The first morning back in the office since the water cuts, I was welcomed by this colour combination outside our office and had to laugh. It’s not often you see cars of purple and gold – the colours of my home county Wexford – parked beside one another.

While on the topic of Wexford, I’m reading Brooklyn by Enniscorthy man, Colm Tóibín, at the moment and really enjoying it. It’s a book with close links to Enniscorthy town itself. Although it is a sad story of emigration it has some great scenes of self-conscious humour that seem to release the slow build up of tension throughout.  The main character, Eilis Lacey is refreshingly strong minded without the usual sentimental stuff that often goes with stories of emigration. The novel focuses on her interactions with people rather than dwelling upon the obvious contrast between the Brooklyn skyline and the banks of the Slaney. I recommend the book strongly.

Brooklyn has been shortlisted for a Costa Book Award in the Costa Novel Award section, while fellow Enniscorthy man Peter Murphy debut novel John the Revelator has been shortlisted for the best Costa First Novel Award section. I like the sound of John Revelator so will definitely be reading it soon. Best of luck to both of them.