Niall Williams

Niall Williams (born 1958, Dublin) is an Irish author.[1] He studied English and French literature at University College Dublin before graduating with a master's degree in Modern American Literature.[1]

He moved to New York in 1980 where he married Christine Breen, also a novelist, whom he had met while she was a Master's student also at UCD, and took his first job opening boxes of books in Fox and Sutherland's bookshop in Mount Kisco, New York. He later worked as a copywriter for Avon Books in New York City before leaving America with Chris in 1985 to attempt to make a life as a writer.

His first four books were co-written with Christine and tell of their life together in Kiltumper in west Clare. In 1991, his first play, The Murphy Initiative, was staged at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.[1] His second play, 'A Little Like Paradise' was produced on the Peacock stage of The Abbey Theatre in 1995. His third play, The Way You Look Tonight, was produced by Galway's Druid Theatre Company in 1999.[1]

Niall's first novel was Four Letters of Love. Published in 1997, it went on to become an international bestseller and has been published in over twenty countries.[1] His second novel, As it is in Heaven was published in 1999 and was long-listed for the Irish Times International Dublin Literary Award.[2]

Williams' third novel, The Fall of Light was published in Britain and Ireland, France, Italy and America. His fourth novel, Only Say The Word, was published in 2005 in several countries and his fifth novel, Boy in the World was published in 2007. Boy in the World is dedicated to his son, Joseph. He wrote chapters and sent them to Joseph who was away at boarding school, and continued the story in the sequel, Boy and Man.

Williams' seventh novel is entitled John, a story about the apostle John who reportedly lived 100 years. The novel explores John's life during the many long years while awaiting Jesus's return. History of the Rain, his eighth novel was long listed for the 2014 Man Booker Prize. His most recent novel This is Happiness’ Has been nominated for best novel in the An Post Irish Book Awards. He is at work on several screenplays, including one on his novel Four Letters of Love.[1]