‘Ryan’s prose zips along at a giddy pace — it’s whip-smart, original, full of wit and glass-sharp observations, and Camille is hilarious, sparkly company. The Knowing is a timely, absorbing, fun, and acutely observed study of human nature.’
Julia Kelly, The Irish Times
‘The Knowing is a pacy novel. Ryan has great control over the rhythm and momentum of the short chapters through which it progresses, which makes the ever-increasing pressure on Camille all the more palpable … The Knowing is a visceral and sensual novel that is very much concerned with what it means to be a body in the world, and the ways in which we might attend to its pleasures and demands. It is deliciously funny — mostly because of Camille’s sharp, wry wit, which is always tempered by her slight awkwardness — and deeply empathetic. A distinctive, assured work.’
Fiona Wright, The Saturday Paper
‘Full of effortless humour, all-too-relatable moments, and a metaphysical realisation regarding first-world problems, The Knowing is an easy, addictive read about womanhood, relationships, social media, and body image … Ryan speaks to the reader in a way that makes you feel seen, heard, and truly understood.’
Aurelia Orr, Readings
‘The vignette-style chapters address timely topics such as capitalism, feminism, burnout, addiction, work culture, relationships, and women’s bodily autonomy … offering a thought-provoking exploration of self-discovery and the complexities of modern life.’
Kate Dunphy, Books+Publishing
‘An unfiltered exploration of a young woman’s inner world … Her inner monologue is self-critical yet self-assured, insightful yet repetitive, making for a protagonist who is deeply human … An ambitious novel that will resonate with those who appreciate introspective, character-driven narratives.’
Lisette Drew, ArtsHub
Praise for A Room Called Earth:
‘As an autistic woman, I rarely see myself in novels, let alone ones that are by us and for us. A Room Called Earth spoke to me on every page.’
Naoise Dolan, author of Exciting Times
Praise for A Room Called Earth:
‘Extraordinary … The dazzling directness of her prose opens thrilling new doors into the female experience of the sexual, spiritual, and social worlds … The smart, magical voice Madeleine Ryan has found in A Room Called Earth is unlike anything else you’ll find this year.’
Helen Brown, The Independent
Praise for A Room Called Earth:
‘A Room Called Earth is visceral and voluptuous … The book is a quiet celebration of holding dear to the space within yourself and if you look beyond your skin, how earth itself can bring comfort and wonder.’
Thuy On, The Sydney Morning Herald
Praise for A Room Called Earth:
‘Instead of keeping us at arm’s length, Ryan’s narrator allows us to loiter in her brain the entire time, with no feelings or thoughts off-limits. What unfolds is an act of radical generosity. It’s less unfiltered stream of consciousness and more a continuous hum of deeply flawed, compassionate, curious, unpredictable thoughts that reveal a neurodivergent worldview.’
Nathania Gilson, The Saturday Paper
