When James meets Luke, everything changes an exhilarating tale of hidden desire and sudden freedom in the wild countryside.
THE INSTANT TOP 10 IRISH BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE 2026
An achingly beautiful story of first love GUARDIAN Superb Transcendent SARAH PERRY Beautifully written, deeply felt MICHAEL MAGEE Heart-rending Propulsive FINANCIAL TIMES
James dreams of another life far away from his small village. Almost an adult, his newfound desires threaten to unravel his shy exterior. Then he meets Luke. Unkempt and handsome, charismatic and impulsive, he has been sent to stay with his aunt and uncle on a nearby farm.
With the passing seasons, a bond emerges between them that transforms their lives. Yet James is never sure of Lukes true feelings and as the end of summer nears, he has a choice to make: will he risk everything for the possibility of love?
*A Book of the Year for the Guardian, Observer, Irish Times and BBC*
READERS LOVE OPEN, HEAVEN My favourite book of the year Gorgeous. I was completely transported The intoxicating rush of first love. Five stars! Breathtakingly beautiful. A story that stays with you Heart-breaking but also triumphant. A must-read The most truthful novel about love that I have read in a long time
It made my heart hurt in the best ways HELEN MACDONALD
Hewitt writes with such tenderness and grace ANNE ENRIGHT
Desire, yearning, fear Intensely vivid IRISH TIMES
Gorgeous Piercing, intimate and euphoric COLIN WALSH
Seán Hewitt is the real deal BENJAMIN MYERS
Open, Heaven was an Irish top ten bestseller w/c 28 April 2025
