Books
Two novels of Ireland and New York, and a children’s book that travels the world.
The Whipping Club
Dublin, 1957. Marian McKeever, a young Catholic teacher, is pregnant by Ben Ellis, a Jewish journalist. Pressed by her uncle, a priest, she gives the baby up in secret and marries Ben without telling him. Ten years later the truth surfaces: their son was never adopted. He is in a Church-run orphanage, and the family that goes to bring him home discovers what those walls were built to hide.
A Kirkus starred review and Best of 2012 selection. Praised by Publishers Weekly. Chosen for O, The Oprah Magazine’s Summer Reading list. Now adapted for the screen as The Birds Will Sing.
“A powerful saga of love and survival.”Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Deborah on The Whipping Club
Circle in the Water
New York City in the Depression. A young Northern Irish immigrant arrives with nothing but a voice and the nerve to use it, and learns which lies save you and which ones destroy you. A novel about desire, ambition, and the roles a woman is forced to play to survive.
Now being adapted for film and streaming as King of Hell’s Kitchen.
“Henry unfolds a richly atmospheric tale of a Depression Era Irish immigrant in New York City, struggling to be a star and find herself amidst hard times and even harder betrayals. Henry’s novel is an unforgettable triumph.”Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author
“I’m smitten. The language is gorgeous and deeply textured, and the story fractures everything you thought you knew about love, desire, and a woman’s becoming.”Lidia Yuknavitch, author of The Chronology of Water
Australian edition · Daisy Lane Publishing
Watch Her Shine
A fairy tale that teaches children to be courageous, inspiring, and empowered citizens, ready to save their community in times of danger. First published in Uganda and Kenya by World of Inspiration Publications, with an Australian edition from Daisy Lane Publishing, the cover shown here. Proceeds from the first thousand East African copies support the Bambino Life Foundation and its work helping girls and disadvantaged children reach their goals.
“Deborah Henry creates a world of magic, fairy tale, and lush fantasy, like Gabriel García Márquez translated for kids. Wonderful and playful!”Josip Novakovich, Man Booker International Prize finalist
Available for wider publication and animation. Inquire about rights.
Watch Her Shine, read aloud
Narrated by Elizabeth Isitor, an audiobook narrator, photographer, and content creator who delights in celebrating diversity and storytelling. Watch Her Shine is her first audio narration. Her warm, engaging voice draws young listeners in and sparks the imagination.
Bringing Watch Her Shine home
Deborah traveled to Uganda and Kenya for the book’s first printing, meeting the readers it was written for and the foundation it supports.
Deborah joins book clubs by video
Reading The Whipping Club with your group? Invite her to the conversation.
Invite Deborah