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The Walk
‘The two girls sat in the back of the car, their destination unknown and their crimes worse than murder.’
In November 1979, Ailbe and Maire disappear from their rural village in Ireland, never to return. Pregnant out of wedlock, they are now outcasts from society.
Believing they will at least have each other, the girls are devastated when Ailbe is dumped at the gates of a place known only as ‘Bessborough’, whilst Maire is forced to continue on to Dublin, to be cared for by the relatives of her married lover.
What follows is an enduring tale of family, love, friendship, secrecy, self-sacrifice and the extraordinary endurance of women in the most appalling of circumstances.
In November 1979, Ailbe and Maire disappear from their rural village in Ireland, never to return. Pregnant out of wedlock, they are now outcasts from society.
Believing they will at least have each other, the girls are devastated when Ailbe is dumped at the gates of a place known only as ‘Bessborough’, whilst Maire is forced to continue on to Dublin, to be cared for by the relatives of her married lover.
What follows is an enduring tale of family, love, friendship, secrecy, self-sacrifice and the extraordinary endurance of women in the most appalling of circumstances.
Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
8 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Emma Marns
1 book7 followersEmma gained her BA Hons English Literature at The University of East Anglia, Norwich, in 2012. Following a brief but colourful spell as a sports journalist, working for the likes of Sky Sports News and The Sun Sport, she then volunteered as the Media Manager for the Essex Spartans American Football team, where she met her now-husband.
After completing the M.Phil. Irish Writing at prestigious Trinity College Dublin in 2019, Emma then wrote her first novel, THE WALK, published in July 2023, available worldwide.
Currently Emma is a PhD Creative Writing candidate at The University of Essex, and lives in Hullbridge with her husband and daughter.
After completing the M.Phil. Irish Writing at prestigious Trinity College Dublin in 2019, Emma then wrote her first novel, THE WALK, published in July 2023, available worldwide.
Currently Emma is a PhD Creative Writing candidate at The University of Essex, and lives in Hullbridge with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 13, 2023
In all fairness, I knew this book would be extraordinary before I ever ordered it — it was, after all, written by a decidedly clever and resilient friend of mine, whose generosity of spirit and ability to empathize has astounded me from the day we met.
Despite my friendship with its author, The Walk managed to surprise me. It does something few novels dare to do — it tells the entire story of a family, generations long, in a saga that simultaneously feels intimate and macrocosmic, representing the lives of Irish women — more than two women, though two pregnant girls form its heart — across a span of time and geography that is jarringly recent and hits close to home.
The novel’s protagonist Maire is in a predicament: she is pregnant and unmarried. Her bright-eyed hope of romance when she is whisked away from her small village in a car arranged by her lover is infectious and, when dashed, devastating. Her lover, the charming city-doctor Fionn, is already married, and has arranged for Maire to live with his Aunt Bridgit for the duration of her pregnancy. Fionn’s Aunt Ruth, desperate after five pregnancy losses to have a child of her own, is the ‘solution’ to his problem. But Ruth’s trauma and fear of abandonment mean even her story is not a straightforwardly happy one, as her journey to accepting the role of motherhood is haunted by the ghosts of her past, her resentment of her own body, and both cultural and personal stigma.
Simultaneously, Maire’s childhood best friend, Ailbe, finds herself pregnant after an assault. She too is whisked away in Fionn’s car, but not to the cozy home of his aunt Bridgit, but to Bessborough, a Catholic mother-and-baby-home. Unwed mothers cross the threshold of this imposing institution — one of many in Ireland and around the world — that punishes the weak, beats the fire out of the strong, and leaves every young mother who enters profoundly traumatized — if they ever leave.
Two girls from the same town in similar predicaments: One is given a loving home, opportunities, and, though she also is forced to give up her baby (who is deeply loved and wanted), makes something of herself and retains a strong connection to the family to which her daughter brings joy. The other is neglected, abused, and forced to care for the baby she never wanted, knowing she will have to hand him over to adoptive parents in order to be allowed to leave this horrid place.
Maire’s situation, though in some ways tragic, is a best-case scenario in many ways. Others aren’t so lucky, including Ailbe and fellow inmates at Bessborough, Vida and Milly. No one expected much from Ailbe from the start. Maire, though — she could’ve made something of herself.
Maire’s daughter, Penny, lives an entire life across The Walk. Her adoptive mother Ruth, supportive Aunt Bridgit who sees Maire like a daughter, their mother Mariah, and Fionn’s wife Clodagh all have roles to play in how she grows as a woman and, eventually, into a mother herself.
