Solo

Winner of the 2025 An Post Irish Book Awards' International Education Services Teen & YA Book of the Year

A lyrical YA verse novel about a teenager’s journey to heal from heartbreak, rediscover her inner strength, and find harmony again – perfect for readers who love emotional, empowering coming-of-age stories.

Daisy can feel like a solo act at home. On the outside of her twin brothers’ intense relationship, she leans towards her parents, particularly her father, for support. As a passionate classical musician, she is not wildly popular at school, but she has one close friend and a life filled with musical performance. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her, and Daisy is left disconnected from her one true love, music.

When she makes a new friend at school, mysterious Flora, Daisy finds a glimmer of peace in her chaotic life. 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.

"Solo is a triumph. I absolutely adore it."– Donal Ryan

"Full of wisdom and music and rhythm with a story as compelling and true as they come, Solo is for anyone who's ever felt lost, or afraid, or misunderstood, or alone. In other words, it's for everybody." –  Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, author of The Apple Tart of Hope

"A lyrical exploration of heartbreak and healing." – Amy Clarkin, author of Who Watches This Place

"A tightly written, incredibly well-characterized work: bravo." – STARRED Kirkus Review

"Such a powerful beautiful exquisite book!" –Fully Booked Kirkus podcast

"Expect to see this book on a shortlist or two."  – The Irish Times

"I loved this book so much. Every teenager, and every parent of one, will surely relate to this." –  The Irish Examiner

"Limerick-born bookseller Gráinne O’Brien’s verse-form novel digs deep into the uncertainty and self-doubt felt by many on the cusp of adulthood." –  The Irish Examiner

"A real page-turner, capturing the bitter sting of first heartbreak along with the pressures associated with Leaving Cert year in an eloquent verse novel that will have readers hoping for more."  –  CBI in The Irish Examiner

"Solo is a deeply affecting novel that will leave you rooted to the floor, I loved it."  –  LoveReading4Kids

" A stunning debut." –  Discover Irish Kids Books, RTE.ie

"Full of rhythm. Comes alive on the page." – Inis Magazine, starred review

"Solo is a sparkling story of friendship, loss, and finding your way back to yourself. Highly recommended for KS4." – School Reading List

"Thematic richness is coupled with Gráinne O’Brien’s skilful and original use of verse form." – Just Imagine

"Fans of Sarah Crossan will love this book."  – Westmeath Independent

"An incredible coming-of-age YA novel written in verse ... Solo is honest, raw and utterly heartbreaking with hope shining through." – Karla's Bookish Life

"Solo is simply exquisite; beautifully wrought and rendered, raw, honest; a loving journey back from heartbreak and loss; glimmering with hope; a quiet triumph." – Fallen Star Stories