdia no puede morir con su padecimiento y comienzan un proceso de canonización para convertir a su hijo en un santo de la religión cristiana.
Jay no se toma nada bien esta decisión y le genera constantes dudas acerca de la relación con sus padres, con la religión, con el amor y con su hermano fallecido. El libro desvela una encruzijada entre la religión y la identidad queer, entre la vida y la muerte, entre el abandono y la compañía.
Lo que más me llevo de este relato es, aparte del argumento tan interesante, la reflexión acerca de si todo es válido cuando se habla de la fe. De cúanto estamos dispuestos a dar de nosotros mismos a los demás. De la dignidad de la muerte, de cómo cada persona tiene su propio duelo. De compartir, de querer y de conversar.
November 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this! It's a moving literary fiction novel about an Irish lesbian who discovers that her deceased priest brother is going to be turned into a saint. During the process, she has to relive her childhood memories, deal with the grief of losing her brother, and examine her complicated relationships with her family and the Catholic Church.
I've read a lot of novels about queer people and Catholicism, but I think this is the best one by far, because it genuinely looks at it from various angles. Jay's and her family's feelings evolve over time. There is some tension and misunderstandings between them, but the truth is that they love each other and learn how to coexist and try. This novel isn't perfect; I think the final quarter had too many timeskips and I would have appreciated if it lingered more on the denouement after all the dust had settled. It is also a very straightforward book, maybe even heavy-handed at times. But it was cozy and moving, and some lines really struck me as words that I needed to hear. I think it helps that Jay, unlike the protagonists of other novels about queer people and Catholicism, is a woman in her thirties. She too is flawed, of course, and some of the misunderstandings are because she's stubborn. But with her age comes maturity. In the end, what matters most is that you spend time with your loved ones while they remain on this earth. A very solid debut.
I've read a lot of novels about queer people and Catholicism, but I think this is the best one by far, because it genuinely looks at it from various angles. Jay's and her family's feelings evolve over time. There is some tension and misunderstandings between them, but the truth is that they love each other and learn how to coexist and try. This novel isn't perfect; I think the final quarter had too many timeskips and I would have appreciated if it lingered more on the denouement after all the dust had settled. It is also a very straightforward book, maybe even heavy-handed at times. But it was cozy and moving, and some lines really struck me as words that I needed to hear. I think it helps that Jay, unlike the protagonists of other novels about queer people and Catholicism, is a woman in her thirties. She too is flawed, of course, and some of the misunderstandings are because she's stubborn. But with her age comes maturity. In the end, what matters most is that you spend time with your loved ones while they remain on this earth. A very solid debut.
April 23, 2025
Right from the start, Ordinary Saints grips you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin’s debut is rare: tender, sharp, rooted yet wide-reaching, a novel that hums with grief and grace. An outstanding book that deserves all the praise it’s been gathering and more.
Set between London and Ireland, the story follows Jacinta (known as Jay), a lesbian woman estranged from her devout Catholic family, grappling with the news that her late brother Ferdia, who was known as the “little saint” since childhood, then headed off to the seminary but sadly died in an accident, might be canonised.
Ní Mhaoileoin, inspired by the case of Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager being heralded as the first “millennial saint.” has taken that spark of reality and breathed something quietly explosive into it.
This isn’t just a book about religion or sainthood. It’s about who gets to tell our stories. It’s about the weight of memory, especially when someone dies young and the people left behind mould them into something perfect, something almost unrecognisable. Jay’s struggle to reconcile her love for her brother with the mythologising of him by her family and the Church is devastating and beautifully drawn. It asks, with painful clarity, what happens when institutions co-opt grief? And who do we become in the process?
Jay is one of the most compelling narrators I’ve come across in a long time. Fierce and flawed, she wears her vulnerability like armour. Her relationship with her girlfriend, her complex love-hate bond with her family, and the slow unfurling of her inner world are rendered with a quiet intimacy that makes you feel like you’re living in her skin. This is about what it means to be human and how, sometimes, that’s miracle enough.
At around 400 pages, this luminous, layered, and profoundly affecting read is impossible to put down. Ní Mhaoileoin is one to watch!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read via NetGalley; as always, this is an honest review.
Set between London and Ireland, the story follows Jacinta (known as Jay), a lesbian woman estranged from her devout Catholic family, grappling with the news that her late brother Ferdia, who was known as the “little saint” since childhood, then headed off to the seminary but sadly died in an accident, might be canonised.
Ní Mhaoileoin, inspired by the case of Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager being heralded as the first “millennial saint.” has taken that spark of reality and breathed something quietly explosive into it.
