HarperCollins Ireland snares award-winning Ryan’s Gods Don’t Cry

HarperCollins Ireland has signed Gods Don’t Cry by Ellen Ryan, author of the Irish Book Award-winning Girls Who Slay Monsters (also HarperCollins Ireland).

Publisher Conor Nagle bought world all-language rights from Lauren Gardner at Bell Lomax Moreton. Illustrated by Conor Merriman and aimed at young readers, Gods Don’t Cry will be published on 26th October.

The book “reawakens ancient gods who celebrated their vulnerability and redefined what it means to be a hero”.

Ryan said: “I am passionate about showcasing how relatable, diverse and inclusive the Irish gods were, so I have re-told their stories so that today’s readers might feel empowered by their message. I include tales of gods with Arabian heritage who found themselves fighting for the right to call Ireland home. Gods with disabilities, who defied expectations to become heroes and kings.Gods who had the guts to walk away from a family legacy of violence; and those who turned to their mothers for strength, and their fathers for comfort.

"I strongly believe that all children deserve to know these stories, which were preserved for us by our ancestors. And I hope that they might see themselves in these heroes, from ancient Ireland.”

She added that she is “incredibly excited” that Conor Merriman will be illustrating. “I have been a fan of Conor’s work, throughout his career. He beautifully depicts the diversity of today’s Irish boys, enhanced by his lived experience, and manages to portray emotion in a way that feels tender, yet powerful. He is the perfect artist to bring our complex, Irish gods to life,” she said.

Nagle commented: “It’s difficult to imagine a mission more consonant with our values and ambitions as a publisher than Ellen’s to rediscover, reinterpret and reframe Irish mythology for contemporary audiences. Her work has already made an indelible mark on young readers, and we can’t wait for Gods Don’t Cry to build on that, by continuing to challenge stereotypes, break taboos, and bring Ireland’s mythic past to vibrant, vivid life. She’ll be aided in this by Conor Merriman, an extraordinarily talented illustrator, who brings a wealth of passion to the project."