Derry author shortlisted for prestigious Irish Book Awards

Sue Divin, who has been shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2022, is urging the people of Derry to vote in the awards.

Sue is the only author from Derry city shortlisted in the prestigious awards with her second book Truth be Told. The Young Adult novel tells the story of Tara, from the Glen, and Faith, from rural Armagh, who meet and discover they look identical. This discovery leads them to uncover truths about themselves and their families. Sue’s first book, Guard Your Heart, which is also set in Derry, was shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal earlier this year.

Sue said: “My books are set in contemporary Northern Ireland today, so there’s the legacy of the troubles but also the complexity of the peace process for this generation. I only started writing in 2016 when got an idea for a story and set off on a huge learning curve on how to get published. I was lucky enough to get a break and it’s worked out great.

“I am so thrilled that Truth be Told has been shortlisted for these Irish Book Awards. There’s 14 categories and only six books chosen for each category. Ireland is a real hub for writing and publishing so I’m really excited! I’m the only person from Derry nominated and it’s an absolute honour to be representing this city. Although I’m originally from Armagh, I’ve spent the majority of my life here. This is my city and to have the chance to bring a story about Derry to a wider audience – I’m thrilled.

Sue Divin with Hilary McCollum and Michelle Gallen at the Waterside Theatre's Spread the Word Literary Festival.

"You will actively recognise places in Derry in both of these books. There’s a scene where Tara’s running team are training in St Columb’s Park and, in the first book, the defining incident is that Aidan is assaulted on the Peace Bridge. There’s street names mentioned, the Guildhall and other places. I write on a real backdrop and I don’t write issues unless I feel they’re credible and authentic. It’s a fictional story with entirely fictional characters but all the issues are real.”

The winners will be decided through public vote and by a panel of judges. To vote in An Post Irish Book Awards 2022 or to view the other nominees, visit www.anpostirishbookawards.ie.