This isn’t just a book about religion or sainthood. It’s about who gets to tell our stories. It’s about the weight of memory, especially when someone dies young and the people left behind mould them into something perfect, something almost unrecognisable. Jay’s struggle to reconcile her love for her brother with the mythologising of him by her family and the Church is devastating and beautifully drawn. It asks, with painful clarity, what happens when institutions co-opt grief? And who do we become in the process?
Jay is one of the most compelling narrators I’ve come across in a long time. Fierce and flawed, she wears her vulnerability like armour. Her relationship with her girlfriend, her complex love-hate bond with her family, and the slow unfurling of her inner world are rendered with a quiet intimacy that makes you feel like you’re living in her skin. This is about what it means to be human and how, sometimes, that’s miracle enough.
At around 400 pages, this luminous, layered, and profoundly affecting read is impossible to put down. Ní Mhaoileoin is one to watch!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read via NetGalley; as always, this is an honest review.
June 29, 2025
An absolute masterpiece! It’s quiet revelations and observations are so perfectly placed within the story. The characters made me feel every emotion possible. I think it might be one of the best books ever, and I stopped at the end of every chapter to say that out loud.
November 18, 2025
Who owns your legacy after death? What pieces of your self go on preserved, retold, spun out and expanded on - what truths become half-truths, twisted memories and proselytizations? What tragedy is it, that in death, you take with you all that was of your future, and leave behind only a misty remnant of your past.
Ordinary Saints is a meditation on these very heavy concepts, told in a black humoured and often soap-operatic kind of way. Unfortunately, while the premise of the book seemed very interesting... the execution left little impression on me. I believe this might be a matter more of taste than of authorial skill (this was a highly praised book at my bookclub and from the discussions I came to understand why - even if it could not retrospectively hit me emotionally - I definitely appreciate it more on a technical level.)
This is a book about miscommunication and conflict that goes buried rather than spoken. Characters have outbursts of emotion that they use as reason to simply exit conversations or relationships altogether. Growth happens rapidly and suddenly, and tidy easy resolutions are not something we are served up on a silver platter. In this way, there are elements that feel startlingly real despite the somewhat outlandish premise. Much can be understood by what ISN'T said, in a way that reflects the secretive and stifling power of the church and its keenness to suppress elements of the self.
Nevertheless, I wish certain characters and relationships had been more fully developed. I was left somewhat baffled by the time-skip ending, the sudden shifting focus towards Jay's mother that felt as though it was an emotional note that should have driven home that so much of the book really was about their relationship. I'm not sure why, but I just never fully resonated or connected with Jay's emotional state (despite my own connections with - albeit not religious trauma - but difficulties with my parents of a certain generation and outlook that result in few feelings shared and a sense of more obligation and performance.)
Jay's sometimes dissociated and conflict-averse / conflict-driving oscillating narrative was very appropriate for the thematic underpinnings of the novel, but I nevertheless wish we'd had more direct conflicts towards the climax of the book. Not necessarily looking for Hallmark-grade payoffs, but I felt like this was building and building towards something that paid off somewhat off-screen. Again, on a technical, thematic level - this makes sense. We only receive pieces of Ferdia, slices of who he was at one time to one person or another, incapable of growth except in shifting memories. Jay, and her mother's, changes follow through in this sense. But, in terms of the reading experience, I was really quite bored much of the time and feeling myself compelled to skip through pages (which is a somewhat rare feeling for me.)
So, sadly, I'm giving this three stars with the acknowledgement that I might come back and revist this sometime and may connect with it on an entirely different emotional level.
Ordinary Saints is a meditation on these very heavy concepts, told in a black humoured and often soap-operatic kind of way. Unfortunately, while the premise of the book seemed very interesting... the execution left little impression on me. I believe this might be a matter more of taste than of authorial skill (this was a highly praised book at my bookclub and from the discussions I came to understand why - even if it could not retrospectively hit me emotionally - I definitely appreciate it more on a technical level.)
This is a book about miscommunication and conflict that goes buried rather than spoken. Characters have outbursts of emotion that they use as reason to simply exit conversations or relationships altogether. Growth happens rapidly and suddenly, and tidy easy resolutions are not something we are served up on a silver platter. In this way, there are elements that feel startlingly real despite the somewhat outlandish premise. Much can be understood by what ISN'T said, in a way that reflects the secretive and stifling power of the church and its keenness to suppress elements of the self.
