Heart-wrenching novel about a woman trying to leave her emotionally abusive husband but struggles with trying to find a place to live for her and her children, a way to earn a living and to resist his pleas for her to come back.

This is a heartbreaking and empowering story of an Irish mother leaving her abusive husband who will do anything to save her kids. ⁣
⁣
𝘕𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 was hard to read at points but it’s ultimately hopeful and a story about how it’s never too late to change your life and save yourself, with heavy themes of motherhood and pregnancy. It’s also more specifically about the current housing struggle in Ireland, which I knew nothing about. ⁣

Why I found this utterly soul-shattering at parts and enjoyed it overall, I did find the pacing a tiny bit off and points. Some plotting happened way too quickly. But overall, I found this an important and intriguing read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Nesting by Roisin O'Donnell!

"Nesting" is a book that will stick with me. It is not necessarily a feel good book- I felt anxious, frustrated, or sad for most of it. But it was so well written, relatable, and about a very important topic. "Nesting" is an incredibly realistic portrayal of a mother trying to escape from an emotionally abusive marriage. The author said that she wrote it to help answer the question that victims often hear, "Why don't you just leave?" and I thought it answered that tough, multifaceted, question very well. Although I haven't been in that specific situation, I've been in unhealthy relationships before and found the story to be very relatable, especially as a mother. And while I mentioned that I felt negative emotions while reading it, there was an underlying theme of hope, perseverance, and found family which I loved.

“Leaving is one thing, but staying away is another.”

Set in 2018 Dublin , Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell revolves around Ciara Fay , former English teacher and presently homemaker and mother of two in her mid-thirties, who decides to take her two young daughters, Sophie and Ella, and leave her controlling and emotionally abusive husband, Ryan, after five years of marriage. This is her second attempt to escape her marriage to Ryan, who outwardly appears to be an ideal life-partner, having left him once two years before only to return soon after. Ciara’s family lives across the sea and she has no close friends she can turn to for support. Having given up her career after marriage, Ciara has only a bare minimum of funds to support herself and her children until she can find a job and is put up in a hotel room as waits for her turn on a long list of those awaiting social housing. Complicating matters further is Ryan, who oscillates between asserting his parental rights, threatening to take legal action and emotional manipulation, resulting in Ciara doubting herself and second-guessing her decision on more than one occasion. We follow Ciara, pregnant with her third child and concerned for her children’s well-being, as she navigates her way through financial struggles, homelessness, Ryan’s manipulations, and limited means of social aid as she strives to rebuild her life.

“I cannot hear myself think. I do not know who I am anymore. I do not know if I exist. I feel like a ghost. Life energy drained. A bloodless, cowered feeling.”

Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell is a dark yet realistic and emotionally impactful novel. The author writes eloquently, with insight and compassion (with minimal melodrama) as she addresses several sensitive themes including marriage and motherhood, gaslighting and emotional abuse, homelessness and much more. The author brilliantly captures Ciara’s state of mind - her fears and insecurities, her loneliness and moments of self-doubt as she navigates her way through much adversity. Ciara is a memorable protagonist and admired her courage and resilience and was invested in her journey of hope and healing.

Written against the backdrop of the Irish housing crisis, the story also paints a realistic picture of how women such situations are left to depend upon the kindness of strangers and the limited resources available for shelter, counselling and financial support. It is impossible to not be affected by this novel and reflect on Ciara’s circumstances and the difficult choices women in similar situations are forced to make and how important it is for them to have a support system to help them through the process . This is not an easy read but is definitely an important book that highlights relevant and important social issues.

Heart-wrenching but hopeful, I found this novel to be an evocative, thought-provoking read and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

Please note that the subject matter and certain themes addressed in this novel may be triggering for some readers.

Many thanks to Algonquin Books for the digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I had both an audio and eARC for this book and decided to listen to it . It took me a while to get through not because it wasn’t good but because I was so afraid for Ciara as she struggled to get out of an abusive marriage that it really was difficult at times and I had a lot of anxiety listening to it

This story was pulling at my heartstrings throughout. My heart was wrenching for Ciara and the kids. I just wanted all the dark clouds to go away. I didn’t want to put the book down, I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Set in Dublin in 2018, this novel highlights the harsh realities of life faced by women wanting to escape from intimate partner abuse.