Marns’s broad network of mothers — in the words of James Joyce, “linked up with by successive anastomosis of navelcords” — highlights the shocking history of motherhood in Ireland across five decades. Political conflicts and the ‘sphere of men’ hazes through the background, as when one branch of the family is killed during the Troubles, but the focus of this book is always, always women — mothers, daughters, friends, aunts, midwives, even nuns.
If I had one criticism of this book it would be that I wanted to read more about Maire’s adventures after she leaves Ireland, and I desperately wanted more details about what was happening with Ailbe both before and after the birth of her son. I often got antsy waiting for the perspective to switch, but that was my problem, not the author’s.
The surprising twist at the end absolves the novel of any lingering disappointments. As a writer myself, I fully understand what Marns was trying to do — and how fantastically she managed it, given the incredible scope and depth of feeling throughout the story.
This is an ambitious first novel, but Marns manages to pull it off.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone looking for a family saga, a novel about generations of incredible (and ordinary) women, or anyone with an interest in Irish history.
Five starts doesn’t seem like enough!
Despite my friendship with its author, The Walk managed to surprise me. It does something few novels dare to do — it tells the entire story of a family, generations long, in a saga that simultaneously feels intimate and macrocosmic, representing the lives of Irish women — more than two women, though two pregnant girls form its heart — across a span of time and geography that is jarringly recent and hits close to home.
The novel’s protagonist Maire is in a predicament: she is pregnant and unmarried. Her bright-eyed hope of romance when she is whisked away from her small village in a car arranged by her lover is infectious and, when dashed, devastating. Her lover, the charming city-doctor Fionn, is already married, and has arranged for Maire to live with his Aunt Bridgit for the duration of her pregnancy. Fionn’s Aunt Ruth, desperate after five pregnancy losses to have a child of her own, is the ‘solution’ to his problem. But Ruth’s trauma and fear of abandonment mean even her story is not a straightforwardly happy one, as her journey to accepting the role of motherhood is haunted by the ghosts of her past, her resentment of her own body, and both cultural and personal stigma.
Simultaneously, Maire’s childhood best friend, Ailbe, finds herself pregnant after an assault. She too is whisked away in Fionn’s car, but not to the cozy home of his aunt Bridgit, but to Bessborough, a Catholic mother-and-baby-home. Unwed mothers cross the threshold of this imposing institution — one of many in Ireland and around the world — that punishes the weak, beats the fire out of the strong, and leaves every young mother who enters profoundly traumatized — if they ever leave.
Two girls from the same town in similar predicaments: One is given a loving home, opportunities, and, though she also is forced to give up her baby (who is deeply loved and wanted), makes something of herself and retains a strong connection to the family to which her daughter brings joy. The other is neglected, abused, and forced to care for the baby she never wanted, knowing she will have to hand him over to adoptive parents in order to be allowed to leave this horrid place.
Maire’s situation, though in some ways tragic, is a best-case scenario in many ways. Others aren’t so lucky, including Ailbe and fellow inmates at Bessborough, Vida and Milly. No one expected much from Ailbe from the start. Maire, though — she could’ve made something of herself.
Maire’s daughter, Penny, lives an entire life across The Walk. Her adoptive mother Ruth, supportive Aunt Bridgit who sees Maire like a daughter, their mother Mariah, and Fionn’s wife Clodagh all have roles to play in how she grows as a woman and, eventually, into a mother herself.
Marns’s broad network of mothers — in the words of James Joyce, “linked up with by successive anastomosis of navelcords” — highlights the shocking history of motherhood in Ireland across five decades. Political conflicts and the ‘sphere of men’ hazes through the background, as when one branch of the family is killed during the Troubles, but the focus of this book is always, always women — mothers, daughters, friends, aunts, midwives, even nuns.
If I had one criticism of this book it would be that I wanted to read more about Maire’s adventures after she leaves Ireland, and I desperately wanted more details about what was happening with Ailbe both before and after the birth of her son. I often got antsy waiting for the perspective to switch, but that was my problem, not the author’s.
The surprising twist at the end absolves the novel of any lingering disappointments. As a writer myself, I fully understand what Marns was trying to do — and how fantastically she managed it, given the incredible scope and depth of feeling throughout the story.
This is an ambitious first novel, but Marns manages to pull it off.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone looking for a family saga, a novel about generations of incredible (and ordinary) women, or anyone with an interest in Irish history.
Five starts doesn’t seem like enough!
July 25, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It's a heartbreaking book that details a dark part of Irish recent history of the treatment of unmarried mothers. I have read a lot of non-fiction books on mother and baby homes and Magdalene laundries so it was interesting to read The Walk which takes a historical fiction approach to unmarried mothers and their treatment in Ireland. I found the story fascinating from start to finish, and it will leave the reader feeling all the emotions!
