Brian O’Sullivan
Author Brian O’Sullivan was born in Ealing, West London, UK, of Irish working-class parents. His childhood was spent in both London and Ireland (Kerry), but he’s called New York City home for most of his adulthood. Upon moving to the city in 1986, he joined up with other Irish men doing construction work and indulging in nights of debauchery. O’Sullivan has struggled with severe injuries, as well as trauma from his harsh childhood. He underwent seventeen treatments of electroshock therapy in an effort to conquer his demons. This—in combination with O’Sullivan’s experiences as an outsider—has helped him become a keen observer, often noticing the everyday absurdities of life and the people who live it. His blackly comical voice first gained attention with his debut novel, Butcher a Hog, and now continues to upend reader expectations with sharp wit and unflinching confrontations with the darkness in us all. Brian was a Finalist for the Baum Book Prize 2017 with his new book, The Folly of Sweeney, out in 2018.
