Catherine Airey’s debut novel, Confessions, is an irresistible and deeply poetic exploration of family secrets, loss, and the search for identity across three generations. At the heart of this haunting narrative lies the defining tragedy of 9/11, the day that tore America’s heart apart. Cora Brady, the novel’s protagonist, loses her father in the Twin Towers attack, years after her mother’s suicide. Left untethered, she receives a letter from her estranged aunt Róisín in Ireland, drawing her back to her family's roots. As she settles into her new life, her parents' past begins to unfold before her, revealing long-buried truths.

The novel seamlessly shifts between different timelines and perspectives, beginning in 1974 through the eyes of Róisín Dooley, Cora’s aunt. Róisín and her sister Maire (Cora’s mother) were inseparable as children. Both were drawn to the same boy, Michael, who ultimately chose Maire out of a sense of responsibility rather than passion. Maire, always otherworldly, became unmoored after a traumatic incident in art school—an event that would shape her fate.

The narrative then moves to New York in 1979, where Maire studies art, followed by Róisín’s perspective in Ireland in 1981, now in a relationship with Michael. The novel continues to leap through time: to Lyca Brady, Cora’s daughter, in Ireland in 2018, where Róisín acts as a grandmother to her, and back to New York in 1992, where Michael, struggling with Maire’s worsening depression, writes long letters to Róisín, which she keeps hidden in a tin box.

The novel ends in the present, with Lyca piecing together the story of her lineage through old photographs and the letters in the tin. Like a puzzle, Confessions builds its emotional weight through these fragments of history, offering a layered and immersive reading experience. Interwoven between these chapters are intriguing elements—clues from a computer game designed by Róisín and Maire, as well as the presence of a Victorian house full of ghosts, both literal and metaphorical.

Airey masterfully balances poetic lyricism with gripping storytelling. Her exploration of generational trauma, immigration, love, and loss is deeply affecting, drawing the reader into the lives of these women as they navigate their own personal reckonings. The novel’s shifting perspectives might challenge some readers, but its emotional depth and the skillful intertwining of narratives make it an unforgettable read.

Unputdownable, evocative, and richly layered, Confessions establishes Catherine Airey as a storyteller to watch.

Beautifully written and immersive read following three generations of women with links to Ireland and New York, unravelling the secrets which span continents and time.

Cora's father has just died in the 9/11 attacks, leaving her orphaned following the death of her mother some years earlier. She receives a letter from an aunt she has never known, offering to look after her in Ireland.

The interwoven stories which emerge are beautifully told and vividly capture the emotions and atmosphere of the place and times.

A really enjoyable read spanning three different generations of women in the same family.
From a personal perspective I didn't enjoy the gaming plot and I still don't really get what The Screamers was?! That said I'm a skim reader....
The coincidence at the end was unnecessary.
3.5 stars.

Still can’t believe this was a debut novel. So moving and had me gripped reading. I’ll be looking out for further work by Catherine.

I found this interesting but not an easy book to read.

It follows three generations of women - Cora’s father has died in 9/11 and as her mother died when she has young, she moves to Ireland to live with her aunt. The chapters then deal with her mother,Marie and sister, Roisin - their estrangement, Marie’s life in New York with Michael (her childhood sweetheart) and her sister’s life in Ireland caring for her mother.

We also meet Lyca - Cora’s daughter, who is trying to understand her mother’s activism and her past. She uncovers family secrets which may be best left well alone.

Their stories were tough to read and heartbreaking at times.

An immersive read.

A brilliant debut novel that follows three generations of women from Ireland to New York and back again. A brilliant read!

I suppose this is a family saga, set in Ireland and in New York, it follows two sisters. Maire goes to the US, Roisin stays in the village where they were brought up. The stories are continued by Maire's daughter and granddaughter and are a little fragmented at foirst, gradually taking more shape as later generations discover more about the lives of those who went before them. The book definately kept me engaged and I liked the different viewpoints which mesh together to tell the complete story. Maire is a shadowy character in many ways, but these shadows lengthen as more of her is revealed as the book progresses. The author deals with and describes emotions well and major events are included, such as 9/11 and lockdown. Perhaps some of the narratives are a little one-sided? An example is that Lyca does not always connect with her mother Cora, but the book has moved on from Cora's point of view.
Definately an interesting and thoughtful read. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

I enjoyed this sweeping story encompassing three generations of Irish women, set in rural Ireland and New York. Cleverly and beautifully written, this author is definitely one to watch.

This was a difficult book to follow as it jumped around a lot but having said that when I read a bit that went on for awhile it was very interesting.