The book tells the story of Maire and Ailbe, two friends from a rural village in 1979 who find themselves pregnant and unmarried. They are seen as outcasts in society and they seek the help of the locum doctor, who also happens to be the father of the child Maire is pregnant with. They believe they will have each other but that plan doesn't go to plan when the driver drops Ailbe off at Bessborough while Maire is driven on to Dublin to a family home. What follows is a story of friendship, family, love, secrecy and self-sacrifice. With Ailbe story in particular showing the horrors of life inside Bessborough.
I absolutely loved the theme of friendship in this! Maire and Ailbe's friendship in particular and also Maire's friendship with Bridget. These friendships really shine through in the writing of this. I loved how non judgmental and independent Bridget is. I loved the writing in this it was so well written and well researched and I felt transported to 1979 rural Ireland and then Bessborough and Dublin.
Overall, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to read a family saga or if you have an interest in this topic in Irish history.
Favourite quote:
"But at the same time, their happiness was all that really mattered."
The book tells the story of Maire and Ailbe, two friends from a rural village in 1979 who find themselves pregnant and unmarried. They are seen as outcasts in society and they seek the help of the locum doctor, who also happens to be the father of the child Maire is pregnant with. They believe they will have each other but that plan doesn't go to plan when the driver drops Ailbe off at Bessborough while Maire is driven on to Dublin to a family home. What follows is a story of friendship, family, love, secrecy and self-sacrifice. With Ailbe story in particular showing the horrors of life inside Bessborough.
I absolutely loved the theme of friendship in this! Maire and Ailbe's friendship in particular and also Maire's friendship with Bridget. These friendships really shine through in the writing of this. I loved how non judgmental and independent Bridget is. I loved the writing in this it was so well written and well researched and I felt transported to 1979 rural Ireland and then Bessborough and Dublin.
Overall, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to read a family saga or if you have an interest in this topic in Irish history.
Favourite quote:
"But at the same time, their happiness was all that really mattered."
September 15, 2023
The Walk is an exceptional debut novel which inspires anger as well as immense sadness. Set in Ireland, not as long ago as you might imagine, it tells the stories of two young friends who both find themselves pregnant and alone. It’s beautifully written, obviously well researched and I highly recommend it.
July 27, 2024
This book was such a heartbreaking story, I was aware from films and TV etc about what happened to woman who had children out of wedlock in Ireland, but actually reading about it was a whole other level.
This story follows two young woman, who are pregnant, one ends up at a home for unwed mother's and the other goes to stay with the family of her babies father! What I enjoyed about this book was how different the girls experiences were, but at the same time it was still so sad to read. Marie, was treated so kind and well looked after, but she soon realized that the man who she loves and thought was going to marry was indeed lying, so had to come to terms with that fact and also the thought of giving up her child, but she was told it was her choice what she does. Ailbe on the other hand was with the nuns and had a vastly different experience, she was mistreated by the nuns and made to feel bad for being there, she was also expected to hand her child over without argument, to strangers.
The book was written beautifully and didnt shy away from the horrors these girls experienced and that made for such a heart wrenching read. The characters were written well and I really got the sense of what the characters were like and how they formed bonds with eachother despite the nuns treatment. Both girls had different experiences, but I still found myself tearing up for both of them, while ailbe treatment was horrific, Marie was also bad but for other reasons, she had to come to terms with the fact the man she loves isn't going to be there for her, but I did absolutely adore her friendship with Bridget, they were like family and they helped eachother and it was a special relationship we for to see blossom, despite the reason Marie was there.
What I also liked was how we also got to see it from the perspective of Ruth, who as a woman could not have children but wanted to desperately become a mum, so she was going to have Marie baby, but again Ruth treated Marie kindly. Such a fantastic, heart-wrenching read!
This story follows two young woman, who are pregnant, one ends up at a home for unwed mother's and the other goes to stay with the family of her babies father! What I enjoyed about this book was how different the girls experiences were, but at the same time it was still so sad to read. Marie, was treated so kind and well looked after, but she soon realized that the man who she loves and thought was going to marry was indeed lying, so had to come to terms with that fact and also the thought of giving up her child, but she was told it was her choice what she does. Ailbe on the other hand was with the nuns and had a vastly different experience, she was mistreated by the nuns and made to feel bad for being there, she was also expected to hand her child over without argument, to strangers.
