Picture an Irish storyteller who swapped the stage for the page, crafting novels that dive fearlessly into the shadows of human experience—meet Lisa Harding! Once a celebrated actress, she now weaves raw, emotional tales that tackle tough topics like human trafficking and addiction, earning her a place as a bold voice in contemporary Irish literature.
With novels like Harvesting and Bright Burning Things, Harding doesn’t shy away from the gritty or the heartbreaking. Her stories pulse with empathy, shining a light on society’s margins and inviting readers to see the world through the eyes of the overlooked. Let’s explore how this Dublin-born talent became a literary force!
The Making of Lisa Harding
Raised in Dublin, Ireland, Lisa Harding first dazzled audiences as an actress, gracing stages in London and screens in Ireland, including a 14-year stint as Nicola Prendergast on Fair City. But the nomadic life of acting—suitcases, auditions, and fleeting roles—left her yearning for more creative control. In her late 30s, she pivoted to writing, earning an MPhil in creative writing from Trinity College Dublin in 2014. This marked the start of her transformation into a storyteller who channels her theatrical flair into vivid, immersive prose.
Harding’s acting roots deeply inform her writing. She once described her process as channeling characters like a shaman, letting their voices possess her—a technique honed under an inspiring theater director. This immersive approach fuels her ability to craft complex, authentic characters who linger long after the final page.
Lisa Harding’s Unforgettable Stories
Harding’s debut novel, Harvesting (2017), is a gut-punch of a story about human trafficking. Following two teenage girls—one Irish, one Moldovan—trapped in a Dublin brothel, it blends heartbreak with glimmers of hope through their unlikely bond. The novel’s raw honesty earned the 2018 Kate O’Brien Award and nominations for the Irish Book Awards and Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year. It’s since been optioned for a film, with Harding co-writing the screenplay alongside Derry Girls director Michael Lennox.
Her sophomore novel, Bright Burning Things (2021), is an unflinching portrait of addiction and motherhood. Told through Sonya, a former actress spiraling into alcoholism while raising her young son, Tommy, the story crackles with emotional intensity. Critics hailed its poetic prose and raw vulnerability, comparing it to Shuggie Bain for its tender exploration of familial trauma. The novel became a Jenna Book Club pick and has also been optioned for film.
Harding’s latest work, The Wildelings (2025), dives into dark academia, exploring obsession and coercive control among university students in 1990s Dublin. Her style—first-person, present-tense, and fiercely immersive—creates a claustrophobic intimacy that pulls readers into her characters’ worlds. Whether tackling sex trafficking or addiction, Harding’s stories are both a mirror and a megaphone, amplifying silenced voices with compassion and grit.
Why Lisa Harding Matters
Lisa Harding’s work is a beacon in contemporary literature, fearlessly confronting issues like exploitation and addiction that society often sweeps under the rug. Her novels don’t just entertain—they spark conversation, challenge perceptions, and foster empathy for those on the margins. By drawing from real-world advocacy, like her work with the Children’s Rights Alliance, she ensures her fiction carries the weight of truth.
Her transition from actress to author also inspires, proving it’s never too late to find your voice. At 40, she published her first novel, and a decade later, she’s a celebrated figure whose stories resonate globally, from Ireland to the U.S. Harding’s legacy lies in her ability to make the invisible seen, urging readers to face hard truths with open hearts.
- Born: Dublin, Ireland
- Key Works: Harvesting (2017), Bright Burning Things (2021), The Wildelings (2025)
- Awards: 2018 Kate O’Brien Award for Harvesting
- Fun Fact: Harding’s acting experience shapes her vivid, character-driven prose.
Ready to dive into a story that’s equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful? Grab Bright Burning Things or Harvesting and let Lisa Harding’s fearless storytelling sweep you away!