I have been sitting on this review for about a day and am still at a bit of a loss for words.

This book was so beautifully and honestly written; it was also evident that an extensive amount of research and care has gone into the writing of this book. The topics - domestic abuse and homelessness - are so important and I am glad that their discussion was done so compassionately.

I am not sure enjoyed is the right description; I have never read a book that has made me feel so tense and anxious but the authors ability to evoke these emotions is impressive and made for an incredible book.

Nesting - Roisin O’Donnell

4 Stars

An extremely heartbreaking and emotional read.

Ciara is married to Ryan with two daughters. One day, Ciara makes a frantic decision. She packs the car with the bare essentials, takes her two daughters and leaves. With no plan, no money, no where to go - the fear on what to do is looming, but the need to get away from Ryan is more imminent than anything. This story follows Ciara navigate her toxic and abusive relationship with her husband Ryan and detail Ciara’s sacrifice, emotional trauma, sheer will and desperation to escape and survive.

What made this book so raw and powerful was watching Ciara navigate motherhood whilst under the most horrid and difficult of circumstances. Even if you’re someone that hasn’t gone through what Ciara did - as a woman, reading this book will bring out an overwhelming amount of rage for the struggles and the inadequacy of system support that Ciara dealt with.

The portrayal of the silent camaraderie of womanhood throughout such difficult times, was beautiful. Having a character like Cathy - be a small beacon of help and guiding light during such difficult times for Ciara was so important. When reading this story, you will feel an immense amount of anxiety and stress for Ciara and it will absolutely have moments where you will need to put the book down and take a deep breath.

Ciara’s love for her children is loud and powerful and this was the ultimate driving factor for her to leave. The amount of agonisingly vulnerable moments made Ciara’s journey feel so ..deeply human. This book really showed how leaving a difficult situation is one thing, but staying away is another.

Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book

Thankyou to @netgalley and @simonschusterau for a copy of this arc!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this advanced copy.

O’Donnell has written Nesting in a way that makes you feel as if you’re dealing with the situations that Ciara, the main character is experiencing; the difficulties in managing two and then three children in temporary housing, being able to afford rent, opening up to new people and ultimately coming to terms with the abuse from someone you thought you’d be able to trust.

Nesting is engaging, eye opening and really brings to light the experiences that more and more people are dealing with everyday. It is a heavy read, however I was so invested that I struggled to put my kindle down.

A debut Irish novel, Nesting (2025) by Roisín O'Donnell is the moving tale of a woman trying to leave her marriage. One spring day in Dublin city, Ciara grabs clothes from the washing line, her two children and drives away. Her controlling former husband stops her from travelling to England to be with her family and have their support. Left to battle on her own, Ciara finds it difficult to get permanent accommodation and has to re-enter the workforce after many years of not being employed. Dealing with the major changes in her life is difficult enough for Ciara, but her husband’s lack of support, a new baby and the overwhelmed support system are starkly contrasted with one mother’s determination for a better life. A delicate surreal tale depicting the numerous struggles one woman endures, yet it’s a somewhat emotionally bland narrative, creating a mawkish feel of a three star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Simon & Schuster (Australia) and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

Roisin O'Donnell's Nesting is not a book to be read lightly. It's a raw, claustrophobic story that captures the turmoil of a woman navigating a deeply unsettling reality. Set against the backdrop of Dublin's housing crisis in 2018, the novel follows Ciara, a mother of two young daughters, as she makes the wrenching decision to leave her controlling, gaslighting, and emotionally and financially abusive husband, Ryan.

The story unfolds as Ciara moves into temporary accommodation in a cramped hotel room, a scenario that feels as suffocating for the reader as it must for her. O'Donnell's prose draws you into Ciara's struggle, immersing you in her persistent internal battle: should she stay away and fight for a better life, or return to the familiarity of her toxic marriage? That question looms large, and reading her journey is deeply unsettling—it's not so much a story you enjoy as one you endure alongside the protagonist.