The book was written beautifully and didnt shy away from the horrors these girls experienced and that made for such a heart wrenching read. The characters were written well and I really got the sense of what the characters were like and how they formed bonds with eachother despite the nuns treatment. Both girls had different experiences, but I still found myself tearing up for both of them, while ailbe treatment was horrific, Marie was also bad but for other reasons, she had to come to terms with the fact the man she loves isn't going to be there for her, but I did absolutely adore her friendship with Bridget, they were like family and they helped eachother and it was a special relationship we for to see blossom, despite the reason Marie was there.
What I also liked was how we also got to see it from the perspective of Ruth, who as a woman could not have children but wanted to desperately become a mum, so she was going to have Marie baby, but again Ruth treated Marie kindly. Such a fantastic, heart-wrenching read!
July 23, 2024
The Walk by Emma Marns.
This was not an easy read. It was an emotional read. It had some surprising plots. This was very well researched. I was surprised I devoured this book in 2 sittings. I did like Ailbe, Maire and Bridget. I really felt for Ruth. I wanted to jump in and hug her. I really did feel for the girls. Especially Sandra. This book did make me cry. This is a historical fiction which I'm slowly getting into. 4*.
Blurb
‘The two girls sat in the back of the car, their destination unknown and their crimes worse than murder.’
In November 1979, Ailbe and Maire disappear from their rural village in Ireland, never to return. Pregnant out of wedlock, they are now outcasts from society.
Believing they will at least have each other, the girls are devastated when Ailbe is dumped at the gates of a place known only as ‘Bessborough’, whilst Maire is forced to continue on to Dublin, to be cared for by the relatives of her married lover.
What follows is an enduring tale of family, love, friendship, secrecy, self-sacrifice and the extraordinary endurance of women in the most appalling of circumstances.
@emmamarns_author
@cranthorpemillner
@lovebookstours
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeReview #FreeBookReview
This was not an easy read. It was an emotional read. It had some surprising plots. This was very well researched. I was surprised I devoured this book in 2 sittings. I did like Ailbe, Maire and Bridget. I really felt for Ruth. I wanted to jump in and hug her. I really did feel for the girls. Especially Sandra. This book did make me cry. This is a historical fiction which I'm slowly getting into. 4*.
Blurb
‘The two girls sat in the back of the car, their destination unknown and their crimes worse than murder.’
In November 1979, Ailbe and Maire disappear from their rural village in Ireland, never to return. Pregnant out of wedlock, they are now outcasts from society.
Believing they will at least have each other, the girls are devastated when Ailbe is dumped at the gates of a place known only as ‘Bessborough’, whilst Maire is forced to continue on to Dublin, to be cared for by the relatives of her married lover.
What follows is an enduring tale of family, love, friendship, secrecy, self-sacrifice and the extraordinary endurance of women in the most appalling of circumstances.
@emmamarns_author
@cranthorpemillner
@lovebookstours
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeReview #FreeBookReview
March 3, 2024
Could be more
Good story, good writing and good characters. I found some of the main characters relationships confusing, codependent maybe? Doesn't matter, it works. Anyway, I needed more. More background, more questions answered and just more. Like a Barbara Cartland saga, with those real truths in our faces and the stories of the strong, beautiful and unfairly treated women and just more..... I look forward to your next work.
Good story, good writing and good characters. I found some of the main characters relationships confusing, codependent maybe? Doesn't matter, it works. Anyway, I needed more. More background, more questions answered and just more. Like a Barbara Cartland saga, with those real truths in our faces and the stories of the strong, beautiful and unfairly treated women and just more..... I look forward to your next work.
February 27, 2024
This was a great read. An epic family saga spanning 50 years. Love lost, secrets kept, heartbreak and tears. Everything to keep me turning the pages.
February 8, 2024
Seriously, one of the best books I’ve ever ever read!
August 10, 2024
This is one of those stories that you really hate to love - such an emotional read - but an important topic to recount and beautifully written.
It was clear from the outset that I was going to be emotionally invested in this book - as a mother, I'm always drawn to stories that involve children, mothers or even families.
This follows two young Irish women who have committed the worst sin possible and have become pregnant out of wedlock.
As Maire heads to the fathers relatives to be cared for, Ailbe is dumped at an institution for unwed mothers, until her baby is born.
Although neither experience is pleasant, we see the contrast in what the pair have to endure.
I don't really want to say too much about the plot as I hate spoilers, but, being historical fiction, it's hard to believe that places like Bessborough really existed (even though we all know they did!) - and that women were treated in this way even up to as late a the 1990's!
There are obviously some liberties taken in the storyline - as I doubt that many women who endured this, would have had a similar outcome - but the story flows well and shows a good level of detailed research.
