In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie chats with Chloe Michelle Howarth, author of the novel Heap Earth Upon It. Set in 1960s rural Ireland, Chloe’s book is a deeply moving exploration of family, longing, and queer identity, told through the lives of four siblings navigating love, loss, and the constraints of their time.
Chloe opens up about her creative process, from writing multiple drafts to find the right perspective, to the influence of Irish culture and the romanticism of place in her storytelling. She also discusses the vital role of the Arts Council in supporting Irish artists and shares her thoughts on the importance of authentic queer representation in literature.
Whether you’re a reader drawn to literary fiction, Irish storytelling, or queer narratives, this episode offers a warm, honest look into how Chloe builds emotionally rich worlds and unforgettable characters.
You can buy Heap Earth Upon It here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/heap-earth-upon-it-chloe-michelle-howarth/7c8017b243e972c1?ean=9780857309051&next=t
You can find out more about Chloe on her website: https://www.chloemichellehowarth.com/
Books recommended in this episode:
My Husband by Maud Ventura: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/my-husband-a-gripping-read-sunday-times-maud-ventura/7599016?ean=9781804946220&next=t
An Irish Folklore Treasury by John Creedon: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/an-irish-folklore-treasury-a-selection-of-old-stories-ways-and-wisdom-from-the-schools-collection-john-creedon/7063652?ean=9780717194223&next=t
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/young-mungo-the-no-1-sunday-times-bestseller-douglas-stuart/6240346?ean=9781529068788&next=t