As it is in Heaven by Niall Williams

I enjoy contemporary Irish writing, from William Trevor’s beautifully crafted stories to John O’Donohue’s exquisite prose, so it came as no surprise that I should be drawn to novels by Niall Williams. I first discovered his writing in a bookshop in Cork a few years ago: a biographical tale O Come Ye Back to Ireland that related leaving New York for a tumbledown cottage in Co. Clare. Forget Toujours Provence, Under the Tuscan Sun et al, this was Ireland, unfashionable, unhurried, wet. Wonderful.

As it is in Heaven reflects the rugged landscapes, pewter skies and mercurial spirits to be found there. Stephen Griffin is a solitary, introverted schoolteacher, living with his retired father. Their lives have been shadowed by the tragic loss of Stephen’s mother and sister in a road accident. Stephen struggles on, until his life is transformed by meeting a beautiful Italian violinist. Lured by the memory of Vivaldi, he retraces her steps to Venice in an attempt to find her again. As it is in Heaven is a book about love in all its aspects. Unspoken tender loyalty between father and son balances the tempestuous passion that overturns Stephen’s life. It is a beautiful fable, at times unbearably sad and moving, at others joyous and vibrant. It explores the joy and pain of love and loss, conveying a sense of healing and well-being to the reader. As it is in Heaven is enchanting.
(Originally published in Books and Company, edited by Susan Hill)