The characters were so well drawn and it was hard not to become immersed in their lives.
This was definitely a book I found difficult to read, but also, just couldn't put it down.
It was clear from the outset that I was going to be emotionally invested in this book - as a mother, I'm always drawn to stories that involve children, mothers or even families.
This follows two young Irish women who have committed the worst sin possible and have become pregnant out of wedlock.
As Maire heads to the fathers relatives to be cared for, Ailbe is dumped at an institution for unwed mothers, until her baby is born.
Although neither experience is pleasant, we see the contrast in what the pair have to endure.
I don't really want to say too much about the plot as I hate spoilers, but, being historical fiction, it's hard to believe that places like Bessborough really existed (even though we all know they did!) - and that women were treated in this way even up to as late a the 1990's!
There are obviously some liberties taken in the storyline - as I doubt that many women who endured this, would have had a similar outcome - but the story flows well and shows a good level of detailed research.
The characters were so well drawn and it was hard not to become immersed in their lives.
This was definitely a book I found difficult to read, but also, just couldn't put it down.
January 4, 2024
It's a really good read. Emma writes in such a way its so easy to imagine the characters and the places they are. It's heartbreaking and happy in equal measure and the plot twist at the end was totally unexpected!
January 4, 2024
I absolutely loved this book.
July 23, 2024
Books like this always have a special place in my heart. Maybe because I was once an unmarried, pregnant 19 year old. Luckily in England in the 21st Century where there was never any question that I would keep and raise my own baby. So my heart broke slightly for Maire and Ailbe, especially Ailbe. It's shocking that Bessborough is a real place (and that it operated until 1999!) so Ailbe's story is the story of countless real women.
Of course, as always with this style of book, you have to suspend belief a little on terms of how things end. I can't really say more without spoilers. But whilst it's slightly unbelievable that the relationships that developed did so, it works perfectly for this book.
Of course, as always with this style of book, you have to suspend belief a little on terms of how things end. I can't really say more without spoilers. But whilst it's slightly unbelievable that the relationships that developed did so, it works perfectly for this book.
August 27, 2024
I’ve read several books about the Irish convent homes for unmarried mothers and the cruelty of how they were treated – especially by nuns, people that you would expect to be compassionate, never fails to anger and sadden me.
Maire and Ailbe are best friends aged 19, both pregnant in differing circumstances however the consequences are the same. Cast out by their families and considered to be pariahs in the religious community they face an uncertain future.
This may be a fiction story but Bessborough Mother and Baby Home did actually exist until 1998, when it was finally closed. Young girls who entered through the doors were given a new name and forbidden to reveal any details about their lives. Ailbe and her fellow mothers, also pregnant out of wedlock, were punished for their apparent sins by cruel and abusive treatment leading to ultimate heartbreak. My heart ached for Ailbe and those like her. In contrast Maire’s situation was different and although she faced the same consequences, her treatment was not cruel.
This superb debut novel certainly tugged at my heart. It is not just about two young girls and the consequences they faced but it is also a family drama through the decades. Sacrifices are made for love and duty with secrets held in order to ensure that dreams are fulfilled. There were some characters that I felt great affection for and there were others that whilst I may not have disliked them, my sympathy for them gradually eroded away because of their behaviour.
Despite the often distressing and saddening themes, this is also an uplifting story revealing strong and resilient characters with a determination to do better.
Emma Marns has written a captivating and authentic debut novel which I raced through, I was so keen to discover how events would unfold. Although I was completely pulled in by characters and events, I would have liked to have seen more focus on those who appeared mostly off the page rather than the in depth family situation which I felt consumed rather more of the story than was necessary. However this certainly didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Maire and Ailbe are best friends aged 19, both pregnant in differing circumstances however the consequences are the same. Cast out by their families and considered to be pariahs in the religious community they face an uncertain future.
This may be a fiction story but Bessborough Mother and Baby Home did actually exist until 1998, when it was finally closed. Young girls who entered through the doors were given a new name and forbidden to reveal any details about their lives. Ailbe and her fellow mothers, also pregnant out of wedlock, were punished for their apparent sins by cruel and abusive treatment leading to ultimate heartbreak. My heart ached for Ailbe and those like her. In contrast Maire’s situation was different and although she faced the same consequences, her treatment was not cruel.
This superb debut novel certainly tugged at my heart. It is not just about two young girls and the consequences they faced but it is also a family drama through the decades. Sacrifices are made for love and duty with secrets held in order to ensure that dreams are fulfilled. There were some characters that I felt great affection for and there were others that whilst I may not have disliked them, my sympathy for them gradually eroded away because of their behaviour.