Confessions by Catherine Airey is a brilliant debut.
The story begins in 2001 with Cora aged 16 in New York and the planes crashing into the World Trade Center towers leaving Cora orphaned. She receives a letter from an estranged aunt in Ireland and so begins our story which looks back over three generations.
There’s so much going on in this complex saga with twists and revelations from such great strong characters.
An emotional journey that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I found the structure of this to be a little odd and couldn’t really get the game part of the story. However, I enjoyed the family saga, despite the change in voice and going back and forth in time. It makes a change to read of chaotic Irish lives that don’t involve priests or nuns messing with people. I did also like the links between Ireland and New York and how this dynamic changes, and I liked the focus on women throughout. Many of the men were almost an afterthought.

The Women of Ireland follows the lives of Cora, Maire, Roisin, and Lyca, exploring themes of loss, love, and injustice across generations. The novel powerfully examines women's strength and resilience, particularly in relation to reproductive rights and personal hardships.

Confessions is a modern, family saga following the story of several generations of Irish women making their way in life. It takes the reader to and Ireland in the 1980s to 21st century New York and back again to Ireland. With a complex interwoven plot, a cast of compelling female characters and a lot of drama, this has a lot to recommend it and shows every sign of becoming a modern classic.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

This is the debut novel by Catherine Airey.

I have to say I was drawn to the cover.

It was really well written and kept me engaged I didn't want to put it down.

Great read

After losing her father in the North Tower on 9/11, Cody moves to Ireland to live with an aunt she barely knows, uncovering a family history filled with pain and resilience. Spanning three generations of women, the novel tackles heavy themes like mental illness, rape, teenage pregnancy, and dementia with sensitivity. While the shifting timelines took some adjustment, the characters were compelling and the story deeply engaging. Though the ending felt a bit too neatly wrapped up for my taste, I can see why this book has received so much praise, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting Catherine Airey’s next work.

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and author for an ARC of Confessions.
I hadn't even finished this book when I decided I needed to reread it, to pick up on all the bits I missed. A great book told from multiple viewpoints, with harrowing stories at times.
Highly recommend.

OMG, Confessions absolutely blew me away. 🌪️ Like, I went into it not really knowing what to expect, but WOW! it completely shattered any expectations I had. This book is a straight-up masterpiece, and I’m not even exaggerating. 🎨✨

I’m such a sucker for multi-generational family stories when they’re done right, and Catherine Airey nailed it. 💯 The way she weaves together the lives of Roisin and Maire, two sisters whose choices ripple through their family for decades, is just chef’s kiss. 👌 The story takes you from Ireland to New York City and back, and it’s so rich and layered. 🍀🗽 It’s heartbreaking, beautiful, and totally mesmerizing—like, I couldn’t put it down. 😭💖 It dives deep into motherhood, sisterhood, love, grief, and betrayal, and it hits you right in the feels. 💔

The fact that this is Airey’s debut novel is mind-blowing. 🤯 Like, how is this her first book? It’s so polished and powerful, and it honestly stands up to some of the best modern classics out there. 📚👑 I’m already obsessed with her writing and can’t wait to see what she does next. 🙌

Also, can we talk about how skillfully she handles the multiple perspectives and timelines? 🕰️ It’s so intricate but never confusing, and each character feels so real and distinct. There are these little callbacks and hints of foreshadowing that are so satisfying—like, it’s subtle but adds so much depth. 🧩 It’s the kind of book that makes you go, “Ohhhh, that’s why that happened earlier!” and it just ties everything together so beautifully. 🌟

Honestly, I’m still thinking about this book days after finishing it. 🤔💭 If you’re into emotional, beautifully written family sagas, this is 100% a must-read. 📖🔥 Catherine Airey is definitely an author to watch. 👀✨

I enjoyed this book, although I found it rather long, and slightly predictable. The story was a good one, but I felt it all ended rather too neatly. I would definitely recommend it though.

After she loses her father in the North Tower in the 9/11 disaster the now orphaned Cody travels to Ireland to live with her mother‘s sister about whom she knows very little. A family saga covering three generations of women this book deals with many tough issues - mental illness, rape ,teenage pregnancy, death and dementia .The story often skipped between different timelines but once I got used to that it wasn’t a problem. The characters are well drawn and there was a lot to love about this novel however for me the ending felt a little over contrived. I can fully understand the hype around this novel and I will be looking forward to whatever Catherine Airey decides to write next. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.

I'm not sure where to start with this book. I was fully invested throughout, but the ending felt rushed. It took me a while to gather my thoughts, and even now, I'm unsure of exactly what I want to say.
I appreciated how the author explores pregnancy from different perspectives, though, at times, it felt like the topic was a bit repetitive—perhaps intentionally, as a reflection of generational trauma.
Despite my conflicted feelings, I’m looking forward to reading more from Catherine Airey.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the ARC!