BOOKS Reading Notes Edel Coffey selects from slim pickings J anuary can be a thin month for new books but this month sees an unusual bounty of literary riches to ease us into the new year. First up, the rapturously anticipated DAY (Fourth Estate, €22.99) by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham. Day is his first novel in almost a decade and it is nothing short of beautiful. Isabel and Dan are married and living in Brooklyn with their children, while Isabels gay brother Robbie, struggling to make his way, is living in their attic. Despite his apparent failure, Robbie represents a world that feels lost to Isabel and Dan, namely, youth and possibility. The story takes place on one day, April 5, over three years 2019, 2020 and 2021 but this is not so much a pandemic book as an elegy for the world, and for a way of life. As per all Cunningham novels, this is perfectly written and feels both devastating and essential. If youre a fan of audiobooks, Julianne Moore, who starred in the film adaptation of Cunninghams The Hours, reads this one. Three excellent Irish writers make their novel debuts this month. Greystones author Cathy Sweeney drew much attention for her 2020 debut collection of short stories, Modern Times, which offered an absurd and often humorous look at how we live now. BREAKDOWN (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, €21), is a fascinating study of a woman who has sacrificed her dreams in exchange for being a good wife, a good mother, a so-called good woman, and has had enough. Literary in style, but as propulsive as a thriller, the story begins with Sweeneys middle-aged protagonist waking up and realising she cannot go on with her perfectly middle-class life. She calls in sick to her teaching job, ignores the appalling demands of her grown children (more almond milk; lifts), and sets off on a literal and metaphorical journey to find herself. You wont be able to put this down. There has been an unholy amount of buzz around Ferdia Lennons debut GLORIOUS EXPLOITS (Penguin Fig Tree, €17.50) and from the very first page its easy to see why. Lennons debut is set in 412BC, after Athens failed invasion of Sicily. Athenian prisoners of war have been thrown into the quarries to die. Lampo and Gelon are local potters who go visiting the quarries for want of something better to do. Gelon is a fan of Euripides and when he discovers some of the prisoners can recite Medea, he comes up with a plan to stage the play. All of the conversation is in Dublin vernacular (Lennon was born in Dublin but now lives in Norwich), which adds unexpected layers of humour and pathos. Dont be put off by the setting or subject matter. All of humanity is captured in this really enjoyable and highly entertaining story from a brilliant new voice. Colin Barrett fans have waited a long time for a novel from this Mayo maestro of the short story who has won The Rooney Prize, The Frank OConnor International Short Story Prize and whose stories have appeared in The New Yorker. WILD HOUSES (Vintage, €14.99) tells the story of 17-year-old Nicky and her boyfriend Doll who 32 January 2024 THE GLOSS MAGAZINE get caught up in a feud between a smalltime dealer (Dolls brother Cillian) and two local heavies, Gabe and Sketch, who drag their reclusive cousin Dev into their mess. Barretts characters are full of heart and individuality and youre in love with them all from the get-go. A must for fans of Lisa McInerney and Kevin Barry. Hisham Matar was born in New York City to Libyan parents, spent his childhood in Tripoli and Cairo and has lived most of his adult life in London. His 2016 memoir The Return, about his return to Libya in search of his father, won the Pulitzer Prize. His new novel, MY FRIENDS (Penguin Viking, €18.75), is set between Edinburgh, London and Libya and deals with many of the themes explored in his memoir. It tells the story of three friends, Hosam, Khaled and Mustafa, whose lives are changed when they attend a protest at the Libyan embassy in London and the government officials there open fire on the protestors. This is a moving study of friendship and the effects on a person of living in exile. THREE LITTLE BIRDS by Sam Blake (Corvus, €13.99) follows the story of Dr Carla Steele, a facial reconstruction expert. When Garda DS Jack Maguire brings a skull retrieved from a lake to Carlas office, she thinks she is working on a 14-year-old cold case. But when a woman is found murdered by the lake, the case is no longer cold. Blake is an expert storyteller and her forensically researched plot offers lots of fascinating crime scene detail that vividly brings this story to life. But it is the chemistry between characters Carla, her partner the criminal psychologist Grace Franicosi, and the serious gentleman DS Maguire that keeps you turning the pages. A gripping and dark thriller perfect for the January fireside. Another excellent thriller is FIRST LIE WINS (Headline, €14.99) by US author and producer Ashley Elston. The book is already being adapted into a TV series by Octavia Spencer and its easy to see why. This high-concept thriller is former YA writer Ashley Elstons debut adult novel and it is a mind-twisting conundrum. The protagonist is working for a mysterious boss who gives her a new name and identity with every mission. Her original identity is a secret she guards closely, just in case she ever needs to use it. But during the course of her latest mission, where she has moved way too close to her mark shes now his girlfriend she meets a woman who looks unnervingly like her, and also happens to have her real name, the one nobody is supposed to know about. Is she being double-crossed by her boss? The race is on to find out. A deeply satisfying page-turner. Martha Baillie is a Canadian author of several novels but THERE IS NO BLUE (Granta, €21.25) is a memoir in which she writes about her mother, father and sister all of whom are dead and in doing so she reflects on her familys story. Written in three parts, one essay for each member of her family, this is a beautiful, insightful and moving meditation on grief and family. Crystal Hefner first arrived at the infamous Playboy mansion in 2008 at the age of 21. Within months she was, in the unusual hierarchy of the Playboy Mansion, promoted to Hugh Hefners top girlfriend and eventually, four years later, his wife. By that time, she was living her life according to the weird misogynistic rules of the Playboy world and her home had become a prison. In her memoir, ONLY SAY GOOD THINGS (Ebury, €27.50) she writes about how she reclaimed her identity and happiness from the damaging culture of the Playboy mansion. As well as the bizarre life she led, the book also gives a rare insight into Hugh Hefner. As for the title? It comes from what Hefner told Crystal when he was dying only say good things. She might have broken that deathbed diktat with this book. MESSY HANDBAGS / EXQUISITE TRIPS / FRESH & PRETTY MAKE-UP / GREENER LIVING / HAPPY HOTELS / NEW YEAR NOVELS / VALUE VINO MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024 s.ie s o l www. t he g with THE IRISH TIMES Spring things No, its not too early! Totes amazing Roomy carryalls cosy but cool Early birds Dawn run d JENNIFER LAWRENCE MINI DOLCEVITA CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE THE GLOSS MONTHLY REMINDER SIGN UP to receive a monthly reminder by email when THE GLOSS is out so that you never miss an issue. Simply register your details on WWW.THEGLOSS.IE. PU B LI S H E R JANE MC DONNELL E D I TO R SARAH MC DONNELL D E PU TY E D I T O R PENNY MC CO Fuel economy l/100km: low to high combined: 9.1-12.1. CO2 emissions g/km: combined low to high 239-278. The figures provided are WLTP and are shown as a range under WLTP testing measures. CO2 and fuel economy figures may vary according to wheel fitment and optional extras fitted. Off road driving re GLOSSIP TWO UP Gloss~ip! B Warming Up OOF WEAR Embrace the average in 2024 ... BARDOT BANGS Adieu the Butterfly Bob and Cub Cuts, hello Bardot Bangs. The iconic fringe may have appeared first in the 1960s but the face-framing style still looks chic and suits most people. WRAPPING UP: In a Lu Fuel economy l/100km: low to high combined: 9.1-12.1. CO2 emissions g/km: combined low to high 239-278. The figures provided are WLTP and are shown as a range under WLTP testing measures. CO2 and fuel economy figures may vary according to wheel fitment and optional extras fitted. Off road driving re FASHION 2 1 Spot The Trend Stay warm in style, says Aislinn Coffey MARNI 3 5 4 6 7 8 THE ART OF LAYERING Whats the key to looking chic while dressing warmly this winter? Cosy layering that is stylish, not bulky. Begin with a good base layer: a fitted top that isnt too tight. Try one of Uniq DUBLIN Beacon South Quarter Dublin 18 Tel: 01-653-1650 Photos by Flavien Carlod, Baptiste Le Quiniou, for advertising purposes only. MOODBOARD 6 5 January Mood Pearled 7 1. IM PARTYING in a pearl egg crossbody bag from www.simonerocha.com. 3 2. IM ARMING myself in a bespoke pink gold, diamond and pearl Shawish Octopus mood bracelet, lit from within via light technology. @shawishofficial 2 3. IM CLUTCHING my pearls by Sus Antonio Citterio designed the Alex dining table and Charlotte chairs for B&B Italia. No. One Ballsbridge, New Pembroke Street North, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 P9C5 The Waterfront, Hanover Quay, Dublin 2, D02 H729 Phone:+353 1 6337716 info@minima.ie minimahome.com TRENDS CHANEL ten trends for 2 From decaff to chrome, big lashes to Bauhaus brights, discover the key beauty, fashion and lifestyle trends for the year ahead VALENTINO 1 chrome f inishes Move over brass cool-toned chrome, pewter, stainless steel and nickel finishes are making a comeback. Shiny Togo. Michel Ducaroy Made in France Ligne Roset Dublin T20 Maple