What makes Nesting impactful is its unflinching depiction of abuse and the systemic issues surrounding housing insecurity. It's a book that forces you to confront the uncomfortable realities faced by many women in similar situations. While it’s not an easy read, it’s undeniably an important one.

I’m not sure I can say I "liked" this book, but its power is undeniable. It highlights critical social issues and creates an emotional resonance that’s hard to shake. If you're prepared for a tough but thought-provoking read, Nesting is worth picking up.

Nesting is both a heartbreaking and heartwarming. novel about Ciara’s journey of leaving her abusive and manipulative husband (Ryan). Leaving Ryan is not easy and I found myself wanting to throw my kindle across the room as Ryan continued to gaslight and lie throughout the story. However, watching the beautiful friendships and kindness from family and strangers towards Ciara and her children warmed my heart.
All the stars for this book. 100% will recommend to everyone.

Wow. This book. I was up until 3am finishing the book, I just couldn't stop reading! This is an absolutely harrowing tale of domestic abuse, the difficult decision to leave, and the broken housing system so many people around the world have to deal with.

I had such visceral reactions to so many parts of this book. Literally balling my fists, holding so much tension in my body (which isn't great when you already have chronic pain, but it wasn't a voluntary action, so what can you do?).

This book tackles very intense topics, so please make sure to look into any content warnings, and go into this with your eyes open, and don't be afraid to stop if you can't handle it.

There were a few minor typos & formatting errors in the ARC I received (digital), but I expect these will be corrected in the final version.

All in all, this book was incredible. Harrowing. Life changing. I don't think I'll ever be the same since reading it - in a good way, this has changed me.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Netgalley, Roisín O’Donnell, and Simon & Schuster Australia for this ARC. I was provided this ARC for review only, I was not paid for this review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for the advanced copy of the book. This was very out of my comfort zone to read as I typically read fantasy stories but this story was an emotional read and covers such a difficult topic that I found myself very invested and unable to put it down. I found myself having my heart going out to Ciara and her efforts to escape such a situation and it was in all, a very good book.
I found this a bit tough to read because the ebook was a pdf and not an epub which impaired my reading experience.

‘I cannot hear myself think.’

Ciara Fay lives in Dublin with her two young daughters and husband Ryan. But Ryan is controlling and manipulative and has subjected Ciara to abuse throughout their marriage. Ryan has almost shattered her sense of self-worth when, one spring afternoon, Ciara takes her children and an armful of clothes and flees. A new start is what Ciara is after, but it seems nothing can be more difficult.

Ciara is temporarily housed in an hotel room with her daughters. Ciara is seeking a job as well as housing, while Ryan campaigns hard to get Ciara and their daughters Sophie and Ella to return.

‘Leaving is one thing, but staying away is another.’

When I was a child, growing up in an abusive household, I was angry with my mother for staying. When I was older, I had a better understanding of the emotional and financial barriers she faced. It took nearly twenty-five years for my parents’ marriage to collapse completely.

So, I read this novel with considerable sympathy and some understanding of the challenges Ciara faces. She is stuck in Dublin: Ryan won’t give her permission to take the children to England where Ciara’s mother lives. Ryan’s mother fights her own campaign in support of her son, and Ryan (when he finally gets access to his daughters for sleepovers) makes it clear that control is far more important than care and respect.

No, this is not an easy read, but it is an important one. People, especially parents (usually but not exclusively women) can face many hurdles when trying to break free of abusive, controlling relationships.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Thanks NetGalley for my free copy of Nesting. The theme is relevant but unfortunately the style of writing was disjointed and the book was way too long.

A beautiful story about a not beautiful topic. Ciara leaves her family home with her two children to escape her abusive husband, but initially she can’t explain how he’s been abusing her. We then go through a year of her trying to re-establish her life, starting with being homeless and not having anywhere to go with her two children, then having a baby and finding herself again. The story was so beautifully written.

'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, head-spinning feeling'.