Ciara Fay makes a spontaneous decision to leave her psychologically abusive husband Ryan, taking her daughters, 4-year-old Sophie and 2-year-old Ella, with her. With no financial means or network of support, they end up living in a hotel room on a floor reserved for unhoused families like hers. She faces so many obstacles as she tries to make a new life for herself and her children.

The novel focuses on emotional rather than physical abuse. Thus far Ryan has never hurt her though he has coerced her to have sex. His abuse is more subtle and so more difficult to convey or prove. On the surface he is handsome and a good provider; he shows the world only his attentiveness towards his family. Ciara knows that “his kindness is a choice. A decision he makes in order to achieve an end.” In private he is totally domineering. Prone to unpredictable outbursts of anger, he targets his wife. He controls the family finances, monitors Ciara’s movements, isolates her from family and friends, and belittles her so any self-confidence is totally undermined.

Ciara faces so many obstacles. Having been financially dependent on Ryan, she has few savings to provide for herself and her children. Finding housing proves to be a never-ending search. She has no support system in Dublin and has to navigate bureaucratic red tape. Her attempts to find housing and a job are complicated by her having to look after two young children. Her discovery that she is pregnant only adds to her difficulties.

And of course there’s the emotional toll. She is disheartened, confused, and fearful. Ryan’s gaslighting has sown self-doubt in Ciara’s mind so she is often questioning her judgment and decision: Is leaving the right thing to do or should she go back as she did once before? She and other women like her come to learn that “’Leaving is one thing, but saying away is another.’” Ryan pressures her to return. Feeling she has lost herself, the only voice she hears in her mind is Ryan’s. And there’s the shame she feels because of her situation and because she placates Ryan for fear of what he might do.

I found this a very tense read because I was totally invested in the fate of Ciara and her children. Ryan is a volatile character so every encounter with Ryan is fraught with danger: how will he threaten and intimidate her? Will Ciara be able to find appropriate housing and support her family? Will she be able to overcome Ryan’s brainwashing, fight his manipulation, and find the courage to stay away?

Some of the symbolism is heavy-handed. There’s the nestling crow that Ryan brings home, supposedly to help it. Despite odds, it survives, but ends up a captive. Kept on a tether, it becomes something Ryan can control. He seems to have no real affection for it; instead, the crow becomes a source of entertainment. Obviously the crow’s life parallels Ciara’s, as does its fate at the end.

This is a disturbing but compelling read. There is no doubt that it is a realistic portrayal of the almost impossible odds a woman can face if she makes the life-altering choice to leave an abusive relationship.

Happy Publication Day!

5+ stars!

2025 Favourites List! 🏆

A mothers determination to protect her children.

A heart-wrenching, eye-opening, contemplative, heavy, unforgettable story.

A mother makes a split second decision to take her young daughters and flee her abusive marriage. With no family close by to help, she finds refuge in a hotel organized through the broken housing system in Dublin. Her husband bombards her with his endless demands for her return, all while she battles her own guilt and self doubt.

I had an immediate, intense connection to the main character. Her vulnerability as a wife, mother and woman was heartbreaking. She struggles to find her own sense of identity which has been attacked, manipulated, cut down and buried by her spouses abusive behaviour. Reaching the point of desperation, she finds the strength and determination to leave to protect her children and herself, even though the future is uncertain. I felt for her with every bone in my body.

This author explores motherhood in a raw and vulnerable way that makes the reader sympathize with the characters situation. The sense of desperation and loss was palpable and gut wrenching. The overrun government housing assistance system explored the endless struggles those in need face on a daily, weekly and monthly basis full of check ins, paperwork and constant judgement and limitations.

This was a heavy and dark story but there were glimmers of hope scattered throughout that helped to propel the main character forward and keep focused on improving the family life for her children. Self doubt is a major theme explored and one many people face in these desperate and uneasy circumstances.

Support systems are key, but not everyone has this and finding outside support isn’t as smooth a process as it should be. Friendships made in these dark circumstances can often become lifelines of support and comfort.

I adored everything about this multi-layered, thought-provoking novel. This won’t be for everyone, as the story is a slow burn, emotionally exhausting, haunting and heartbreaking reading experience. It is one that I feel will be most impactful for mothers who will certainly find themselves putting themselves in this main characters situation and contemplating how they would cope.

⚠️ there are plenty of trigger warnings in this story, so please review those before reading this.

