Jamie O'Neill facts for kids

Jamie O'Neill (born 1 January 1962) is an author from Ireland. He is famous for his book At Swim, Two Boys, which came out in 2001. This book was highly praised and helped him become known as a very talented writer. Many people compare his writing style to famous Irish authors like James Joyce. Jamie O'Neill now lives in County Galway, Ireland. Before that, he lived and worked in England for about 20 years.

O'Neill's books are known for being very imaginative. This is different from some other Irish writers who focus more on realistic stories. One reviewer said that with At Swim, Two Boys, O'Neill earned his place among great Irish writers.

Jamie O'Neill's Early Life and School

Jamie O'Neill was born in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, in 1962. He was the youngest of four children. He went to Presentation College in Glasthule, County Dublin. He also learned a lot from his experiences living in places like London and Greece.

Growing up, Jamie's home did not have many books. He discovered how fun books could be when he read Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. He got this book as a Christmas gift. It took him two weeks to finish, and it was the first book he ever read all the way through. Jamie had a difficult childhood and left home when he was 17 years old.

He was raised in the Catholic faith. He has said he likes the special words and ways of speaking used in the Catholic Church.

In 2010, Jamie O'Neill was one of the Irish writers who attended the European Writers Conference. This event took place in Istanbul, Turkey.

Jamie O'Neill's Journey as a Writer

After leaving home at 17, Jamie O'Neill moved to England. He worked in a factory for some time. Later, he returned to Ireland and lived in Dalkey. During his visits to London, Jamie met TV presenter Russell Harty. Russell encouraged Jamie to share his writing with the world.

Jamie stayed with Russell until Russell passed away in 1988. After Russell's death, Jamie faced a very tough time. He eventually became homeless for a while.

His first book, Disturbance, was published in 1989. Another book, Kilbrack, followed in 1990. Jamie found it hard to write during this period. He also changed his agent and publisher. From 1990 to 2000, he worked as a night porter at a hospital in London.

One day, while in a London pub, Jamie's dog went missing. A ballet dancer named Julien Joly found his dog. Jamie and Julien started a relationship. Julien helped Jamie get his life back on track. Over the next ten years, Jamie wrote At Swim, Two Boys. This book was published in 2001. These events helped turn things around for the author.

When At Swim, Two Boys was released in Britain, people compared it to the works of James Joyce. The success of the book allowed Jamie to leave his job as a porter. It also helped him open his first bank account.

Ten years after its release, a reviewer called 2001 a "vintage year" for Irish writing. They specifically mentioned At Swim, Two Boys as an "unforgettable" book.

Awards and Recognition

Jamie O'Neill has received important awards for his novel At Swim, Two Boys:

• Ferro-Grumley Award for Fiction
• Lambda Literary Award in Gay Men's Fiction