Despite the often distressing and saddening themes, this is also an uplifting story revealing strong and resilient characters with a determination to do better.
Emma Marns has written a captivating and authentic debut novel which I raced through, I was so keen to discover how events would unfold. Although I was completely pulled in by characters and events, I would have liked to have seen more focus on those who appeared mostly off the page rather than the in depth family situation which I felt consumed rather more of the story than was necessary. However this certainly didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment and I look forward to reading more by this author.
April 14, 2024
A digital book read on my Kindle between 08/01/2024 and 28/01/2024. This book was advertised on the small ads network at my work. Emma Marns works at the same University as me. She sent the Amazon listing out to everyone when it was on a 99p offer. I really loved this book. It follows two best friends from a small village in Ireland who both get pregnant out of wedlock around the same time. They both have very different experiences of pregnancy in 1980s Ireland, where religious shaming is prominent. One girl is taken to a Mother and Baby home run by nuns and we see how the Scandals happened, working mothers like slaves until birth then making them stay after giving birth to work off their debts. The second girl falls pregnant by a doctor and is taken in by his extended family. Both stories focuses on how religion and piety influenced the Irish people at this time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
Here is my review of The Walk by Emma Marns
This book was easy to get into and was about young girls getting pregnant outside of wedlock in Ireland, in 1979. It focuses on Ailbe and Maire who will now be outcast from their families and society and sent away. A car calls for them. It drops Ailbe off at a place called ‘Bessborough’ and Maire carries onto Bridget’s where Fionn arranged for her to stay and then she will give her baby to Ruth and her husband for them to care for as they have never been able to have children as Ruth has always miscarried. Maire and Bridget get on well together. The book is well written in an easy writing style and a good reading style. It explains what happens to the girls, how Maire wants to get in touch with Ailbe but no one seems to know anything about ‘Bessborough’. It’s not my usual type of book.
Blurb :
‘The two girls sat in the back of the car, their destination unknown and their crimes worse than murder.’
In November 1979, Ailbe and Maire disappear from their rural village in Ireland, never to return. Pregnant out of wedlock, they are now outcasts from society.
Believing they will at least have each other, the girls are devastated when Ailbe is dumped at the gates of a place known only as ‘Bessborough’, whilst Maire is forced to continue on to Dublin, to be cared for by the relatives of her married lover.
What follows is an enduring tale of family, love, friendship, secrecy, self-sacrifice and the extraordinary endurance of women in the most appalling of circumstances.
This book was easy to get into and was about young girls getting pregnant outside of wedlock in Ireland, in 1979. It focuses on Ailbe and Maire who will now be outcast from their families and society and sent away. A car calls for them. It drops Ailbe off at a place called ‘Bessborough’ and Maire carries onto Bridget’s where Fionn arranged for her to stay and then she will give her baby to Ruth and her husband for them to care for as they have never been able to have children as Ruth has always miscarried. Maire and Bridget get on well together. The book is well written in an easy writing style and a good reading style. It explains what happens to the girls, how Maire wants to get in touch with Ailbe but no one seems to know anything about ‘Bessborough’. It’s not my usual type of book.
Blurb :
‘The two girls sat in the back of the car, their destination unknown and their crimes worse than murder.’
In November 1979, Ailbe and Maire disappear from their rural village in Ireland, never to return. Pregnant out of wedlock, they are now outcasts from society.
Believing they will at least have each other, the girls are devastated when Ailbe is dumped at the gates of a place known only as ‘Bessborough’, whilst Maire is forced to continue on to Dublin, to be cared for by the relatives of her married lover.
What follows is an enduring tale of family, love, friendship, secrecy, self-sacrifice and the extraordinary endurance of women in the most appalling of circumstances.
July 25, 2024
This was heartbreaking. And the worst part is that while the story of best friends Maire and Ailbe is fictional, this happened in Ireland over many decades. Teenage girls who became pregnant out of wedlock – even if they were raped like Ailbe – were sent away to places like Bessborough, where they would give birth to their babies and then forced to hand them over to a good Catholic couple, who would often take them to another country. Sometimes the mothers didn’t even see their babies, but at Bessborough they had to feed and care for them, often until they were toddlers, and then give them away, the babies crying for their Ma.
I was taught by the nuns at our local Convent School, and while they were strict, they weren’t evil like ‘Sister’ at Bessborough. The pregnant girls had to endure the pain of labour and loss as punishment for their terrible ‘sin’. If they had murdered someone, they would probably have been treated better. They were dangerously ignored, sometimes resulting in the death of mother or baby, or even both. The bodies were buried without recognition. Anyone who has seen the film Philomena with Judi Dench will understand what I’m talking about.
