What is Open, Heaven about?
When James meets Luke, everything changes – an exhilarating tale of hidden desire and sudden freedom in the wild countryside.
A GUARDIAN BEST SUMMER READ
THE INSTANT TOP 10 IRISH BESTSELLER
‘An achingly beautiful story of first love’ GUARDIAN
‘Gorgeous… I promise it’s amazing!’ JACK EDWARDS
‘An exquisite tale… Superb’ SARAH PERRY
James dreams of another life far away from his small village. Almost an adult, his newfound desires threaten to unravel his shy exterior. Then he meets Luke. Unkempt and handsome, charismatic and impulsive, he has been sent to stay with his aunt and uncle on a nearby farm.
With the passing seasons, a bond emerges between them that transforms their lives. Yet James is never sure of Luke’s true feelings and as the end of summer nears, he has a choice to make: will he risk everything for the possibility of love?
*Shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize 2026*
*A Book of the Year for the Guardian, Observer, Irish Times and BBC*
READERS HAVE FALLEN FOR OPEN, HEAVEN
‘I adored every single moment of this phenomenal book’
‘The intoxicating rush of first love. Five stars!’
‘Gorgeous. I was completely transported’
‘Breathtakingly beautiful. A story that stays with you’
‘Heart-breaking but also triumphant. A must-read’
‘It made my heart hurt in the best ways’ HELEN MACDONALD
‘Seán Hewitt is the real deal’ BENJAMIN MYERS
‘Beautifully written, deeply felt’ MICHAEL MAGEE
‘Hewitt writes with such tenderness and grace’ ANNE ENRIGHT
‘Heart-rending… Propulsive’ FT
‘Gorgeous…intimate and euphoric’ COLIN WALSH
Open, Heaven was an Irish top ten bestseller w/c 28 April 2025