"Nesting" by Roisin O'Donnell is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the complexities of relationships and personal struggles. The audiobook narration feels authentic, bringing the characters and their stories to life in a way that made it hard to put down.

There were moments when the book made me so anxious I had to stop listening. At times, the story felt slow, but it felt ibtentional, to make the reader feel uncomfortable. This is a testament to O'Donnell's skillful writing, which vividly conveys the challenges people in Ciara's situation go through. She really makes it easy to sympathise with the main character without making her perfect or unbelievable.

I really liked the symbolism in this novel. O'Donnell weaves symbolic elements throughout the narrative in a manner that feels natural and meaningful, without being overdone. These symbols add depth to the story and enrich the reading experience, providing a subtle yet powerful extra layer to the novel.

The hopeful yet realistic outcome added a positive note to the story, offering a sense of resolution without resorting to overly simplistic or idealized conclusions. This balance made the ending both satisfying and believable.

Overall, "Nesting" is a thought-provoking novel that leaves a lasting impact. It is an important story that needs to be told, that we need to hear. Definitely worth reading.

Nesting by Roisin O'Donnell.

Ciara makes a split second decision one Spring day in Dublin, grabbing clothes from the washing line, she straps her two young daughters into her small car and drives away. Her home is not safe. Ryan, her husband, is controlling, abusive and manipulative and Ciara has to leave. With very little money, no family support or job and realising she is pregnant again, Ciara has to confront the broken crushing housing crisis in Dublin and spends the following months in a small hotel room with her small children while Ryan relentlessly tries to make her return.

I O'Donnell does a really brilliant job depicting both the housing crisis and living with an abuser. This book did depress and enrage me as I expected but it's an important read and really well written. It is bursting with tension and desperation but also resilience and hope. I felt like I was in the room with Ciara at times, that is so well the author captures the emotion of the character. The precariousness, the vulnerability, the constant stress , the heartbreak is captured in every vivid detail.
This book made me angrier , when I didn't think it was possible to be more angry , at successive Irish governments. It made me remember what it feels like to be surrounded by small children, dependent on you for everything. Every element of this book feels real and the care that went into these characters and their situation is evident from first page to last.
I attempted to keep this book at arm's length when reading, I didn't want to get too attached to the story or characters but by the halfway point, I gave up trying to do that, it was impossible not to feel and care deeply when reading.

I think you absolutely have to be in the right frame of mind before reading this and be aware of the subject matter, it is absolutely worth your time. A writer to watch.

She has to remember that] “kindness is a choice that he makes to achieve his objective.”
This is a harrowing novel about a woman with two toddler girls, living with and trying to escape from an emotionally abusive husband. It’s set against the backdrop of Ireland’s historic vote to codify abortion rights and an immigration crisis that has created a severe housing shortage. We are inside Keira’s thoughts as she weighs the pros and cons of her every action, her every response to her capricious husband, what she tells her family members, and the bureaucrats she turns to for assistance. It’s heartbreaking, suspenseful, tragic, and ultimately hopeful.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #Nesting for review purposes. Publication date: Feb 18, 2025.