Saoirse

by Charleen Hurtubise

A BBC RADIO 2 Book Club Pick
A Woman & Home Book of the Month
A Prima Book of the Month
A Joan's Pick (Whitcoulls, New Zealand)

Saoirse is a powerful novel set between the United States and Ireland about a woman who runs from her traumatic past and the secrets she carries to survive.

In Michigan, Sarah’s childhood was defined by fear and silence. As a teenager, she saw a chance to escape and took it. Now, in 1999, she is an artist living on the rugged coast of Donegal, Ireland, where she is known as Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha)—a name that sounds like the sea and means freedom in the language of her adopted country. And free is precisely how she is finally beginning to feel. Her partner and two beloved daughters are regular subjects of her paintings, and together they have made the safe home she always longed for. But Saoirse's secrets haunt her. No one must learn of the identity she has stolen in order to survive; they cannot know of the dangers that she crossed an ocean to escape.

When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, the spotlight of fame threatens to unravel the careful lies that hold her world together. Journalists and admirers begin to ask questions about the mysterious artist from Donegal, and she fears the unwanted publicity will expose all that she has done.

Saoirse is an evocative, suspenseful exploration of the intimate relationship between art and life and the lies we tell ourselves in the name of reinvention.

Genres: Fiction, Ireland, Literary Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Irish Literature

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 24, 2026

About the author

Charleen is a novelist and artist. Her first novel, The Polite Act of Drowning, was published in Ireland and the UK in 2023. SAOIRSE is her US debut. She lives in Dublin, Ireland with her family.

Reviews

[Canadian Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saoirse. The name means freedom.
Sarah has left the U.S. and the abuse and is now on the run from her past.
She has landed in Ireland under a stolen identity with her past shackled to her. She is afraid to disclose anything about herself as she fears for her life. So, she lives with this false identity. When she starts to paint again, she rediscovers the joy that comes from expression. But when her work is elevated and getting noticed, she becomes precariously close to the truth being exposed and losing the life she has built and loved.
This was staggering. Intense.
Heavy themes of abuse which were delicately managed without giving a lot of detail but enough to be witness to the trauma.
This was no Irish lullaby- too rah loo rah loo - but it was rich with the Irish landscape, language and beauty.
How fitting to finish this on St. Patrick’s Day.
4.5☘️

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

all my experiences with saoirses have been positive.

that just means saoirse ronan and the edition of brooklyn with the movie tie-in cover, but still.

(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(review to come)

[Angela M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something in her past was so horrible it made her flee from the US to Ireland . Something in her past was so unbearable it caused her to break the law to save herself and her sister. In alternating chapters the story moves back and forth between present and past years as Saorise’s life is revealed through her public paintings and her sketches which she keeps private . The canvas of her life is intense, emotional and intimate.

A stolen identity, another country - but how long will she be safe in Ireland? Is she really safe - having traded one prison of abuse for another ? How long can she keep her cover as her art career garners critical acclaim, winning awards and requests for exhibition ? Once again she needs to save herself and this time her daughters as well, as her story becomes public.

It’s so well written and I was totally taken in by this character and this complicated, thought provoking story . I couldn’t put this down.


I received a copy of this from Celadon through Edelweiss.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and powerful novel set between the United States and Ireland.
An 18 yr old young woman must flee from her trauma filled life and the secrets she carries to survive.
She does this by stealing the identity and passport of a young woman her age that she worked with who lives in the U.S but is from Ireland.
On the flight to Ireland she is seated next to a man who takes her home to meet his family and they give her a place to stay.
So, she reinvents herself in a life in Ireland, but she falls into another trapped life.
She eventually takes leave of this unloving, abusive man to a man who truly loves her and her young daughter.
She is living a beautiful life on the coast of Donegal with her partner and two daughters and then her past starts to catch up with her.
Beautifully written, great characters..
I really want to see Donegal now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like Eleanor Oliphant or Owen Meany, Saoirse is a titular character who will live long in my memory (although the spelling of the name will forever be a source of typos).

At the start of this novel, we meet Saoirse living an idyllic life with her husband Daithi and two children. However, when we quickly start to follow Saoirse's back story we learn that she is clearly running away from something and seeking a quiet life in Ireland. When Saoirse, who is an artist, wins a prestigious award, her fragile life is shattered and we slowly learn what has brought her to Ireland and what she is, in fact, running away from.

