Thirst Trap

Thirst Trap cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 3648
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781035046225
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2025-06-12
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Thirst Trap by Gráinne O'Hare is a blazing, bittersweet, and bitingly funny novel that delves into the complexities of friendship and grief. Set in Belfast, the story follows Maggie, Harley, and Róise as they navigate their roaring twenties, filled with questionable one-night stands and ruthless hangovers. Their crumbling houseshare has been witness to their triumphs and catastrophes, but fault-lines are beginning to show. The three friends are still grieving the tragic death of their friend, Lydia, whose room remains untouched. Their last big fight hangs heavy over their heads, unspoken since the accident. As they begin to unravel, the novel explores the enduring bonds of friendship through the best and worst of times. Praised for its compulsively readable and brilliant portrayal of friendship and grief, Thirst Trap has been compared to the works of Dolly Alderton and Eliza Clark. Readers have raved about its ability to make them laugh and cry in equal measure, describing it as sharp, funny, and deeply relatable. The novel captures the chaos and beauty of young adulthood with a unique blend of humor and heartache.

Reviews
The Irish Times · 2025-06-16
rioting 4.50

The book is described as an absolute riot, filled with humor, compassion, and wisdom, offering a realistic portrayal of young women in contemporary Belfast.

This reviewer found Thirst Trap to be an absolute riot, filled with humor, compassion, and wisdom. They appreciated the realistic portrayal of young women navigating life in contemporary Belfast, finding the characters and their experiences both relatable and engaging. The reviewer also noted the author's keen observational skills and the way she weaves together humor and heartfelt moments to create a truly enjoyable reading experience.


Quick quotes

    It's an absolute riot – funny, compassionate, observant and wise, the work of a real talent.

    Gráinne O'Hare has a knack for capturing the essence of what it's like to be a young woman in today's world.

    Thirst Trap is a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the complexities of modern life.

Books on the 747 · 2025-06-10
engaging 4.00

The book is celebrated for its perfect blend of emotional depth and light-hearted moments, highlighting the small but significant aspects of life and friendship.

This reviewer was particularly impressed by how Thirst Trap balances tough emotional situations with a spotlight on the small, meaningful moments in life and friendship. They found the book to be a perfect blend of emotional depth and light-heartedness, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciated the way the author handled the complexities of grief and friendship, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and engaging.


Quick quotes

    This book was the perfect blend of tough emotional situations and shining a spotlight on the small moments in life and friendship that make it all worthwhile.

    Gráinne O'Hare has a unique ability to capture the essence of human connection in all its forms.

    Thirst Trap is a novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Pretty Little Memoirs · 2025-05-06
heartwarming 4.50

The book is praised for its devastating humor and heartwarming portrayal of realistic friendships. The wit and emotional depth make it a standout read.

This reviewer found Thirst Trap to be a delightful blend of humor and heart. They appreciated how the friendships in the book felt incredibly real and relatable. The wit and emotional depth make it a standout read, perfect for those who enjoy stories that balance laughter with genuine emotion. The reviewer also noted how the book's exploration of friendship and personal growth resonated with them on a deeper level.


Quick quotes

    Overall, Thirst Trap was devastatingly funny, greatly heartwarming and witty to the core.

    The friendships in the book were so realistic that I felt like I was part of their group.

    Gráinne O'Hare has a knack for capturing the essence of friendship in all its messy glory.