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A review by the_fake_librarian
Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
TW: Domestic abuse, coercive control, emotional abuse, financial abuse, r*pe, and threats of violence.
‘Nesting’ is a novel of gripping urgency. I read this between Sunday evening chores and Monday morning emails unable to tear my mind away from O’Donnell’s heroine Ciara as I rooted for her to finally break the links tethering her to her abusive marriage with her husband, Ryan-Patrick.
The writing is emotive and stirring with pacing that leaves you on edge as Ciara navigates the bureaucracy of applying for emergency accommodation, HAP, and legal support in Ireland.
The constant rollercoaster of upheaval and interference from Ryan leaves you spinning as Ciara strives to maintain a firm grip on her newfound independence and her children’s happiness.
It is clear from the descriptions of coercive control, financial abuse, and sexual abuse that O’Donnell has carried out extensive research with care. As a result, the reader is fully immersed in Ciara’s life, leaving the reader painfully aware of the reality many face in leaving abusive homes.
The same level of care and research is evident in O’Donnell’s portrayal of homelessness in Ireland and the resources available at women’s refuges such as Women’s Aid and Safe Ireland, from the confusion and long wait times to landlord’s refusal to accept HAP payments. O’Donnell creates a bleak but accurate portrayal of the current state of emergency housing provision in Ireland.
While the novel centres on a difficult and necessary conversation around homelessness and domestic abuse in Ireland, the supporting characters that Ciara meets along her journey to independence bring welcome warmth and comfort to the novel.
‘Nesting’ is a novel of gripping urgency. I read this between Sunday evening chores and Monday morning emails unable to tear my mind away from O’Donnell’s heroine Ciara as I rooted for her to finally break the links tethering her to her abusive marriage with her husband, Ryan-Patrick.
The writing is emotive and stirring with pacing that leaves you on edge as Ciara navigates the bureaucracy of applying for emergency accommodation, HAP, and legal support in Ireland.
The constant rollercoaster of upheaval and interference from Ryan leaves you spinning as Ciara strives to maintain a firm grip on her newfound independence and her children’s happiness.
It is clear from the descriptions of coercive control, financial abuse, and sexual abuse that O’Donnell has carried out extensive research with care. As a result, the reader is fully immersed in Ciara’s life, leaving the reader painfully aware of the reality many face in leaving abusive homes.
The same level of care and research is evident in O’Donnell’s portrayal of homelessness in Ireland and the resources available at women’s refuges such as Women’s Aid and Safe Ireland, from the confusion and long wait times to landlord’s refusal to accept HAP payments. O’Donnell creates a bleak but accurate portrayal of the current state of emergency housing provision in Ireland.
While the novel centres on a difficult and necessary conversation around homelessness and domestic abuse in Ireland, the supporting characters that Ciara meets along her journey to independence bring welcome warmth and comfort to the novel.