Assembling Ailish

by Sharon Guard

An honest, heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the bravery to face your demons.

‘A beautiful and important novel, an incisive, insightful study of childhood, motherhood, obligation, guilt, and the impossibility of true freedom from the circular pain of existence, but all lit by a blaze of love and hope’ DONAL RYAN

‘A gripping and skilful debut from a hugely talented storyteller’ JOSEPH O’CONNOR

‘Uplifting and powerful – a stunning debut from a gifted new voice’ FERDIA MAC ANNA

‘An evocative story from a fresh new voice about life, love, hard-won
wisdom and learning to forgive’ MARTINA DEVLIN

Ailish McCarthy is not doing well. Outwardly successful – career, beautiful home, wealthy husband, two daughters reared and on the cusp of their own lives– inwardly she is crumbling.

Her relationship with her mother was complicated and difficult, the grief following her death unnaturally prolonged. As much as she wants to move forward, Ailish is caught in a spiral with her ghosts.

In order to escape them, she must resolve her past. Revisit it. Construct again, from memory, the family and friends who shaped her, the boy she could not forget, the changing Ireland which provided the backdrop for their lives.

Under the guidance of her therapist, Ailish begins the process of examining her previous selves: anxious child, traumatized teenager, adult woman riven with a never-to-be-shared secret. From these uniquely broken shards, can she assemble a present self, a whole self, one she can live with?


What readers are saying about Assembling Ailish
"A breathtakingly beautiful novel – I couldn’t put it down."
"Powerful and raw… a story that lingers in your heart."
"Absolutely stunning – a must-read for lovers of emotional fiction."
"A deeply moving tale that kept me hooked until the very last page."
"An unforgettable story of love, grief, and resilience."
"Magnificent… a poignant and powerful debut."
"I was swept up in Ailish’s journey – utterly captivating."
"Heartfelt and haunting… a masterpiece of storytelling."
"Spellbinding… this book stayed with me long after finishing."
"A beautifully written and deeply emotional novel – I loved it."

Genres: Audiobook, Irish Literature, Ireland

450 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2025

Reviews

[lorrainelowereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this debut novel by new and exciting Irish writer Sharon Guard (we’re spoilt with all this Irish talent!!). Beautifully written, Assembling Ailish is a novel about how secrets can haunt us and infect our lives and relationships, but also about confronting those secrets and letting go of the shame that has been buried deep. A must-read for fans of Breakdown by Cathy Sweeney or Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy, or anyone who loves a good read with a strong female protagonist who has just about had it up to here!!

[Jo Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You heard the name here first. You’ll be hearing it a lot in years to come, I’m positive. I predict huge acclaim for Sharon Guard, her debut novel is right up there amongst the biggest names and the best titles. She writes with such lyrical flair, coins beautifully crafted turns of phrase and delivers a stunning novel that I ate whole. I was captivated from beginning to end.
Shelley Atkinson’s narration was the perfect match.

Stunning!
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

Many thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy 5 stars, flew through this

[Hugh McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super debut novel from very stylish writer.
Excellent pacing and very hard to put down.

[Seymour Cresswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully crafted story about motherhood, loss and love. It grips the reader and won't let go. There are several pivot points in the narrative that caused me to exclaim out loud. A truly wonderful read - a triumphant debut by a gifted writer.

[Derval · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was well-written and fairly engrossing. I didn't believe the constant longing Ailish felt for that significant person at 16, although I suppose it might be plausible given the guilt and shame she also held onto. I don't know. The relationship with her mother certainly reflected how I see women of that generation treat their daughters. There was something distant about it all though, that worked well for Ailish's sense of remove from her life, but wasn't overly engaging for me as a reader. I really liked Fiona and Niall, but otherwise the characters didn't feel rounded to me. I think how the story looked at abortion was really good though. Overall a solid book!

[Rita Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books I have read over the past few years which tinker around the edge of what it is and has been, to be a woman in Ireland in the generation between those that were mired in the cult that was the church led state, and the ones who can take their freedoms for granted. They are generally lacking something in voice or tone, or authenticity, compared to this.

Pitch perfect.