Audio rating: 5+ stars! I adored this audio narrator! She greatly enhanced my overall connection to this story and the main character in particular. Her narrative pauses and expressions were done to perfection. There are times when she is contemplating thoughts and situations and these inner narratives were heartfelt and emotional. The audio narratives changed for the children’s voices and during phone calls that echoed distantly, which enhanced the overall audio listening experience. This will be an All Time Favourite audiobook for me! I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook.

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted reading copy and audio copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

For those who've ever said, "Why don't you just leave?"

To an outsider Ciara seems to have a wonderful life....a handsome husband from a good family, two beautiful young daughters, a nice Dublin home in which to live, and now a baby on the way. Why then would she hastily pack a bag full of clothes, scoop up her two girls and their passports and flee one afternoon? Ryan has never actually hit her, after all, so its not like she's abused, she keeps thinking...but she is terrified of him just the same. Her mother and sister are in England so she can't run to them (Ryan has refused his permission to let their daughters leave the country), and over the years of their marriage Ryan has gradually isolated her from all of her old friends. She has no job and little money and soon questions her judgement in leaving, Crammed into a small hotel room, all that the emergency services can supply for housing, Ciara struggles to listen to the voice inside of her that urged her to leave as Ryan cajoles and threatens her into returning. What is the right choice when all of the options appear so bleak?
Nesting is a gut-wrenching novel featuring compelling and nuanced characters: a woman who entered marriage after a whirlwind romance only to find that her new husband isn't who she believed him to be and from whom she must summon the courage to escape, a man charming and manipulative enough to fool the world and to gaslight the woman he swears he loves, and the many people who get caught up in the struggle between the two. Ciara is only too aware that the choices she makes will have a long lasting affect on the young daughters she loves, and when the safety nets that she and so many believe are there to help people like her fail to materialize it is no wonder that she questions her judgement. As the story unfolds, the reader is shown the many ways in which victims of domestic abuse (be it physical, emotional, and/or psychological) are failed by agencies overwhelmed by those who need their assistance in a country already suffering from housing shortages. Each time Ciara hesitates and falls for another of Ryan's manipulations, I wanted to scream at her....why can't she see what's going on?,,,frustrations shared by the mother and sister who are doing their best to support her but are afraid that she, like so many in her situation, will tire of the fight to survive and return to the cage she fought so hard to escape, Nesting is an emotionally raw story, told with empathy and dotted with moments of hope, that at times feels like a thriller....only in this case the Ciara must overcome not just the villain in the piece but also her own shattered confidence. Readers of authors like Emma Donoghue, Roddy Doyle and Lucy Caldwell should make sure this debut from author Roisin O'Donnell gets a spot on their TBR shelf. Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for allowing me early access to this compelling read in exchange for my honest review.

Nesting is one of thsoe books that, although it was true to the description, surprised me. It depicts a situation that seems very real. Pregnant Clara leaver her emotionally abusive husband, taking their two very young children. Sounds simple enough. No, not at all. The story really give you insight into the struggle and hardship it takes to make such a choice. I loved the supportive friend Clara made, and the ways her family were able to help in bits and pieces. This is a book that stays with you. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

The Nesting is a masterfully told story by debut author Roisin O’Donnell. The character of Ciara is a very realistic and relatable character that readers will root for from the beginning. The inner struggles that Ciara has are heartbreaking, and realistic and make her situation and responses very identifiable. Readers who have been through abuse or know of someone will find themselves rooting for Ciara to make that final break. The relationships between those she meets along the way, her family, and her husband are also identifiable and move the plot forward.

Looking for a page-turner book with well-written characters, and emotional and masterful storytelling, this is the book for you. This reviewer can not wait to see what Ms. O’Donnell will write next. The Nesting is a grand slam for this debut author.

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Algonquin in exchange for an honest review.

This was a moving, heartfelt and at times heartbreaking debut that sees a pregnant Irish mother of two young children finding the strength to leave her abusive husband and try to forge a new life for herself and her children in Dublin. Ciara Fay is such a relatable character! I couldn't help rooting for and cheering on her strength as she struggles to find housing as a single mother, battles her ex for custody and fights the the urges to give in and go back to a bad situation. Great on audio and highly recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!!

So beautifully written at times heartbreaking.A book that drew me in from beginning to end to end.A young woman trying to leave her marriage and start over.#netgalley #algonquinbooks

Ciara flees an increasingly stifling and emotionally abusive marriage with her two young daughters. She has a lot of difficult decisions to make regarding her marriage, housing, and becoming self sufficient, and the odds are not in her favor. Nesting is a slow burn, building to become a highly intense and emotional read.