Nineteen-year-old Maire was in love with Fionn, not knowing that he was already married with two young children. He arranges a car to take her to Dublin to stay with his Aunt Bridget, a trained midwife, who will keep her safe and deliver the baby. Poor Maire thinks Fionn is then going to come for her and marry her.
In the meantime, Ailbe travels in the car with her, but instead of carrying on together, Ailbe is dumped at the gates of Bessborough and her nightmare begins. When Maire finds out about Fionn, she is heartbroken, but Bridget takes good care of her and loves her like a daughter. While it’s a terrible story, it doesn’t compare to that of Ailbe and the others, who must suffer every kind of punishment and indignity.
It’s a wonderful book, but be prepared to be shocked and saddened.
On another note, if I ever mention something being expensive, my brother always says ‘you can’t take it with you’. My Irish friend told me that in Ireland they say ‘there are no pockets in a shroud’. In The Walk, Bridget tells Maire ‘what am I going to do with it, have pockets sewn into my shroud?’ I had to have a little chuckle.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheWalk blog tour
I was taught by the nuns at our local Convent School, and while they were strict, they weren’t evil like ‘Sister’ at Bessborough. The pregnant girls had to endure the pain of labour and loss as punishment for their terrible ‘sin’. If they had murdered someone, they would probably have been treated better. They were dangerously ignored, sometimes resulting in the death of mother or baby, or even both. The bodies were buried without recognition. Anyone who has seen the film Philomena with Judi Dench will understand what I’m talking about.
Nineteen-year-old Maire was in love with Fionn, not knowing that he was already married with two young children. He arranges a car to take her to Dublin to stay with his Aunt Bridget, a trained midwife, who will keep her safe and deliver the baby. Poor Maire thinks Fionn is then going to come for her and marry her.
In the meantime, Ailbe travels in the car with her, but instead of carrying on together, Ailbe is dumped at the gates of Bessborough and her nightmare begins. When Maire finds out about Fionn, she is heartbroken, but Bridget takes good care of her and loves her like a daughter. While it’s a terrible story, it doesn’t compare to that of Ailbe and the others, who must suffer every kind of punishment and indignity.
It’s a wonderful book, but be prepared to be shocked and saddened.
On another note, if I ever mention something being expensive, my brother always says ‘you can’t take it with you’. My Irish friend told me that in Ireland they say ‘there are no pockets in a shroud’. In The Walk, Bridget tells Maire ‘what am I going to do with it, have pockets sewn into my shroud?’ I had to have a little chuckle.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheWalk blog tour
July 21, 2024
I want to a start off by saying that I had no idea what I was picking up. I just knew that the cover was beautiful. But I had no idea I was going to fall in love with this book and two characters who I am going to remember forever and hold close. By the end of the first chapter I bought my own copy. I did take my time reading this book. I didn’t want to rush through this book and miss anything. I felt for all these different women this book. But Ailbe and Marie and Bridget will be characters I hold close. Yes I felt bad for Ruth and losing so many children. But I didn’t like how she behave certain times. But I get it this all she has ever wanted. I also that Ruth was selfish with Penny when it came to her future. So I had a love/sadness for Ruth. These two young girls pregnant had no idea where the other was going what their future looked like. I felt all types of emotions in this book. This is the first book that I have read from this author. It be wont be the last. That epilogue torn me up because I kept reading wandering the future of Ailbe. This book made me question a lot of my feelings towards a lot things.
When someone asks to recommend them a book this will be a book that I will talk about for a long time. This definitely a favorite and characters and their names I will hold close like family. Felt like I was there with both these young ladies going through these tough times and uncertain futures. (Be still by fray) Highly recommend this book. Thank to the author and Lovebooktours for this opportunity.
When someone asks to recommend them a book this will be a book that I will talk about for a long time. This definitely a favorite and characters and their names I will hold close like family. Felt like I was there with both these young ladies going through these tough times and uncertain futures. (Be still by fray) Highly recommend this book. Thank to the author and Lovebooktours for this opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
You know, no matters how many times I hear about how women were treated when they got pregnant out of wedlock, I am still outraged, dumbfounded, angry, 【insert other adjectives that express how visceral my reaction can get】when I read about it.
Overall, there are so many (true) stories out there, and they are all heartbreaking, and infuriating (yes, it is always the women's fault when they get accidently pregnant... men take no part in it apparently)
I am so grateful to have been part of this book tour, as I thought it was a really beautiful book about motherhood, friendship, and resilience.