The first thing to say about this book is that the writing is almost poetic, but not in a pretentious way where the author is trying too hard to be too clever. It is immensely readable and you will find yourself immersed in her life as soon as you pick up the book just dying to find out what has happened to her. Her character is entirely relatable and although she may make some poor choices, you will definitely find a place in your heart for her.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK | Eriu for the ARC. One of my favourite books of the year!

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to a review copy of Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise. It explores what might happen if you are desperate enough to run for your life and adopt another person’s identity.

Sarah grew up in Michigan, with a drug-addicted mother and a criminal stepfather, who definitely did not take good care of her. After a particularly traumatic experience, Sarah runs off while still in her teens, seizing the opportunity to grab the passport of a young woman who looks remarkably similar to her and flees to Ireland. Once there, she meets a friend group and decides to change her name to Saoirse, an Irish name that means “freedom.” We gradually learn her backstory while we see her in the “present day” of 1999, almost 10 years after she fled the US. She’s been establishing herself as an artist, trying to keep off the radar as much as possible, but at least partially due to that, she winds up being found out.

The writing was beautiful and I bounced between the audiobook and the digital book. Descriptions of the Donegal countryside made me long to visit the area. The story also highlights the constraints that Ireland placed on women (no divorce, no abortion, and more), putting many women in a can’t-win situation. The characters were vivid. I disliked Paul and some of his family intensely, but loved Daithí. I did feel that the ending wrapped up a bit too nicely though, straining my credulity, the only reason I didn’t rate it even higher.

Roisin Rankin did a lovely job with all the voices on the audiobook. I loved being able to listen to how the various Irish names and phrases are pronounced. (I never would have guessed that Daithí is pronounced “Dah-hee”.)

Warning: lots of heavy and/or violent moments and themes here.

[Dem · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and refreshing read, that kept me turning the pages.

Charleen Hurtubise's Saoirse is a beautifully layered, emotionally rich novel that quietly pulls you in and doesn't let you go. Set between Michigan and Donegal. It follows a woman living under a stolen identity trying to build a life of love and safety while her past threatens to unravel everything.

What really Stands out is Hurtubise's writing, lyrical and atmospheric and deeply empathetic. She explores trauma, reinvention and the idea of "freedom" with such nuance making Saoirse feel incredibly real, flawed, resilient and compelling. She makes you want to pack your bags and head straight for Donegal and it's wild Atlantic ways.

This would make a great holiday read as its, short, suspenseful and quite the page turner.
I can see this making a great book club discussion also.
Delighted I purchased a hard copy for my real life bookshelf.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

Saorise/ Sarah has come to Ireland to escape from her traumatic life in the United States. She knows she is in danger and must hide her true identity. But the problem with secrets is somehow they will always come out in the end.

I became very invested in Saorise- she found her true self in art but along the way she made some poor decisions. The longer she held on to her secret, the harder it was when it was revealed. The author covered a lot within these pages- themes of child abuse, neglect and endangerment and how art can help a person heal. I think how the author brought it all together at the end was absolutely perfect.

The writing was captivating, in fact, I could barely put it down at times. I also must add that the descriptions of Donegal were beautiful.

An excellent, propulsive read.

Published: 2026

[Jennifer (Jaye) (trying to catch up, challenging time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Identity*

**4.5 Stars**

This heartbreaking story of survival follows Sarah, a young woman whose tumultuous childhood left her struggling to make the best of her circumstances. Despite making poor choices, she was a child simply trying to survive.

Sarah found herself entangled with dangerous people and had to become her younger sister’s parent. Protecting her was her only option.

Fleeing danger, she managed to board a plane to Ireland, seeking a fresh start. On the plane, she met Paul, who offered accommodation but turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Then she met Daithí, who first suggested calling her Saoirse. Sadly, her mistake with Paul led her down a path of misery.

Finding solace in art, Sarah used drawing as therapy to express her pain. The story of her past remained firmly within her.

