Colum McCann
The latest news and review on Irish writer Colum McCann
Observer book of the week
American Mother by Colum McCann with Diane Foley review — amazing grace The mother of the US journalist James Foley, who was held for two years and then executed by Islamic State, tells her story with exemplary compassion and understanding
American Mother by Colum McCann with Diane Foley review – steeliness and sorrow
A mother’s account of the life and death of James Foley, the journalist murdered by Islamic State
Hilary Mantel up for third Booker prize as 2020 longlist announced
Author of the Thomas Cromwell trilogy vies with 12 other contenders in a field marked by a high number of debuts
From Stephen King to Anne Lamott: the 10 most inspiring, enjoyable books about how to write
These are brilliant guides to creativity, commitment and structure – whether you intend to write yourself, or just love great writing
Apeirogon by Colum McCann review – new perspectives on Israel-Palestine
A compendium of the conflict mixes fact with fiction to create a profound account of pain and healing
The sky’s the limit: why together we’re greater than the sum of our parts
From bats to honeybees, many living things exhibit group capabilities way beyond those of any one individual. How can this principle of emergence help us understand the world?
Book of the day
Letters to a Young Writer review – sound advice for novelistsDespite the occasional misstep, Colum McCann’s book of guidance for writers is full of clarity, wit and forceful instruction
Book of the day
Thirteen Ways of Looking by Colum McCann review – a moving exploration of empathyA remarkable tale about a mother and son adrift on the west coast of Ireland proves the highlight in this novella and short stories
Impac Dublin prize shortlist spans continents
Jim Crace joins international finalists including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Man Booker winner Richard Flanagan
Reading American cities
New York in books: readers' picksFrom the glamour of 1950s Manhattan to the decadence of Wall Street today, New York is a literary capital. Last week we offered you a guide to books about New York – and you had a lot more to suggest. Here’s a selection of recommendations. Add your own below the line
Readers' books of the year 2013: part 1
From Sebastian Faulks's Jeeves and the Wedding Bells to Patrick Ness's More Than This to Alan Johnson's This Boy, Guardian readers pick their favourite reads of 2013
Jim Crace is Booker favourite as judges prepare to unveil shortlist
Bookmakers refine their offers and speculation mounts before list of authors in contention for Booker prize is cut from 13 to six
My favourite first line – by writers on the 2013 Man Booker prize longlist
Atlantic magazine asked some of America's greatest writers last week for their favourite first lines from literature. We decided to ask the same of this year's Man Booker prize longlist … with some surprising results
TransAtlantic by Colum McCann – review
A life in ...
Colum McCann: a life in writing
Sue Arnold's audiobook choice
Sue Arnold's audiobook choice - reviewsSue Arnold's audiobook choice: Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, Snowdrops by AD Miller and The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
Colum McCann wins 2011 Impac Dublin prize
Impac prize shortlist dominated by three-strong Irish contingent
Colm Tóibín, Colum McCann and William Trevor are all in the frame for the world's most lucrative literary award
Top 10s
Aifric Campbell's top 10 jobs in fictionFrom selling houses with Richard Ford to ballet dancing with Colum McCann and spying with John Banville, the novelist lists her favourite portrayals of working life
About 33 results for Colum McCann 
Reading American citiesNew York in books: readers' picksFrom the glamour of 1950s Manhattan to the decadence of Wall Street today, New York is a literary capital. Last week we offered you a guide to books about New York – and you had a lot more to suggest. Here’s a selection of recommendations. Add your own below the line