How far we have come

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow story about Irish Ailish, from about 5 to 50 years of age. Most vignettes move linearly, but we do skip to some earlier times in her life to add texture or perspective to what she is experiencing now. The backdrop is a woman's right to choose, and Ailish's life spans the before and after. Before is the country's 1983 decision to enshrine a right to life for the unborn. The after is Ireland's 36th amendment, permitting the termination of pregnancies as of 2019.
These laws, of course, had significant cultural underpinnings. How difficult it is to change minds steeped in the rhetoric with which one grows up. But I digress. The book is not truly about legislation, but how Ailish and her family deal with changing circumstances, norms, and prejudices. Ailish must make decisions about her path in life, yet she frets and reconsiders at every turn, so we listen to her rehash situations or relationships throughout the book. Although the writing is good, especially for a first novel, I found Ailish tedious.
The narration is also good, managing accents from Ireland, the UK, and America. 3.4 rounded down.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BolindaAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #AssemblingAilish for review purposes. It is available now.

[Jen Sealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read, beautifully written and hard to put down.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assembling Ailish by Sharon Guard published February 4th with Poolbeg Press and has been rightfully described by Donal Ryan as ‘a beautiful and important novel, an incisive, insightful study of childhood, motherhood, obligation, guilt, and the impossibility of true freedom from the circular pain of existence, but all lit by a blaze of love and hope’ .

I really had no idea what to expect when I turned the first page of Assembling Ailish and, after the initial few chapters, I still was unsure but then suddenly it happened, I heard Ailish’s voice, I could feel her pain and anguish, I was committed.

Ailish McCarthy has all the appearances of someone who has it all. Originally from a rural background, Ailish always struggled with her relationship with her mother. Growing up Ailish became used to her mother’s moods but at some point over the years, the atmosphere grew progressively worse and the tension in the home left a permanently dysfunctional dynamic.

Now married with two daughters of her own, a successful career, a beautiful home and an affluent lifestyle, Ailish, on paper, is happy. She is always groomed to perfection. She mixes in the correct circles. Her husband is highly recognised as a wealthy and prosperous individual. They attend dinner parties. They have extraordinary views over the coastline from their stunning Dublin home.

‘I’ve never been much of a joiner, but the book-clubbers are a homogenous group. All eight of us, though varying mildly in shape and hair colour and size, look a lot like me. We wear Tommy Hilfiger jeans and Carl Scarpa boots, preppy Ralph Lauren jumpers. Our children go to the same private schools, our husbands are employed in solid professions: barristers, solicitors, bankers, accountants, one dentist. We holiday three or four times a year, ski and sun sojourns mandatory, romantic mini-breaks to keep our marriages kicking.’

But Ailish is in therapy slowly revealing her secrets and learning to process her past and her future.

As we journey alongside Ailish we get insights into the internal struggles she faces and how each day has become a challenge. Riddled with guilt, Ailish is incapable of offering herself any kind of relief or peace. She is a traumatised middle-aged woman who is stuck in her past and finding it so very difficult to move on.

‘The thought of a Friday-night glass pulls me through the week, a normal week, but since we moved to a cramped rental to facilitate the builders and the extension, I feel a Thursday night glass is justified, Wednesday is optional, and sure who is going to judge a woman for oiling a lonely Tuesday night watching Desperate Housewives with a sip or two of Pinot Grigio?’

Sharon Guard has written the most extraordinary debut. Her handling of sensitive issues is masterfully written with heart-breaking and devastating scenes laid bare before us. When Ailish becomes locked in that sandwich generation, her experiences will resonate with so many readers as she attempts to deal with her elderly parents and her own family. It is a moment that will stop most readers in their tracks.

‘I’ve nothing left in any tank’

Crossing decades Assembling Ailish delves into the contemporary issues of each period of time, expertly exploring themes that are relevant to the social and cultural landscape of that time, capturing the spirit of an Ireland over the years. It is a novel that evokes a mix of emotions with flawed characters that we can all connect with in some way or another. I described Cathy Sweeney’s debut, Breakdown, as a compelling and challenging read and Assembling Ailish falls into the same category. Quite similar in that they both deal with women trying to assimilate how their lives played out, women who appear to be in the perfect place but their reality tells a very different story.

Skillfully executed Assembling Ailish is a visceral tale, one that draws the reader into every emotional pain that Ailish is experiencing. Intimate and vulnerable, Assembling Ailish is a stunning debut. Sharon Guard is an exceptional storyteller, a talented writer with a true gift for the written word.

[Steve Cavill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assembling Ailish by Sharon Guard is a quietly powerful, introspective audiobook that sneaks up on you with its emotional depth and realism. Narrated beautifully by Shelley Atkinson, whose gentle, conversational tone and subtle vocal distinctions bring Ailish’s inner world vividly to life—capturing her doubts, dry wit, turmoil, and gradual self-discovery without ever overdoing it. The reflective pacing suits the story perfectly, keeping even the slower, more contemplative moments engaging and never truly draggy.

