Sandycove scoops ‘astonishing’ memoir by McCarthy

Penguin Sandycove has scooped an “astonishing” memoir by Noelle McCarthy. 

Patricia Deevy, deputy publisher, bought world English-language rights (excluding Australia and New Zealand) to Grand from Claire Paterson Conrad at Janklow & Nesbit UK. It will publish in June 2023.  

The synopsis says: “Funny, charismatic and generous; angry, vicious and hurt; in pubs all over Cork City, Noelle McCarthy’s mother Carol rages against her life and everything she’s lost. 

“As soon as she can, in the early years of the millennium, Noelle runs away. All the way to New Zealand. Yet the demons of the past give chase and Noelle seems fated to throw away her future, just like her mother. Somehow, she gets out of the hole and makes a new life. But then Carol gets sick, and finally it’s time to face the past and everything that’s waiting back home.” 

McCarthy said: “I wrote Grand in New Zealand, all the time thinking about Ireland. I’m so happy it’s found a home there. Patricia Deevy and the team at Penguin Sandycove have shown enormous enthusiasm for the book already. I know we’re in great hands.” 

Deevy added: “Grand is breathtakingly honest and sometimes hilarious, deeply compassionate yet never sentimental, and thrillingly fresh and exciting to read. Noelle has written a brave and astonishing book, and I could not be more delighted to be bringing it home.”