Nevertheless, I wish certain characters and relationships had been more fully developed. I was left somewhat baffled by the time-skip ending, the sudden shifting focus towards Jay's mother that felt as though it was an emotional note that should have driven home that so much of the book really was about their relationship. I'm not sure why, but I just never fully resonated or connected with Jay's emotional state (despite my own connections with - albeit not religious trauma - but difficulties with my parents of a certain generation and outlook that result in few feelings shared and a sense of more obligation and performance.)
Jay's sometimes dissociated and conflict-averse / conflict-driving oscillating narrative was very appropriate for the thematic underpinnings of the novel, but I nevertheless wish we'd had more direct conflicts towards the climax of the book. Not necessarily looking for Hallmark-grade payoffs, but I felt like this was building and building towards something that paid off somewhat off-screen. Again, on a technical, thematic level - this makes sense. We only receive pieces of Ferdia, slices of who he was at one time to one person or another, incapable of growth except in shifting memories. Jay, and her mother's, changes follow through in this sense. But, in terms of the reading experience, I was really quite bored much of the time and feeling myself compelled to skip through pages (which is a somewhat rare feeling for me.)
So, sadly, I'm giving this three stars with the acknowledgement that I might come back and revist this sometime and may connect with it on an entirely different emotional level.
September 20, 2025
This book has somehow made me, the most nihilistic person to ever live, feel like there may be hope and meaning in life
Life really is so short and neither you nor the people you love will be around forever, we all make mistakes and we'll all die
Everyone's been through shit that's shaped them and made them the person they are today, but we're constantly evolving and changing. You're not the person you were 10 years ago, and in another 10 years the person you are now will be a distant memory. Not everything's been good or easy and there are still many challenges ahead, but the fact we've all made it this far is a gift in itself
Bad things happen but it's still possible to heal, be at peace and live a great life despite everything, even if we are only insignificant blips in the universe
Life really is so short and neither you nor the people you love will be around forever, we all make mistakes and we'll all die
Everyone's been through shit that's shaped them and made them the person they are today, but we're constantly evolving and changing. You're not the person you were 10 years ago, and in another 10 years the person you are now will be a distant memory. Not everything's been good or easy and there are still many challenges ahead, but the fact we've all made it this far is a gift in itself
Bad things happen but it's still possible to heal, be at peace and live a great life despite everything, even if we are only insignificant blips in the universe
July 30, 2025
A book I randomly picked up at the hotel after breakfast. An intriguing look into family trauma, religion, and sexuality. I can't say I previously had much knowledge about Irish Catholicism.
December 1, 2025
so incredibly sweet, a very beautiful exploration of grief and love and family. maybe not groundbreaking in terms of writing, but enough for me to give it five stars.
June 3, 2025
i loooooved this so much ! made me melancholy for the sibling love i never had 🥹 enjoyed the character developments and tense family dynamics, the journeys they all went on, everyone’s individual relationship to religion and the importance of not sweeping things under the rug - v v interesting !!
honourable mention to laurie for the recommendation x
honourable mention to laurie for the recommendation x
September 12, 2025
I’m a sucker for a study of a sibling relationship 🙂↔️ This book actually put me in a bad mood at times because it hit home so hard but it’s an incredible story and I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with
July 31, 2025
4.5 stars.
I don't know where to start with this debut novel but my praise for this book stems from how it makes me feel rather than its literary merits (though the book definitely has plenty of literary merit). Also, am unashamed to admit that this may be one of my favourite novels that I have read this year so far.
The main character of this novel, an adult lesbian woman who grew up under the pernicious force of the Catholic Church in Ireland and her family where the latter always made her feel like a second-class citizen in her home. The novel forces Jay (Jacinta) to confront her own feelings about her family faith but also her relationship between herself and her brother (Ferdia) who she still grieves in the novel and now fights to preserve the personal / human side of her brother as he is about to be canonised as a saint. At the same time though, Jay is a very flawed character whose (very founded) opposition to the church has also made her reject her family's (very imperfect) love.
A highly readable novel that attempts to reconcile the tensions between religion and sexuality: all the characters are written with such nuance (sorry, I am a sucker for well-written characters) even though we are only privy to Jay's thoughts. The only thing is that the ending was somewhat unsatisfactory and I thought that it ended on a somewhat clumsy note.
(P.S. Read this on a packed train and was in tears during one of the moments. Pretty sure that the train passengers surrounding me were perturbed)
__________________________
Already, the saintly stories are colonising Ferdia, overriding my memories, like a film adaptation of a favourite novel, scrubbing out his voice, his smell, the strange intensity of his eyes when he looked at you. I want there to be something that only I know, some mystery, some part of my brother that I can unfold now like an old letter, or hold close to my skin like a pearl.
