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Sebastian Barry''s new 2026 novel a lyrical, unforgettable story of survival after the American Civil War. Shop now at Chapters Bookstore, free Irish delivery. Signed copies available while stocks last.
"A new novel from one of Ireland''s finest living writers.
Sebastian Barry twice winner of the Costa Book of the Year and a Sunday Times bestselling author returns with The Newer World, a sweeping, tender work of Irish historical fiction that was named among the books to look out for in 2026. It carries all the lyrical intensity and moral depth readers expect from him, set against one of history''s great turning points.
At its heart is Tennyson Bouguereau: a freed man, devoted brother, hesitant singer, conflicted soldier and, before long, a wanted man. In the unsettled aftermath of the American Civil War, he leaves the fragile safety of Tennessee and his sister Rosalee for the promise of a whole new life in Nashville, until an unexpected journey to Victorian England changes everything he imagined his future might hold.
Exquisitely rendered, with the rich cast of characters and visceral emotional pull that define Barry''s finest work, this is a novel about what it takes to survive a world remade overnight, and what gets lost along the way.
The Observer called it a masterly work of historical witness and moral reckoning.
A must-read for admirers of literary Irish Fiction and beautifully written general fiction alike, and a natural next read if you loved his earlier novels.
Discover more standout titles across our Irish Books range and current Best Sellers. A brand-new 2026 release, available now at Chapters Bookstore.
Irish Fiction - https://chaptersbookstore.com/collections/irish-fiction
general fiction - https://chaptersbookstore.com/collections/general-fiction-hardback-trade-paper-back
Irish Books range - https://chaptersbookstore.com/collections/irish-all-irish-books
Best Sellers - https://chaptersbookstore.com/collections/books-all-bestsellers"
FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORTWICE WINNER OF THE COSTA BOOK OF THE YEAR''A masterly work of historical witness and moral reckoning'' OBSERVER, Fiction to look out for in ''26An immersive and unforgettable novel of one man''s life in the aftermath of the American Civil War. I knew as I made my way home that there was no home. All the old things .
. . were gone forever.
FAQs
"What is The Newer World by Sebastian Barry about?
It follows Tennyson Bouguereau a freed man, brother, singer and soldier as he searches for meaning and belonging in the aftermath of the American Civil War, journeying from Tennessee toward Nashville and, unexpectedly, Victorian England. It''s a lyrical, moving novel about survival and what''s lost along the way."
"Who is Sebastian Barry?
Sebastian Barry is one of Ireland''s most acclaimed living writers, a Sunday Times bestselling author and a two-time winner of the Costa Book of the Year. He''s known for richly written historical fiction such as Days Without End and A Long Long Way."
"How do I choose a good historical fiction novel?
Look for a period and setting that genuinely interests you, then check that the author balances real history with strong characters and storytelling. Award recognition and trusted reviews are useful signals, but the best pick is usually one whose premise pulls you in from the first page."
"Are trade paperbacks better than mass-market paperbacks?
Trade paperbacks are larger, printed on better-quality paper, and more durable, which many readers prefer for keeping or gifting. Mass-market paperbacks are smaller and cheaper, making them handy for travel so the ""better"" option really depends on whether you value quality or portability."
"What''s the difference between literary fiction and general fiction?
Literary fiction tends to prioritise language, character depth, and themes over fast-moving plot, and often rewards slower, more reflective reading. General fiction is broader and more plot-driven, aimed at wide enjoyment though plenty of books happily sit in both camps."
"A new novel from one of Ireland''s finest living writers.
Sebastian Barry twice winner of the Costa Book of the Year and a Sunday Times bestselling author returns with The Newer World, a sweeping, tender work of Irish historical fiction that was named among the books to look out for in 2026. It carries all the lyrical intensity and moral depth readers expect from him, set against one of history''s great turning points.
At its heart is Tennyson Bouguereau: a freed man, devoted brother, hesitant singer, conflicted soldier and, before long, a wanted man. In the unsettled aftermath of the American Civil War, he leaves the fragile safety of Tennessee and his sister Rosalee for the promise of a whole new life in Nashville, until an unexpected journey to Victorian England changes everything he imagined his future might hold.
Exquisitely rendered, with the rich cast of characters and visceral emotional pull that define Barry''s finest work, this is a novel about what it takes to survive a world remade overnight, and what gets lost along the way.
The Observer called it a masterly work of historical witness and moral reckoning.
A must-read for admirers of literary Irish Fiction and beautifully written general fiction alike, and a natural next read if you loved his earlier novels.
Discover more standout titles across our Irish Books range and current Best Sellers. A brand-new 2026 release, available now at Chapters Bookstore.
Irish Fiction - https://chaptersbookstore.com/collections/irish-fiction
general fiction - https://chaptersbookstore.com/collections/general-fiction-hardback-trade-paper-back
Irish Books range - https://chaptersbookstore.com/collections/irish-all-irish-books
Best Sellers - https://chaptersbookstore.com/collections/books-all-bestsellers"
FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORTWICE WINNER OF THE COSTA BOOK OF THE YEAR''A masterly work of historical witness and moral reckoning'' OBSERVER, Fiction to look out for in ''26An immersive and unforgettable novel of one man''s life in the aftermath of the American Civil War. I knew as I made my way home that there was no home. All the old things .
. . were gone forever.
FAQs
"What is The Newer World by Sebastian Barry about?
It follows Tennyson Bouguereau a freed man, brother, singer and soldier as he searches for meaning and belonging in the aftermath of the American Civil War, journeying from Tennessee toward Nashville and, unexpectedly, Victorian England. It''s a lyrical, moving novel about survival and what''s lost along the way."
"Who is Sebastian Barry?
Sebastian Barry is one of Ireland''s most acclaimed living writers, a Sunday Times bestselling author and a two-time winner of the Costa Book of the Year. He''s known for richly written historical fiction such as Days Without End and A Long Long Way."
"How do I choose a good historical fiction novel?
Look for a period and setting that genuinely interests you, then check that the author balances real history with strong characters and storytelling. Award recognition and trusted reviews are useful signals, but the best pick is usually one whose premise pulls you in from the first page."
"Are trade paperbacks better than mass-market paperbacks?
Trade paperbacks are larger, printed on better-quality paper, and more durable, which many readers prefer for keeping or gifting. Mass-market paperbacks are smaller and cheaper, making them handy for travel so the ""better"" option really depends on whether you value quality or portability."
"What''s the difference between literary fiction and general fiction?
Literary fiction tends to prioritise language, character depth, and themes over fast-moving plot, and often rewards slower, more reflective reading. General fiction is broader and more plot-driven, aimed at wide enjoyment though plenty of books happily sit in both camps."
- Publisher Name:Faber & Faber
- Product Format:Trade paperback
- ISBN: 9780571378456
- Author:Barry, Sebastian
- Publication Date:2026-09-03
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