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A review by natlbugz
Confessions by Catherine Airey
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
“She herself is a haunted house.” -WHAT A LINE!!
Catherine Airey’s Confessions is the kind of book that quietly sneaks up on you, layer by layer, until you’re completely caught in its web. Set between the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of rural Ireland and the chaotic vibrance of New York City, this multigenerational family saga is as atmospheric as it is deeply human.
The story begins with Cora Brady, a New Yorker whose life is upended after the loss of her father in 2001. When an unexpected letter from her estranged aunt Róisín invites her to Ireland, the story takes a sweeping turn into the past. From there, Airey masterfully weaves the lives of Cora, Róisín, and her sister Máire, exploring the secrets they’ve carried and the ripple effects of those choices. One of my favorite aspects of the novel was how Airey captured the nuanced relationship between sisters, blending loyalty, jealousy, and unconditional love into something heartbreakingly real.
Catherine Airey’s Confessions is the kind of book that quietly sneaks up on you, layer by layer, until you’re completely caught in its web. Set between the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of rural Ireland and the chaotic vibrance of New York City, this multigenerational family saga is as atmospheric as it is deeply human.
The story begins with Cora Brady, a New Yorker whose life is upended after the loss of her father in 2001. When an unexpected letter from her estranged aunt Róisín invites her to Ireland, the story takes a sweeping turn into the past. From there, Airey masterfully weaves the lives of Cora, Róisín, and her sister Máire, exploring the secrets they’ve carried and the ripple effects of those choices. One of my favorite aspects of the novel was how Airey captured the nuanced relationship between sisters, blending loyalty, jealousy, and unconditional love into something heartbreakingly real.
“I suppose that’s what dying does. You don’t have long left to tell your stories, so secrets don’t hold the power they once did.”
This idea pulses through every page of the book, as long-hidden truths about the enigmatic artist collective “The Screamers” begin to surface. Róisín’s journey as a fiercely independent yet guilt-ridden figure contrasts with Máire’s chaotic, artistic brilliance, and the way their past intertwines with Cora’s and Lyra’s futures kept me hooked.
Speaking of Lyra, Cora’s daughter, her chapters set in modern-day Ireland were another highlight for me. Airey didn’t shy away from incorporating Ireland’s social and political changes, and Lyra’s self-discovery felt so raw and real. There’s something about Airey’s prose that makes even the quietest moments hit hard.
Speaking of Lyra, Cora’s daughter, her chapters set in modern-day Ireland were another highlight for me. Airey didn’t shy away from incorporating Ireland’s social and political changes, and Lyra’s self-discovery felt so raw and real. There’s something about Airey’s prose that makes even the quietest moments hit hard.
"But they were just women, being anything they wanted to be. Being free. All of them different ages, from all sorts of places. You came to know their stories – the homes they had grown up in, the husbands they had left, the hurt they still carried. Most of them told you that they hadn’t ever fitted in before. That, until they’d found the Screamers, it had felt like they were playing an elaborate game, trying to follow its rules. Now, they didn’t have to do that. They could express themselves, be the people they were supposed to be."
The heart of this story lies in its exploration of generational trauma and forgiveness, and that quote perfectly encapsulates what I loved about the characters. They’re all flawed, often deeply so, but their struggles are painfully relatable.
As much as I enjoyed the writing, I have to admit that the sheer number of characters and timelines occasionally made the plot feel overwhelming. Certain moments were so intricately detailed—like the descriptions of Ireland’s countryside or the symbolism of the forgotten video games—that they sometimes slowed the pacing. But then again, Airey’s writing is so lush and evocative that I didn’t mind taking my time with it.
As much as I enjoyed the writing, I have to admit that the sheer number of characters and timelines occasionally made the plot feel overwhelming. Certain moments were so intricately detailed—like the descriptions of Ireland’s countryside or the symbolism of the forgotten video games—that they sometimes slowed the pacing. But then again, Airey’s writing is so lush and evocative that I didn’t mind taking my time with it.
“It doesn’t matter how many people you know, or where you go. You’re left with yourself.”
TLDR: Confessions is an ambitious and beautifully written debut. If you love family sagas with flawed, complex characters and a strong sense of place, this one will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Catherine Airey is definitely an author to watch—I’m already looking forward to her next book.