A mother of young children in Dublin navigates the housing system as she attempts to leave her emotionally abusive and controlling husband. This is a close look at the issues abused women face when trying to leave relationships. Although a heavy topic, this book also has moments of happiness as she forms friendships with people who become her chosen family.

Heartbreakingly beautiful writing. Sad story but hopeful with well developed characters. My heart broke over and over. Haunting.

In Nesting, Ciara is trapped in abusive marriage with a man she met when she was young. One day, out of nowhere, Ciara decides enough is enough and leaves with their daughters in tow. The leaving was one thing but getting by is another altogether and O'Donnell beautifully paints the mental tug-of-war that happens when presented with the choice of surviving at the expense of your safety. Despite the tough subject matter O'Donnell manages to give Ciara's story hope. It was a beautiful, honest story and I am so so glad I got the chance to read it.

For fans of John Boyne's The Heart's Invisible Furies or Where the Heart Is.

I tandem read the audio version with the paper and the audio narration is excellent. I would whole-heartedly recommend either.

Ciara met and married Ryan when she was a young woman. Involved in what seemed at first to be a loving relationship Ciara was naive and unsuspecting when the emotional abuse began, thinking that it might be her fault or possibly her imagination. Two toddlers later, Ciara can’t bear to be home with Ryan any longer and although she lacked financial resources of her own she set out to find a place where she didn’t have to live in fear.

Nothing works out as planned. In Dublin there is no good system for helping homeless women fleeing an abusive relationship. Housing is in high demand and short supply. Women she meets along the way offer some advice and yet Ciara and little Sophie and Ella find themselves living in one hotel room where just a single floor is available for those seeking immediate emergency shelter. Fortunately she meets a woman who becomes a true friend but the calls and texts from Ryan are relentless; professing undying love and demanding Ciara return home.

O’ Donnell masterfully creates unforgettable characters and true to life situations. Slowly and carefully the plight of emotionally abused women and children is depicted with honesty and empathy, at times making the words very hard to read and digest. What is Ciara to do? Her family is in England and she can’t leave the country of Ireland. She has no money and no one to help. It was not easy to pick up and leave but staying away and making a life for her children and herself is even more difficult. Maybe Ryan will change. Or maybe her life wasn’t so bad after all.

I was riveted to this story from beginning to end and became a cheerleader for Chiara, and those like her, who need to summon the psychological strength and courage to save themselves from abuse that cannot be seen by the outside world. Five shining stars for a story that needs to be told and one I highly recommend. My thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC of an important and compelling read. You can get your copy on February 18.

"Resentment grew in quiet agony as discontentment erupted through your spiteful sting of verbal abuse." (Helena White)

Roisin O'Donnell takes on the jagged subject of verbal abuse in her stellar novel, Nesting. The telling is raw and it goes deep into the crevices of a woman's soul. There are unspeakable crimes that visit upon individuals in relationships that should weigh heavy upon us all. Day in and day out of belittling and wearing away of the human spirit......until it erupts and footsteps finally find a path.

Ciara Fay has been married for five years to Ryan. It was blissful in the very beginning. Then slowly, the abuser finds his targeted spot and chisels away chip by chip weakening the very foundation. Ciara wished to become the smallest of stones.......hiddened and concealed. But Ryan, ever the controller, found joy and satisfaction in digging in with his talons.

But out of nowhere, Ciara gained the feathers of flight. It was the sweet voices of her young daughters that propelled her out of house and home that day. She grabbed clothes off the clothes line and thrust them into plastic bags. There was no definitive plan.......just get out before he comes home from work.

Absolute terror put one foot in front of the other. Ciara had no place to go and they slept in her car that night. And here Roisin O'Donnell reveals the nightmare facing individuals as they flee from abuse and suffocating relationships. At stake are the children caught in this tug-of-war. We'll watch as Ryan emerges with feigned heartbreak replaced with his usual veonomous demeanor.

At the core of Nesting is simply survival. And in striving for that, we experience the downward spiral of Ciara trying to protect herself and her children. Doors slammed loudly with a housing shortage in Ireland. Daily food and gas were not optional. Money flew from her pocket.

And to those who chorus: "Just get out and leave him". We'll walk in Ciara's shoes with a heavy heart. Not so easy. Not so easy. And as a society, we can do far better. Far better.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Algonquin Books and to the talented Roisin O'Donnell for the opportunity.