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Kirkus Reviews, “Best Teens and YA Books of 2023”
Bank Street Best Children's Books 2024
2024 USBBY Outstanding International Books
A feminist retelling of favourite Irish fairytale The Children of Lir.
Aífe marries Lir, a chieftain with four children by his previous wife. Jealous of his affection for his children, the witch Aífe turns them into swans for 900 years. Retold through the voice of Aífe, Savage Her Reply is unsettling and dark, yet nuanced in its exploration of the guilt of a complex character.
'Ferocious and illuminating, this retelling of a classic Irish tale is steeped in folklore and revitalized with feminist nuances. Calligrams that “mimic the characters [of] Ogham” come between its chapters, whispering lessons from Aife’s broken and rebuilt state ... Sister, daughter, wife, villain, savior: a complicated queen takes her legacy back in the stunning novel Savage Her Reply.' – Foreword Reviews
‘This dark, beautiful retelling of the Irish tale “The Children of Lir”, filled with transformed swans, air demons, betrayal and forgiveness, is saturated with the power of Sullivan’s lyrical prose.’
The Guardian
‘Deirdre Sullivan’s Savage Her Reply breathes new life into the Irish legend of the Children of Lir.’
The Observer
‘Unsettling, haunting, and darkly lyrical, Savage Her Reply is a beautiful thing.’
‘No-one else writes like Deirdre Sullivan. She is lyrical, poetic and thoroughly intoxicating.’
Juno Dawson, author of Her Majesty's Royal Coven
'What I love about this book are the mystical elements Sullivan taps into and brings alive ... Sullivan is able to tap into an ancient feminine power and earthly magic that will appeal to anyone familiar with stories from this time period. Overall, SAVAGE HER REPLY takes a profound look at who we are, why we do what we do, and if we can ever learn from our mistakes.' – YA Books Central
'This book was such a refreshing book ... I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something different and something that is not what you think. The author of this book did a wonderful job in making sure Aife was a complex character and that to me is what brought this book to life.' – NetGalley Reviewer
'Deirdre Sullivan has a great writing style and it left me wanting to read more from the author.' – NetGalley Reviewer
'A lush, searing, deeply personal story about how the wounds we take on in childhood shape the rest of our lives and those of everyone around us. Heartbreaking, haunting, and unapologetically feminist, this book is an exploration of what if means to be human, so beautifully-written that it ceases to be a retelling and becomes a myth itself.' – NetGalley Reviewer
'Savage Her Reply by Deirdre Sullivan is a captivating retelling of the Children of Lir myth. Through its focus on the character of Aoife, rich prose, and thought-provoking themes, it offers a fresh and enchanting perspective on this classic story, making it a must-read for both mythology enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Sullivan's innovative approach breathes new life into the age-old tale, making it a memorable literary experience.' – NetGalley Librarian
'Savage Her Reply is gorgeously told. This book feels like a piece of art rather than a novel. I enjoyed the prose style of writing and it was a welcome break from my typical reads. I recommend Savage Her Reply to all readers!' – NetGalley Reviewer
'It is dark and weird and cool.' – NetGalley Reviewer
'This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!' – NetGalley Reviewer