Ailish McCarthy appears to have it all: a successful career, a comfortable home, a wealthy husband, and two grown daughters thriving in their own lives. Yet beneath the surface, she’s unraveling—stuck in autopilot, weighed down by unresolved grief over her mother’s death, lingering guilt, and a long-buried secret from her past. Through therapy, she begins piecing herself together, revisiting fragmented versions of her life: an anxious childhood, a difficult adolescence marked by trauma, and the adult woman who has spent decades being exactly what others needed while losing sight of who she truly is.

The narrative unfolds as a thoughtful character study rather than a plot-driven thriller—focusing on small, brave steps toward reinvention: learning to say no, reclaiming old passions, navigating awkward middle-age growth, and confronting complicated family dynamics (especially the lasting impact of her relationship with her mother). Supporting characters—overbearing yet well-meaning family members, quirky new connections from hobbies and ventures—add texture and gentle tension, though the spotlight remains firmly on Ailish’s realistic, sometimes frustrating, but deeply believable journey.

It’s a heartfelt exploration of grief, guilt, motherhood, identity, obligation, second chances, and the quiet courage required to assemble a more authentic self after years of suppression. The middle can feel a touch repetitive as Ailish takes two steps forward and one back—a very true-to-life rhythm—but the earned, satisfying payoff makes it all worthwhile.

Ideal as a companion for commutes, chores, or quiet evenings, this warm-yet-messy slice-of-life tale offers a comforting hug wrapped around real, raw emotions. Thoughtful, moving, and well worth the listen for fans of character-driven contemporary fiction about personal growth and making peace with the past.

[Geraldine Comiskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful, eloquent commentary on the tragic emptiness and bleakness of a people-pleaser watching life pass her by no matter how fiercely she tries to grasp it, of seeing her parents waste away with age, of handling conflicting emotions while balancing responsibilities - of being a Gen Xer from working-class suburban Dublin.
The fictional Ailish of the title grew up in 1970s Ireland where vibrancy, individuality and introversion were summarily crushed. Fey, dreamy and sensitive, she tiptoes around her mentally unstable mother's moods, and hero-worships her affable, charming father - until she realises that he's not perfect.
Decades later, having navigated awkward adolescence, had an abortion, secured a Good Career, married a successful man and on the cusp of seeing her two perfect aughters reach adulthood, she's still a people pleaser and an outsider craving a tribe, treading softly between different social classes in post- Celtic Tiger Ireland, and on the brink of an affair with her cousin's husband - when her mother gets ill.
Wary of being plunged into her old role of keeping her mother happy, she tortures herself with guilt and seeks help from a psychotherapist.
This is above all a poignant tragedy, in which the protagonist seems to be trapped by an emotionally abusive past - to the extent that it is draining the life out of her.
Ailish is an Irish female archetype I don't think I've ever seen so accurately portrayed in literature until now.
[Disclaimer: I went to school with the author many years ago - we last met aged twelve - but only discovered she had written a novel when I saw an article about her winning a prize for this. This is my unbiased review and I haven't even told her yet that I got her book.]

[A Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work is told using a framed approach, which I quite liked. The frame is told using the second person POV where we see the character in therapy sessions. The rest of the tale is told using the first person POV, revisiting the past and exploring the events that led up to the therapy sessions.

The work is slow moving but steady, and as it's character-driven this isn't unexpected. The characters were mostly well written, supporting the slower moving plot, but were generally hard to connect to. At times they felt a little flat and/or distant, which made it difficult to find them engaging.

I also didn't realize when picking this one up about how heavily it would examine topics relating to children, including abortion, miscarriage, wanting to be pregnant, babies, etc. I was kind of hoping this was going to be an Irish fiction that had a female protagonist without this focus, but alas.

The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life, so if you want to check this one out, I do recommend the audio version. My thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[McBreakneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧Audiobook review🎧

I love an Irish accent, have a fondness for Irish fiction and I’m open to trying different genres.

Assembling Ailish sees the adult Ailish opening up to a therapist and recounting her life so far, from anxious child, to traumatised teenager to the adult with never-to-be-shared secrets. The character writing is excellent. There’s subtlety, nuance and depth. There are secrets held close through families, Catholic guilt and the lasting effects on those involved.

