Solo

A novel in verse about teenage love and friendships, lost and found.

Written by beloved Irish bookseller Gráinne O'Brien.

Daisy’s first love is music. Her second was David.

Daisy can feel like a solo act at home. On the outside of her twin brothers’ intense relationship, she leans on 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. As she starts her final year of school, dealing with a breakup, the betrayal of her ex-best friend, and her dad’s illness, she feels more alone than ever.

Even music feels lost to her. But when she unexpectedly makes a new friend, Daisy begins to find her way back to herself.

"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