Years later, her path crossed with the man who stole her heart. Daithí sensed she was holding back from him, but she felt frozen. Painting and sketching became her escape, and a friend encouraged her to display her art. As her work gained recognition, a sense of trepidation settled in. She faced unwanted publicity and her past hurtled towards her, threatening to change her life forever. What would her life look like once the truth was out?

[Tracy Greer-Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️ A stolen passport. An assumed identity. A new start for the teenager.

Traumatic circumstances force Sarah (Saoirse) to flee from the US to Ireland. On the plane over to Ireland, Saoirse meets a stranger who offers kindness and a soft place to land for a few days….

Flashing back from life in the US to present times, this book takes you on quite the journey. Danger in the past and in the present. At times I was very nervous at where this was leading. This was attributed to the author doing an excellent character analysis of these people, so if you enjoy character driven novels this will work for you.

This book was reminiscent of, Nesting, by Roisin O’Donnell. The same thrill, the same emotions rose up in me. I do love a good Irish book. ☘️

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Saoirse is a powerful novel set between the United States and Ireland about a woman who runs from her traumatic past and the secrets she carries to survive."

Growing up in Michigan as a young woman with a difficult childhood, our FMC breaks the law and flees to Ireland to save herself and her sister. In Ireland she becomes Saoirse which means freedom. But freedom comes at a price. Over many years in Ireland, Saoirse builds her reputation as an artist, creating a new canvas not only for work but for her life. She falls in love and has children. As her fame increases, people are looking into her past. How long before her carefully constructed facade crumbles?

I thoroughly enjoyed this character driven novel. It is atmospheric with richly layered characters. Themes of trauma, resilience, family and survival are paramount. It was emotional and engaging. I highly recommend this for those who enjoy literary fiction. It is reminiscent of Colm Toibin and I am looking forward to more works from this author following this US debut.

The audiobook performance by Roisin Rankin is outstanding capturing the tension and emotions throughout.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley and Charleen Hurtubise for the gifted advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.🎧

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel of a young woman who fled to Ireland to escape a brutal life in the US drew me in completely. Saoirse, a/k/a Sarah, first appears as she is headed to Ireland, where she creates a new persona with a stolen identity. Her backstory is developed as the novel progresses, and the reader learns that she has fled a terrible, dangerous life which included a drug dealing stepfather, a neglectful mother, and a little sister she loved dearly. In Ireland she makes a new life (under a false identity) and becomes a new person. She is taken in by a man named Paul, and she joins his family. Paul is in love with her, but he is an unlikeable character, and Saoirse does not return his love. Rather, she pines after another man, with whom she also has a relationship. She has two daughters, and she becomes a known artist. But interspersed into all aspects of her life is the fact that she is living under a false identity. In every relationship, her deceit is a factor. She struggles with when and how to disclose the truth.
It is impossible not to sympathize with Saoirse’s plight - she had virtually no choice but to escape the life into which she had involuntarily found herself. It is also impossible not to want to shake her when she makes poor choices. This novel explores the burden and complexity of hiding a multi-layered secret from those a person loves as well as those with whom a person interacts. There is a lovely theme of finding healing through art. The writing is very good and includes absolutely beautiful descriptions of Donegal. The pace of the novel is fast, and I was fully immersed in it.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saoirse is a quiet, deep character driven novel about a young woman who escapes her past.

Saoirse tells the story of a young woman who escapes to Ireland from the United States after a very tumultuous childhood and traumas that continue to haunt her. She finds her way into a family after meeting Paul on the plane, and after more hardships she discovers she is pregnant and unwilling to face what she has left behind.

Charleen Hurtubise’s writing feels melancholic and deeply character driven, with a quiet sense of mystery that makes the story captivating. I found myself really feeling for Saoirse as she moves through her life. I also love that the story begins in 1990 when there were no phones or Google.

You will absorb Saoirse’s emotions as she hides her past from her present, as she falls in love, as she tries to escape what she cannot control, and as a mystery slowly unfolds, we get to feel all her pain at once.

There are a few pacing issues since the narrative shifts between Saoirse’s past and present, but overall this is shaping up to be a top book once it is released in 2026.

Thank you to Celadon for the advanced copy.

[BookishlySonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am sick of women having to run all the time, and if they’re not running they’re defending themselves. I am so fucking sick of it.”

