Louise O’Neill reveals the one novel women should read in their 30s and 40s

No. 1 best-selling author Louise O'Neill shares her recommended reads

The Cork writer's latest novel, Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone?, reached the number one fiction spot, and we couldn't be happier for her.

The novel is fictional escapism at its finest, with complex characters and clever social commentary woven throughout. It's a must-read for people who adore the work of Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Her Book Club recently caught up with Louise O'Neill to discuss the novel, and got some incredible book recommendations from the author herself.

Speaking about the Irish novel she always recommends to people, O'Neill couldn't help but rave about the queen of the Irish fiction world, Marian Keyes.

"I would recommend Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes. Honestly, there are so many incredible Irish books, but I'm going to recommend that one just because, personally, it's a really special book to me.

Louise explained, "I read it at a very crucial time in my life, and it just resonated so deeply with me. That book is a modern Irish classic. I think what Marian does so well, which is a very Irish thing, is dealing with very dark, serious, important topics, but doing it with such humour and with such a light touch that the books always feel really funny, entertaining, and accessible."

When it comes to a book that every woman in her 30s and 40s should read, Louise recommended The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

"I read it at university, and I remember even at 18 finding it so transformative. It was about this woman who is a wife and a mother, and she's really unhappy with both of those roles in her life. The book was shocking at the time when it was released," Louise shared.

"It was so interesting at 18 reading it and thinking, 'God, this book feels very revolutionary.' I think reading that at 30 and 40, when those themes around what it means to be a woman, what it means to be a wife or a mother feel even more pressing when you're in your 30s and 40s. I would highly recommend it if people haven't read it; it's a really special book."

You can buy Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes here.

Buy the Kindle version here.

You can buy The Awakening by Kate Chopin here.

Buy the Kindle version here.