He was nominated for the Booker Prize twice for his novels, and his work has been adapted by the likes of Neil Jordan for the big screen; Patrick McCabe turns 57 today and why not celebrate his birthday by going out and purchasing one of these essential, dark, reads.

1. The Butcher Boy

The Butcher Boy was one of the books nominated for the Booker Prize in 1992 and is arguably one of the darkest novels written about rural life. Revolving around the character of the mentally disturbed Francie Brady, the book takes a harsh look at death, loss, mental problems and alcoholism in rural life. Although Francie’s character is not exactly one you should feel sympathy for, he is dealt a tough hand and his inability to deal with life on a daily basis eventually has you rooting for him. You may also laugh at inappropriate places. It is difficult not to.

2. Breakfast on Pluto

Another of the McCabe novels that has been adapted for the big screen by Neil Jordan, Breakfast on Pluto follows the story of transwoman Patrick “Pussy” Braden who lives in a fictional town in the North of Ireland. Pussy goes off on a quest to find his real mother and discover his true identity, but eventually resolves to prostitution when she moves to London and is accused of helping the IRA. Told with the backdrop of the Northern Troubles, Pluto tells a pretty serious and upsetting story in a light way; you will never feel alienated.

3. Emerald Germs of Ireland

Perhaps one of McCabe’s darkest novels, and that is really something, Emerald Germs revolves around the disturbed Pat McNab, the village idiot. The attitude of his mother and the abusiveness of his father eventually sends Pat over the edge and he embarks on a mission to rid Ireland of its “germs.” Unfortunately, what Pat considers germs are human beings and after he murders his parents, he sets out on a killing spree. Be prepared, if the Butcher Boy disturbs you in any way, Emerald Germs is a much darker work.

4. Winterwood

Described by Irvine Welsh as “a disturbing but brilliant evocation of rural life”, Winterwood was named by Hughes and Hughes as one of the best sellers for 2006. The book is narrated by journalist Redmond Hatch who returns to the mountains to write a piece of folklore. However, Hatch begins to descend into madness and when he meets a neighbour aptly named Strange, his whole life begins to fall apart. Winterwood is a dark masterpiece, and not unlike the rest of McCabe’s work examines a descent into insanity and violence.