Ciara is married with two, young, gorgeous, daughters. Her husband is handsome, charming even, and her house is lovely. But no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Ciara's sister and mother, away in England, know the type of manipulative, gas-lighting, acidic personality and emotional abuse Ryan has wielded throughout their marriage; slowly corroding Ciara's sense of self-worth. However, one day, as isolated and fearful as her life has become, she realises she needs to get out. Taking only the bare minimum she packs her car, a handful of cash, and her two girls, and goes. But to where? She soon comprehends the strength it takes to leave is nowhere near the strength it takes to stay away, find a new home, find herself, and create a new life, 'Maybe she got it wrong. Maybe he's a loving husband and she was the problem all along'.

'Nesting' is a tough, emotional read. O'Donnell does a great job evoking the terror, loneliness and hopelessness of escaping a toxic relationship, only to find yourself abandoned within the system. The strength and courage to navigate both, while attempting to build a new life must seem utterly insurmountable and terrifying. Yet this is a very real problem. This is a growing issue that needs to be highlighted, better understood and addressed.

O'Donnell signs off her acknowledgements, 'To anyone trapped in a place that does not feel like home, and anyone who has ever been asked the question 'why don't you just leave?', this book is for you'. Yes, it is, but it is also for all of us who need to better understand the hopeless sea that some women are forced to swim in, and across, in order to live a life both they and their children deserve.

Nesting
By Roisin O’Donnell

O’Donnell brilliantly captures the subtle entrapments of emotional and psychological abuse. Her heroine, Clara, has my heart from the moment I felt her pain and uncertainty, and the strength of her love for her children.
The story reads as a psychological suspense, a thriller, keeping the reader never knowing quite what the next twist or obstacle for Ciara will be, and how she can possibly respond to it. Never have I read such a vivid and real account emotional abuse, of how impossible it is to escape the web of confusing truth and falsehood, twisting lies and accusations until there is nothing but confusion and uncertainty. The story kept me desperate to turn the next page, and to keep turning page after page
Yet Nesting is painful to read. The reality of Ciara’s circumstances, her desperation, and the rollercoaster of hope and hopelessness opens the readers’ eyes to the terrible world of homelessness and the courage needed to break free of the abuser’s hold.
O’Donnell’s superb use of language maintains the suspense while delving into the characters and making them real. This is a superb and gripping story, avoiding the clichéd, and creating something that will keep every reader on their toes.


I will publish my review on Amazon when the book has been made available and it is possible to add a review (unless you know of a way to add my review on Amazon now? Please contact me if there is a way I can publish the review on Amazon now,: denise@cavanaugh.co.nz

This was definitely a hard read. The story of a woman trying to escape an abusive relationship. It goes through all the difficulties inherent in the situation, when your husband is controlling and demanding. It certainly helped me to understand why so many women don’t leave, or return after they’ve been gone for a while.
Despite the difficult subject matter, the book was certainly compelling. Well worth reading to broaden your understanding of what some people may be going through, while hoping it never happens to you.

4.5 stars

This was such a fantastic, heart wrenching & hopeful read. I spent the entirety of this book holding my breath and my heart in my throat. I want to say that I will recommend this book to everyone because of how thoroughly I enjoyed it, however, it could be triggering to some - so please go into this book lightly knowing its topic is emotional abuse (coercive control).

Nesting follows Ciara & her children (Sophie, Ella & eventually Noah) in leaving a highly emotional abusive (coercive control) relationship with her husband Ryan. Although having left once before, Clara is adamant that this time is for good even if that means an uncertain further for herself and kids.

We watch this story unfold in amongst the housing crisis in Ireland. To say that this book was emotionally charging isn’t enough. Roisín really depicts just how complex it is to escape from an emotionally abusive relationship that has you so completely and utterly isolated, lacking in confidence and just so terrified for not only your own life but in this case for Ciara’s children. However, the strength and courage shown of what it takes to leave and rise above is nothing short of remarkable.

