Ian McGuire

Ian McGuire grew up near Hull and studied at the University of Manchester and the University of Virginia, USA. In 2007 he co-founded the University of Manchester's Centre for New Writing. He is the author of Incredible Bodies and the 2016 Man Booker-longlisted novel, The North Water. The Abstainer is his third novel.

What are Ian McGuire's major books?

His principal novels include Incredible Bodies, The North Water, and The Abstainer.

What genre and style does he write in?

He writes literary fiction often described as dark, gripping, and atmospheric, with strong emphasis on character and tension.

In what order should I read his novels?

A straightforward reading order is by publication: start with Incredible Bodies, then The North Water, followed by The Abstainer.

Has he received any notable awards or recognition?

The North Water was longlisted for the 2016 Man Booker Prize.

Have any of his books been adapted for screen?

Yes. The North Water has been adapted as a BBC television series starring Colin Farrell, Jack O'Connell, and Stephen Graham.