Avenue, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Eircode: a94 w9k2, Ireland (353) 1 293 9268 www.ligne-roset-dublin.ie TRENDS TRENDS 6 retro perfect This year, the Fleetwood (as in Mac) interiors aesthetic, inspired the hit TV series Daisy Jones and The Six is trending. Its a blend of 1970s rock n roll glamour and bohemian chic. Think curvy furniture, velvets and flashes of gold. Channelling the trend is the Hote All you see is clarity. The difference is Gaggenau. Clear the air with a grand gesture. The table ventilation rises to any occasion, an impressive, yet transient, presence. Every Gaggenau piece is distinctively designed and crafted from exceptional materials to offer professional performance. For m . ER Gre en IL L & and BI SH pin OP k s , trip 34 e 2; line ww n w. tab m at leclo ch es th, fa sh io n.c om TRENDS EDIT the eaf ouble-l Ecru d 9.99; 7 , p . lam E.COM ceiling M O H .ZARA W W W tta soup bowl, 25, WWW .ARK E T. C Raw white Balloon ceramic vase, LOUISE ROE, 175; www.ecrustudio ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL The Perksof CENTER PARCS Escape the everyday at Center Parcs Longford Forest, where hundreds of outdoor and indoor adventures await you and your family F amily, fun and fresh air is a simple prescription proven to increase physical and emotional wellbeing. Enjoying a natur 0404 65000 info@newcastledesign.ie ACCESSORIES Messy bag ba bag, ag, tidy BAG What does your bag say about you? On the SS24 catwalks, models carried capacious bags overflowing with stuff. We talk to the stylish women who also carry their life in their hands and those who go nowhere without an immaculate structured bag. Your new sea ACCESSORIES JANE BIRKIN WITH HER HERMÈS A h a n d b a g i s only fun when it's kicked around so it looks like the cat sat on it. Jane Birkin Irina Shayk S ize matters. When it comes to bags, that is. Do you go big and bold, with all your wordly belongings hanging off your shoulder or are you mi CLAIRE DELAP ACCESSORIES Joanne McNally Judy Gilroy Anxious Preoccupied oversized vegan leather tote by Joanne McNally, 120; www.anxiouspreoccupied.com. INSIDER INFORMATION I always carry a journal and pen for writing, a book, a laptop light, some perfume and lip balms, and a deck of cards. IS READER EVENT READER EVENT Hottest the KITCHEN EVENT In association with Bosch, Siemens and NEFF HOME of INNOVATION Trends, design and planning your kitchen with Home of the Year judge, interior designer Sara Cosgrove The Spring Table: tablescaping by Nordic Elements Tickets, €15, include a TRENDS White and pink Museo leather tote, 950; WWW.MARNI.COM. EDIT the CarryAll MM monogram canvas tote, 2,150; WWW.LOUISVUITTON.COM TOTES AMAZING FERRAGAMO Embrace the elegant tote bag, the practical XL alternative to last years mini bag ... 0, 29 2. , lin te to Dub XL et, e er th Str lea bespoke hand crafted living FOR EVERY ROOM EVERY DETAIL BESPO KE M ADE AND FITTED SHOWROOM BY APPOINTMENT D RUMLECK, CAST LEBELLI NG HAM , C O LOUTH T: 0 4 2 9 3 7 26 25 I N FO @ O C O N N O R S O FD R U ML EC K . I E OCONNORSOFDRUMLECK.IE CU STO M DESIGNED AND FITTED FOR EACH LIVING SPAC E C USTOMI SED C O LO UR A ND DESI G N BEST SHOPS 2023 The BEST SHOPS of 20ý When we joined forces with Theshopkeepers.com last year to find Irelands Best Shops, we couldnt have imagined just how enthusiastically readers of THE GLOSS would support independent retailers all over the country. You nominated your favourite shops, shared sho ADVERTORIAL Christina and Ryan Lumo. Where Innovation Meets Skincare Transformation Discover a brand new clinic with a fresh approach to skincare B reaking boundaries in beauty, The Filo Clinic is Irelands first nurse-led clinic to lead the way in inclusive skincare innovation. In an industry t WELLBEING WELLBEING GOOD HAIR DAYS We dont subscribe to the TikTok notion of an everything shower where you do a face-mask, haircare, exfoliating scrub etc, during an extended shower. What a waste of water. (Anyway, wed have fraught teenagers banging on the bathroom door if we even attempted a lon WELLBEING , rm la .95; www.lum 59 ie. co Lumie S un ris e A Morning Glories . thats the Swede in me). Researchers have shown that repeated cold exposure can have slight immune benefits (the same theory behind sea swimming) but for me, a blast of fresh air is enough, and gives me a calm sense o ONES TO WATCH Katie Byrne Founder, Inez & Paulie, Ireland S orting through her collection of vintage fashion, accessories and homewares during a house move sparked the idea for Katie Byrnes new online vintage couture store, Inez & Paulie. Amid all the clutter were two or three vintage investment ONES TO WATCH CORMAC LY N C H Interior architect, India D ublin-born interior architect Cormac Lynchs recent projects include interiors for Indian and international clients in Marrakech, Mumbai, New York, Dubai and London. I love the variety of working in different design styles, whether it is de BOOKS Reading