Nesting will be released 29 January 2025.
*thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review*

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Roisin O’Donnell’s absolutely stunning debut novel - Nesting.

A deeply moving and impactful read about the lasting effects of emotional and psychological abuse. A story of the incredible resilience and strength of a mother to protect her children and to leave an awful situation against all odds. This book reminds me of just how powerful fiction can be - becoming more empathetic by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Learning a new perspective and understanding ways we might be able to help those such as Ciara. The questions we should keep asking…

Nesting reflects not only on the terrors of abuse, but also social issues such as homelessness, welfare and a system where those most vulnerable slip through the cracks. A thought provoking novel that gets right to the heart of motherhood, hope and love above all else.

I cried, I felt real genuine rage, I laughed. I felt so deeply for Ciara and her children. Nesting is unputdownable, you’ll just HAVE to know how Ciara’s story unfolds. I would absolutely recommend to anyone who likes emotionally charged literary fiction, as well as those drawn towards Irish authors and stories.

Wonderful novel (reads like a memoir), beautifully written and while very disturbing, rightly so. A story of emotional abuse in a marriage and the strength and resilience a mother needs to survive it and escape it. The unfairness of becoming homeless and reliant on state (Irish) aid, and the importance of friends and family and always the love of one's children. As the author says, this is a book for all the women and children homeless tonight (far far too many) but also for all those people— women, men, everyone—who ask that question, 'Why didn't you just leave?' Here is the answer and hopefully a guide to how, in future, we can think and act differently when we have the chance, whether as someone who finds themselves in this terrifying position, or as a friend, family or simply someone who can be supportive somehow, It also has a perfect title! Thank you to the author for writing this and the publisher and NetGalley for an advance digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Whilst I found this to be utterly heart wrenching, this book is written so beautifully and with such tender poignancy, it comes with my highest recommendation. I became totally invested in Ciara’s story, it felt so real, raw and emotional. I was praying for her and the children to find the happy and peaceful life they sought. A powerful, important read, showing how extremely hard it can be to leave an abusive relationship. An amazing debut!

5⭐️’s

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

Ciara is trapped in what seems a loveless marriage to Ryan. Her family are horrified and sad that she won’t leave him permanently. Ryan is both coercively and sexually abusing Ciara and he has no insight into his violent behavior. Ciara is a shell of the woman she used to be. Ciara has now become frightened for her 2 small children and she finds herself pregnant for a third time. She decides to leave and finds herself homeless in Dublin because her husband will not give her permission for the children to leave Ireland to stay with her family. After Ciara leaves the family home Ryan won’t leave Ciara alone and at times the tension and danger for her and her children is unbearable.

This is a story of a woman reaching rock bottom and the writing is magnificent because you can feel Ciara’s pain every step of the way because it’s very hard for Ciara to actually explain the coercive control Ryan has over her.
This book gives one a good insight into how women who leave their abusive husbands are treated by both the judicial and social welfare systems .This book will keep you thinking long after you have finished reading it. But there is hope and Ciara works very hard to find it. This was the best book I have read this year and highly recommend it. However it should come with a warning for vulnerable women who maybe find themselves in this situation 5 stars all the way.

‘Nesting’ is a touching and at times sorrowful read that will stay with you long after you have closed the book. A beautifully written debut that follows the story of pregnant Ciara as she flees her emotionally abusive husband with their two girls in tow. Set during a housing crisis and with no financial support Ciara finds herself placed in a hotel room while awaiting aid.

O’Donnell does an amazing job at portraying the fear and hopelessness, the sense of isolation experienced by many people who have dealt with abuse at the hands of their loved ones. The impact, not only for Ciara, but for her children as well.

The character growth throughout the story was perfect. Ciara’s resilience as she struggles to create a better life for her and her kids while dealing with manipulation from her husband. Her love for her children and the lengths she would go to keep them safe.

From the moment I started reading I couldn’t put the book down, I had to know how the story ended.

Thank you, Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC.