A Ghost in the ThroatA Ghost in the Throat
Score Modern
What it's about
In the 18th century, an Irish noblewoman, Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, found her murdered husband's body, drank his blood and composed an extraordinary lament. Centuries later, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, a young mother, becomes obsessed with the poet's forgotten life, and weaves her own story together with Eibhlín's.
Why it's worth reading
It was a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. It's a unique blend of memoir, translation and detective work.
You'll love it if you liked
H Is for Hawk
The Faraway Nearby
Bibliophobia: A MemoirGood to know
It includes a translation of the original poem. It's lyrical and intimate.
By the numbers
- Readers59 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics21 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller5 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz19 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #224 of the 290 memoirs and biographies we rank
- #969 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1788 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
True story
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American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert OppenheimerExplore the best-of lists
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Quick answers
Is A Ghost in the Throat worth reading?
Yes. It was a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. It ranks #1,788 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 65.7 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is A Ghost in the Throat about?
In the 18th century, an Irish noblewoman, Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, found her murdered husband's body, drank his blood and composed an extraordinary lament. Centuries later, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, a young mother, becomes obsessed with the poet's forgotten life, and weaves her own story together with Eibhlín's.
How long does it take to read A Ghost in the Throat?
About 6 hours (252 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after A Ghost in the Throat?
If you liked it, try H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald, The Faraway Nearby by Rebecca Solnit or Bibliophobia: A Memoir by Sarah Chihaya.