Little Island scoops bookseller Gráinne O'Brien's 'accomplished' YA debut

Little Island Books has scooped Solo, a young adult novel from Gráinne O’Brien, bookseller and one of The Bookseller’s "Bookshop Heroes" 2022.  

Publisher and c.e.o Matthew Parkinson-Bennett acquired world rights in all languages from Sallyanne Sweeney at Mulcahy Sweeney Associates for publication in April 2025. Illustrator Lauren O’Hara has been commissioned to art direct the cover. 

Solo is an in-verse novel about teenage love and friendship. The story follows classical musician and student Daisy whose world is turned upside down after her boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her and she is left feeling disconnected from her music. 

"When she makes a new friend at school, mysterious Flora, Daisy finds a glimmer of peace in her chaotic life", the synopsis continues. "Just as everything seems to be getting better, they all fall apart. Family tensions heighten as Daisy’s dad falls ill and Daisy needs to decide should she find her way back to who she was or look towards who she is going to become."

Parkinson said: “This extremely accomplished debut is an intriguing take on the classic love story. Gráinne O’Brien’s assured first-person narrative voice gives emotional intensity to a story that moves between close harmony and discord. The recurring use of musical terminology lightens the story at its darkest moments.”

O’Brien added: “I am absolutely thrilled that Solo has found a home in Little Island. As a bookseller, I am always looking for stories to connect teenagers to the small moments in our lives that change us forever. Writing Solo was a joyous experience, and I cannot wait for it to find its readers.” 

O’Brien is a bookseller at Kennys Bookshop, Galway (formerly of O’Mahony’s in Limerick) and is the founder of Rontu Literary Service and one of the founders of Silver Apples Magazine.