Cliodhna O’Sullivan’s acclaimed novel was inspired by her own triumph over a tough upbringing

Clíodhna O'Sullivan had a tough time at school and at home. Photo: Mark Condren

Clíodhna O’Sullivan had a tough time at school and at home. Photo: Mark Condren

“I suppose in a weird way that actually nearly tells my own story,” Clíodhna O’Sullivan says when I ask her about the story she wanted to tell in her debut novel, Her Hidden Fire.

It has already been chosen by Good Morning America as their book club pick of the month, and will feature on the American Bookseller Association list for March.