Notes Edel Coffey selects from slim pickings J anuary can be a thin month for new books but this month sees an unusual bounty of literary riches to ease us into the new year. First up, the rapturously anticipated DAY (Fourth Estate, €22.99) by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael BOOKS JOURNEY OF THE HEART Cynthia Zarin is best known for her poetry but in this beautiful pocket-sized book, In Italy (Daunt Books, 6.99), essays guide us through Zarins travels in some of Italys most iconic cities, and her own emotional journeys. Through her personal experiences we see wellworn BEAUTY Beauty Notes POWERSCOURT SPRINGS PAUL COSTELLOE SS24 Sarah Halliwells new year beauty treats Beautys Face Glaze sticks (€21; www.pocobeauty. com), made in Italy. Just blend them in well, to avoid 1980s-style streaks of colour; and avoid wearing these all day, every day your skin can ski From Our Hands To Yours SHEA BUTTER HAND CREAM 8 Hour Intense Hydration Quick Absorption DINING Restaurant Notes Ciara McQuillan on new restaurants to visit in 2024 ... THE DUNMORE, DUBLIN 6: WHATS NEW? The Dunmore opened its in the former Bowery pub building in Rathmines in December 2023. With a sleek interior, industry heavyweights at the helm and a comprehensive cocktail list, its Book a design consultation and discover a new way of living. mcnallyliving.ie Book a design consultation today +353 1 660 4856 46 Serpentine Avenue Ballsbridge Dublin 4 WINE Value Vino Julie Dupouy on simple wines with big personalities ... A nd just like that, 2024 is upon us, bringing new focus, new opportunities and new priorities. Its safe to say that most of us are little more pennywise with our indulgences in January after all the festive splurging. For t ENHANCE YOUR MOOD WITH VOYA ESSENTIAL OILS NEW to the VOYA fragrance portfolio LIFT REST ZEST REST LAVENDER & ROSEMARY A grounding scent to soothe and evoke tranquillity LIFT SPEARMINT & ROSEMARY An uplifting scent to refresh and revitalise ZEST EUCALYPTUS & LIME A refreshing scent to awa TRAVEL The Great Escape Tim Magee is a man with a plan to escape winter by daydreaming of holidays to come in 2024 ... A pparently rats laugh. Monkeys, I knew about. Dogs and cats, the jury is out. Although being very familiar with both, I choose to believe they do. But rats? I choose to believ ADVERTORIAL Join the Luxury Club The Marker Club is an exclusive spa and lifestyle members club which offers a host of hospitality, spa, fitness and holistic health-centred experiences at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel O verlooking the waterfront on Grand Canal Square in the heart of Dublin Ci TRAVEL Travel Notes Penny McCormick on happy hotels and other trends The Deerstone Eco Resort, Co Wicklow. Within the Village, Roundstone. Merrion Mews, Irish Landmark Trust. ON MY RADAR: The Deerstone Eco Resort, Co Wicklow: A new luxury hideaway Hotel Flora, Antwerp. C hoosing hotels for INTERVIEW WITH A MAN CHRIS PIZELLO Men need to be encouraged to be more open and honest and empathetic. Theres strength to be found in empathy ... FIACHNA Ó BRAONÁIN Music & Memories Fiachna Ó Braonáin is host of Late Date on RTÉ Radio One and a founding member of The Hothouse Flowers. A father INTERVIEW WITH A MAN played a huge part in creating a sense of invincibility and confidence. Gigs at UCD, Rag Week, Freshers Ball, the Trinity Ball followed, then the radio and the Late Late Show, then we got into the studio to make a record with U2s label, Mother Records. YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTH AS home truths THIS GLOSSY LIFE This Glossy Life The sitting room features artwork by Birger. A sking fashion designer Malene Birger where she calls home is not straightforward. Although she is originally from Denmark, and Copenhagen was where she worked for 20 years until she stepped back from he THIS GLOSSY LIFE LEFT The dining room table is used to display Birgers collection of books. BELOW Inlaid pillars, found in India, in the entrance hall. RIGHT Birgers kitchen, with a collection of local glassware which she designed. FAR RIGHT The master bedroom overlooks rolling hills. home is in M THIS GLOSSY LIFE Whi l e I may move every few years, what is inside my home remains the same... own abstract paintings and ceramics, decorate the rooms. Its not like I see the trees or ocean and want to paint them. My work is abstract. I feel good here so the creativity flows. Birger now and then ENVIRONMENT A Drop in The Ocean I consider the following things when doing my weekly shop: where products have come from; how they are packaged; if its possible to buy them loose; whether they are organic, local, or seasonal; portion size and waste; freezing options for food I wont eat in time; if BSH Group is a Trademark Licensee of Siemens AG Discover barista quality coffee at home Innovative technology for refined coffee enjoyment Discover more Siemens Home Appliances Product advice