Publishing company Fourth Estate has seized the debut novel by the prize-winning writer and editor Sinéad Gleeson, author of An Post Irish Book Non-fiction book of the Year and Folio Prize-shortlisted memoir, Constellations.

Fourth Estate Publishing Director Kishani Widyaratna acquired British Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, in physical, ebook and audio to Sinéad Gleeson's highly anticipated debut novel Hagstone, which is set to publish in spring 2024.

The novel promises to take in the darker side of human nature, the mysteries of faith and the power of the natural world, and promises to be the perfect read for fans of Mike McCormack, Margaret Atwood and Sarah Moss.

Sinéad Gleeson. Photo by Bríd O'Donovan.

On a wild and rugged island cut off and isolated to some, artist Nell feels the island is her home. It is the source of inspiration for her art, which is rooted in landscape, folklore and the feminine. The mysterious Inions, a commune of women who have travelled there from all over the world, consider it a place of refuge and safety too, of solace in nature.

All the islanders live alongside the strange murmurings that seem to emanate from within the depths of the island, a sound that is almost supernatural – a Summoning as the Inions call it. One day, a letter arrives at Nell’s door from the reclusive Inions who invite Nell into the commune to produce a magnificent art piece to celebrate their long history. In the course of its creation, Nell will discover things about the community and about herself that will challenge everything she thought she knew.

Kishani Widyaratna of the Fourth Estate said Hagstone is "beautifully written", and "is a searing début that masterfully summons both the mysterious power of the imagined island on which it is set and the restless characters who live in isolation there."

"Sinéad Gleeson is one of our most loved writers and literary advocates, and everyone at Fourth Estate is over the moon to welcome her to the list. Hagstone will thrill fans old and new and we can’t wait to share it with readers.”

I'm so thrilled that @4thEstateBooks will publish my debut novel next April - it's a total bonus I get to work with @KishWidyaratna again as my editor. Thank you to Kish, all at @4thEstateBooks, @HCinIreland and to Peter Straus at @rcwlitagency. #Hagstone https://t.co/c3FNYSX5dk

— Sinéad Gleeson (@sineadgleeson) May 15, 2023

In a statement, Gleeson said that she is unbelievably thrilled to publish her first novel. "I’m really excited for readers to meet Nell and the inhabitants of the island.”

Fans can look forward to a provocative and eerily haunting read from one of Ireland's most eloquent and talented storytellers.