My heart went out for Maire and Ailbe, two Irish girls, best friends, and both pregnant. While friends, they will take different roads throughout their pregnancy, never forgetting one another.
Another character I really like was Bridget Her compassion towards Maire was admirable, and I really enjoyed reading about their relationship, spanning over decades.
Despite the topic at hand, which can be triggering, I really enjoyed reading this book.
Overall, there are so many (true) stories out there, and they are all heartbreaking, and infuriating (yes, it is always the women's fault when they get accidently pregnant... men take no part in it apparently)
I am so grateful to have been part of this book tour, as I thought it was a really beautiful book about motherhood, friendship, and resilience.
My heart went out for Maire and Ailbe, two Irish girls, best friends, and both pregnant. While friends, they will take different roads throughout their pregnancy, never forgetting one another.
Another character I really like was Bridget Her compassion towards Maire was admirable, and I really enjoyed reading about their relationship, spanning over decades.
Despite the topic at hand, which can be triggering, I really enjoyed reading this book.
July 22, 2024
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Emma Marns takes an absolutely heart wrenching tale and shares it in the most beautiful and poetic manner that invites the reader for an intimate glimpse of teenage pregnancy in Ireland not that long ago. Spanning decades, The Walk is a cautionary tale of the heavy burden that secrets can exert on the soul. However, a sorrowfully hopeful tone weaves throughout the story as the book explores the societal expectation of women to be mothers in the traditional sense yet challenges this with different ways in which women can fulfill a vocation to be caretakers. The Walk is stunning and impeccably written, making it difficult to read when empathizing with the characters but it is absolutely worth every tug at the heartstrings. As the years continue in the story, the strength and resilience of these women resonates in a beautiful and poignant way.
July 24, 2024
The Walk by Emma Marns is a historical book based in Ireland in the late 70’s. Although, I am not Irish I was the same age and remember the 70’s. Marns has researched the period well and exquisitely described events and characters. It is a very emotive subject, sensitively dealt with and I didn’t want to put the book down.
The book is sad and horrific in parts, but it is also about family, hope, friendship, and secrets.
Marns prose was beautifully and sympathetically written in a way that told the story in the best way possible from all angles.
The story switched from different points of view and different timelines, which added to the tension and enabled you to see the events from different sides and made things much clearer.
In Conclusion a great read that I couldn’t put down that was both sad, happy, poignant, and extremely thought provoking and one I recommend.
The book is sad and horrific in parts, but it is also about family, hope, friendship, and secrets.
Marns prose was beautifully and sympathetically written in a way that told the story in the best way possible from all angles.
The story switched from different points of view and different timelines, which added to the tension and enabled you to see the events from different sides and made things much clearer.
In Conclusion a great read that I couldn’t put down that was both sad, happy, poignant, and extremely thought provoking and one I recommend.
December 9, 2025
This is a moving and powerful novel about the mother and baby homes in Ireland, with a focus on one home, Bessborough. Maire and Ailbe are teenagers who become pregnant and are then sent away for their "crime"—unwed and expecting. Their experiences in their new homes couldn't be more different. Ailbe is sent to Bessborough and the guardianship of cruel (or at best, indifferent) nuns, while Maire is with her baby's father's family in Dublin. Both suffer incredible heartbreak. This is exceptional and sensitive storytelling, with well-crafted characters, realistic dialogue, details, and excellent pacing; it's clear that author Emma Marns did a great deal of research to ensure depth and accuracy.
July 22, 2024
This was a very emotionally charged read and it had me engaged from page one. This tragic tail shows us history where unmarried mothers are sent away and their babies are put up for adoptions without their consent. I had tears in my eyes and I now that this is a historical fiction however there was an element of a mystery involved - i did not see that happening. I love when an author can add a twist and have me sitting on the edge of my seat with some of the plot points. I am going to look into author and see if she has some other works coming out.
July 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book it was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters some of which I really took to my heart such as Ailbe and Maire.
I loved that this was a historical fiction that spanned over 5 decades. The content of this book had me feeling so many emotions. I recently read a non fiction book recently about the mother and baby homes/Magdalene laundries run by he church in Ireland and it was absolutely horrific. This part of this story was written so well it brought all those emotions back.
I would highly recommend reading this book
I loved that this was a historical fiction that spanned over 5 decades. The content of this book had me feeling so many emotions. I recently read a non fiction book recently about the mother and baby homes/Magdalene laundries run by he church in Ireland and it was absolutely horrific. This part of this story was written so well it brought all those emotions back.
I would highly recommend reading this book
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