My brother. Mine. Not a being made of light but a living boy, a body like the rest of us, made of flesh and blood and sex and hunger and subject to death and decay, yes, and before his time, and missed every day, but isn't that the beauty of it?
I don't know where to start with this debut novel but my praise for this book stems from how it makes me feel rather than its literary merits (though the book definitely has plenty of literary merit). Also, am unashamed to admit that this may be one of my favourite novels that I have read this year so far.
The main character of this novel, an adult lesbian woman who grew up under the pernicious force of the Catholic Church in Ireland and her family where the latter always made her feel like a second-class citizen in her home. The novel forces Jay (Jacinta) to confront her own feelings about her family faith but also her relationship between herself and her brother (Ferdia) who she still grieves in the novel and now fights to preserve the personal / human side of her brother as he is about to be canonised as a saint. At the same time though, Jay is a very flawed character whose (very founded) opposition to the church has also made her reject her family's (very imperfect) love.
A highly readable novel that attempts to reconcile the tensions between religion and sexuality: all the characters are written with such nuance (sorry, I am a sucker for well-written characters) even though we are only privy to Jay's thoughts. The only thing is that the ending was somewhat unsatisfactory and I thought that it ended on a somewhat clumsy note.
(P.S. Read this on a packed train and was in tears during one of the moments. Pretty sure that the train passengers surrounding me were perturbed)
__________________________
Already, the saintly stories are colonising Ferdia, overriding my memories, like a film adaptation of a favourite novel, scrubbing out his voice, his smell, the strange intensity of his eyes when he looked at you. I want there to be something that only I know, some mystery, some part of my brother that I can unfold now like an old letter, or hold close to my skin like a pearl.
My brother. Mine. Not a being made of light but a living boy, a body like the rest of us, made of flesh and blood and sex and hunger and subject to death and decay, yes, and before his time, and missed every day, but isn't that the beauty of it?
February 2, 2025
Jesus Christ this is good!
It took just a couple of pages for me to realise this was something special and the rest of the book just confirmed it.
Jacintas beloved brother Ferdia was set to be a priest when he died in Rome. Years later she is still struggling to come to terms with his death and news of his application for sainthhood only bring everything to the surface once more
Queer, living in London and more or less estranged from the church and her parents in Ireland, Jay struggles with memories of her brother, inherent catholic guilt and her parents' reaction to the possibility of Ferdias sainthood.
I was raised Catholic and now like Jacinta have moved far away from the Church. My Irish mum though is devout. She is named for Maria Goretti (who features briefly in the book) so much of Jacinta's upbringing, feelings and experiences hit so true.
It’s a story looking at identity, loss, grief, guilt and the lasting impact of childhood.
I was fascinated to learn more about the process of canonisation and the fact that so many people are made saints in this day and age - 942 by the current Pope alone!
The writing is blindingly good - insightful, poetic and humorous. A stellar debut. I'm already greedy for Niamhs next book
It took just a couple of pages for me to realise this was something special and the rest of the book just confirmed it.
Jacintas beloved brother Ferdia was set to be a priest when he died in Rome. Years later she is still struggling to come to terms with his death and news of his application for sainthhood only bring everything to the surface once more
Queer, living in London and more or less estranged from the church and her parents in Ireland, Jay struggles with memories of her brother, inherent catholic guilt and her parents' reaction to the possibility of Ferdias sainthood.
I was raised Catholic and now like Jacinta have moved far away from the Church. My Irish mum though is devout. She is named for Maria Goretti (who features briefly in the book) so much of Jacinta's upbringing, feelings and experiences hit so true.
It’s a story looking at identity, loss, grief, guilt and the lasting impact of childhood.
I was fascinated to learn more about the process of canonisation and the fact that so many people are made saints in this day and age - 942 by the current Pope alone!
The writing is blindingly good - insightful, poetic and humorous. A stellar debut. I'm already greedy for Niamhs next book
June 18, 2025
3.5 was surprised to discover that canonisation was still a thing in the Catholic Church. I liked this book and occasional moments were very poignant with some great writing. For me, the book as a whole dragged a little bit I still found it moving and thoroughly enjoyed her descriptions of everyday life in London.
May 6, 2025
love! such a breeze to read while still touching on darker themes and profound thoughts. i'm always interested in reading novels exploring the difficult intersection of queerness and faith/religiosity and was super excited to add this one to the mix. highly recommend!
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