How to Build a Boat

Jamie O'Neill loves the colour red. He also loves tall trees, patterns, rain that comes with wind, the curvature of many objects, books with dust jackets, cats, rivers and Edgar Allan Poe. At age 13 there are two things he especially wants in life: to build a Perpetual Motion Machine, and to connect with his mother Noelle, who died when he was born. In his mind these things are intimately linked. And at his new school, where all else is disorientating and overwhelming, he finds two people who might just be able to help him.

How to Build a Boat is the story of how one boy and his mission transforms the lives of his teachers, Tess and Tadhg, and brings together a community. Written with tenderness and verve, it's about love, family and connection, the power of imagination, and how our greatest adventures never happen alone.

Endorsements

Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2023.

Shortlisted for Irish Novel of the Year 2023.

As seen on BBC Between the Covers.

'Heart-rending and delightful' — Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses

'A gorgeous gift of a novel' — Douglas Stuart, author of Shuggie Bain

'Beautifully rendered and imagined' — Anne Enright

'A heart-stopping read' — Sinead Gleeson

'Bursting with soul' — Lisa McInerney

'I can't wait for readers to fall in love' — Jan Carson