It covers decades of social and economic changes in Ireland, a similar timeframe to Our Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent and if you enjoyed that I’m sure you’ll enjoy this too.

A slightly different pace from a lot of what I read and listen to but well worth it. The audiobook narration by Shelley Atkinson is excellent, capturing plenty of feeling.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bolinda Audio

[Jenny Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful! A wonderful story, pared back in many ways (the therapy scenes! Just enough to ge to the point - the take home snippet!), and so beautifully crafted. The turn of phrase the author has is just so lovely. The repetition of sounds (shush, shiver, bring) means you bring all your senses to the. Reading of it. The authors ability to weave the emotions through the story and make the point without stating the obvious is really special. There are no complicated mysteries to unpick here and no shock-and-awe devices. A simple, human tale beautifully told is a wonderful, rare thing. Put a whole day aside, this is a single-sitting read!. You won’t want to put it down!

[Matthew Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A headfirst dive into Ireland: stories, voices, landscape, and prejudices. The men are half-boys, who escape feeling with booze, and consequence with charm. Each woman, in her own way, is forced to serve in those notorious laundries – of the mind, of the family. As a cultural critique, this book exposes the psychological ripple-effects of abortion law, culture of guilt, and gender inequality. On the level of the line, it always delivers. Meta-narrative of the shrink’s office that bleeds into poetry by the end. Surprised to find a glimmering seed of hope – here I thought we were doomed to lug our stones forever.

[J O'Donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The character of Ailish is so real. She feels like someone I know and her story has so many resonances from her childhood in 1980s Ireland through the Celtic Tiger years right up to the present day.
Through her eyes we see a changing Ireland and experience the joys and sorrows of her life. In the end, without giving anything away, we can see that she is a survivor. Sharon Guard's prose is rock solid, not a word out of place, emotive without melodrama and flows along beautifully. I read this book so quickly I want to read it again to really savour it.

[Cathy Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book set in Ireland that avoids all the stereotypes and clichés, not just about the country but about the nature of the female protagonist. The blurb doesn't make you believe that it's a page turner, but it is. Add a love story, a family drama and the recent abortion referendum in Ireland and you're on a winner. I read it on a transatlantic flight but will be recommending it for my book club.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book. I ate it in one gulp. I didn’t plan to I just couldn't put it down. The story is compelling, the characters believable. It’s funny, sad, hopeful, claustrophobic and freeing all at once. One of those books you will be thinking about for days after. There are so many words and phrases you want to reread and savour. I can’t believe this is a debut novel. Beautifully written. I’d give 6/5 if I could!

[Joana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid debut, but I just felt it wasn’t doing anything new with its already well-explored topic and it was a bit overwrought in places. Also I didn’t feel the side characters were fleshed out enough and Ailish herself was just so unlikeable to me. I don’t usually mind that, but could she just have stopped judging other women’s looks and lusting for ‘indescript lad’ for just a second? Still a good read if you like contemporary Irish writing.

[Ms Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning debut novel from an inspiring new voice in Irish fiction. The language is vivid and beautiful, perfectly recreating the various decades and the emotions of Ailish and her family.
A wonderful read

[Patrick Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly brilliant debut! The haunting of the past, the secrets that continue to gnaw away at the present, all told through beautifully written, sharp prose. The characters were so real and I felt I knew them intimately! A true 5 star read!

[Colette Colfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this debut novel from Irish writer Sharon Guard. Beautifully written. Vividly recalls the Ireland of the 1980s onwards, and captures its social and cultural essence and the turbulent issues and change.

[Meredith Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this audiobook as an ARC through NetGalley. I really enjoyed this book, reminded me of Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. The narrator was great and I enjoyed how the story progressed throughout Ailish's life.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This character study of an Irish woman who grew up in the same time period as I did was well crafted and explores issues of gender roles, women's rights, romantic delusions, and complex family relationships.

[Simon Watson]

Enthralling!
Found it hard to put down.
I loved the clever language....created vivid images.
Very recommendable

[Sean Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tightly written and absorbing fictional accounting of late century womanhood in Ireland. Acute and coolly appraising, from a deeply knowing and sensitive pen.

[Victoria K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant novel! Beautifully written and Ailish’s story was so consuming it was hard to put down. An important story I would recommend all to read!

[Heather Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very start I was enraptured. A page turner from the very beginning, vibrant imagery and well observed characters made this a very fresh read. Loved it!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, great descriptions. Lives that are real, the fears and joys faced. Couldn't put it down. I'd highly recommend it.