“She couldn’t shake the sensation that some part of her 3 year old self was here still, somewhere downstairs in the basement alone and afraid. To watch her sister and her daughters, Saoirse knew she was the only child she had not managed to save.”



First, a huge thank you to Macmillan Audio and Celadon Books for the ALC. This audiobook is stunning, and Róisín Rankin is a revelation. Her narration is both crisp and gentle, adding a layer of tenderness and vulnerability that perfectly complements the story and Saoirse’s interiority. I am not usually a fan of added music in audiobooks, but here it works beautifully, immediately transporting the listener into the quiet reverence of an art gallery. Truly, a job well done.

This is an intimate, gorgeous, character-driven novel, a quiet and deliberate exploration of trauma, identity, womanhood, and what it means to survive, as well as the cost of that survival. Ireland itself becomes a character, its social mores and legislation forming a dynamic and deeply influential backdrop to Saoirse’s journey.

Too often, books focus on the physical aspects of trauma while overlooking the invisible scars that linger far longer and cannot be seen, only felt. With Saoirse, the focus shifts to the suffocating isolation of trauma and how it shapes future decision-making, erodes confidence, and compromises the ability to feel safe. You cannot help but wonder who Saoirse might have been if her childhood and adolescence had been different.

And yet, Saoirse is undeniably a beautiful soul, a kind and thoughtful person whose inner world leaves no room for self-love or even the belief that she could be loved at all. The shame and pain she carries are evident in her artwork and in the way she perceives both people and the world around her. They are also evident in how quickly she recognizes peace and safety when she encounters it, discerning the difference between the fear and pain that have dominated her life and the quiet relief that one person can offer.

While romance is not the focus of this novel, there is a tender love story threaded through it, one full of yearning, acceptance, and grace, and I loved every minute of it. It is mature, nuanced, and profoundly healing.

This is an incredibly relatable book in so many ways, resonating deeply in its portrayal of trauma’s lasting imprint and the fragile, hard-won process of reclaiming agency, safety, and selfhood. It captures the quiet, often unspoken realities of living with trauma, reminding us that healing is not linear, that survival leaves both visible and invisible marks, and that tenderness, toward oneself and from others, can be both frightening and transformative.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

SAOIRSE
By Charleen Hurtubise
Narrated by Róisín Rankin

A character-driven novel that lingers in mood and emotion.

Saoirse is a quietly told, character-driven novel with emotional nuance. It follows a young woman from Michigan with a deeply disturbing childhood who retreats to a remote Irish island in search of freedom and a fresh start. As Saoirse settles into island life, long-buried secrets and unresolved trauma begin to surface.

Themes of identity, accountability, silence, and the weight of the past guide the story. This is not a fast-moving, plot-driven novel, but one that favors atmosphere, introspection, and emotional depth. The suspense is subtle and woven throughout the narrative, driven more by character than action.

This will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction focused on character, atmosphere, and emotional depth.

I especially appreciated the development of Saoirse and how the story portrays an unprotected child and young woman struggling to understand herself and find her identity. Significant time is spent in her thoughts and emotions, which enhanced my connection to the story.

I combined the digital ARC with the audiobook, and Róisín Rankin’s narration fit the story beautifully. She captured the understated tension and emotional layers, making the quieter moments feel authentic and engaging.

The writing is beautifully done, and the remote Irish island setting was a highlight for me. I was impressed by this being the author’s first U.S. debut, and I’m always excited to discover a new author. I look forward to reading more from Charleen Hurtubise.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC, and Celadon Books for the eARC.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had a dollar for every book I read this year about an American woman fleeing an abusive childhood, moving to Ireland, finding herself in an abusive relationship, and then finding freedom through art in the west of Ireland… I’d have two dollars and isn’t that interesting

[Colleen Chi-Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pub Date: Feb 24 2026 | Archive Date: Mar 03 2026 - THERE'S STILL TIME FOR THIS ARC.

Thank you for the ARC, to the new-to-me author Charleen Hurtubise, along with Macmillian Audio, the audiobook publisher, and NetGalley. I am grateful that this gem came onto my radar. I am also grateful to authors who are brave enough to create and share unpleasant situations in novels so we can learn about the illnesses and situations that exist in our world involving children and females, and the publishers who help bring these important tales to life.

Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha) by Charleen Hurtubise, on audiobook, is my only 5 star read for 2026. It may not sound that sensational since it's mid January, but I read voraciously and I don't give 5 stars easily. For the mysteriously written, Saoirse, it was an easy choice to give it 5 stars. This was performed by someone so very delightful and talented, Róisín Rankin, that she could read the dictionary to me, and I'd ask for more.

Set in both Michigan, USA, and Ireland, the story is about the troubled past and dangerous life that Sarah aka Saoirse has led and is still living. It began in Sarah's childhood, with an addict for a mother, a horrific stepfather, continually breaking the law and using her. It moves painfully through her teens and leads us into her 20's where she escapes to her chosen country of Ireland. She begins a new life and her unreleased artistic skills flourish. However, even miles away in Ireland, trouble seems to find Sarah/Saoirse regardless who she meets or where she hides.

Hold onto your seat for this unputdownable and beautifully written suspenseful novel, which I really wasn't ready to end. The characters are so well developed and the author let's us know them deeply. The plot is compelling and thrilling as we hope and pray for Saoirse to have a new life.

Note: Saoirse means freedom, which says much about this character and book.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simmering, layered, and dramatic!
⁣
Saoirse is an immersive, compelling tale that draws readers into the life of Sarah Roy, a young woman from Michigan who, after a traumatic childhood, reinvents herself in Ireland using a stolen identity until the secrets of her past begin to surface, threatening the new life and the love she has built.

The prose is nuanced and rich. The characters are strong, conflicted, and secretive. And the plot unfolds into a captivating story of life, loss, love, trauma, abuse, betrayal, family, friendship, heartbreak, resilience, art, mystique, and courage.
⁣
Overall, Saoirse is an intricate, absorbing, intriguing novel by Hurtubise that’s perfect for readers like me who enjoy multi-timeline stories with a touch of mystery and a dab of romance.

[Lindsay L · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Review to come…

[Chloe]

#Gifted

Happy publication to this absolute gem. You know when you want to keep reading because you’re loving the book but you also don’t want it to end?

That’s Saoirse.

Already in my top ten of the year, I loved this emotive, powerful novel.

Using a stolen passport, Sarah escapes an enforced life of crime and her own status as a neglected and at-risk teen in the US and flies to Ireland.
On the plane she gets talking to an Irish man who soon takes her under his wing; he is not all he seems however and Sarah has unfortunately not landed on her feet.
The book cleverly takes us to different timelines in Sarah’s life; to when she becomes Saoirse, a name given to her by a good man, Daithí, and to her Art exhibitions and new life in Donegal.
As her art becomes more and more successful though, the fear of others discovering her past is all too real and Saoirse fears that the person she used to be could destroy who she has become.

The prose in this book is exquisite, and the story flows beautifully. Sometimes jumping between timelines can be jarring but it worked so well here.
Added to that, you have strong character development and an engaging storyline for an all-round fantastic read.

I highly recommend this one. I know I’ll be thinking about Saoirse from time to time going forwards, always a sign of a great book for me!

With many thanks @gillhessltd @eriubooks for my early copy. All opinions are my own, as always.

[Maureen Grigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a good choice for a bookclub! Lots to discuss.

[Lauren W · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the narrative maintains a slower pace throughout the majority of the book, this choice only added to the overall impact. A beautiful, resonant read.

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too soft and slow for me. Lyrical writing with beautiful moments though.

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

I’ve been trying to process the book and I have to be honest, I nearly dnf’d it. It’s very much a character-driven book, and I was confused for a bit as to what was going on. There wasn’t a lot of plot for the first 60% of the book. But I was encouraged by friends who ended up enjoying it, so I returned to it.

The story features a girl named Sarah who escapes a difficult childhood in Michigan and flees to Ireland. She takes on a new identity and is known as Saoirse, which means freedom.

She reinvents herself as a successful artist, but the past is always looming… Even in Ireland she goes through some deeply traumatic experiences with emotional and physical/sexual abuse.

It was hard for me to outrun the slow start, but the last 40% of the book or so really comes together, and I found that I was interested in knowing more about her past and what happened to cause her to flee to Ireland. It has some tense moments as the past catches up to her.

For the most part, I listened to the audiobook, which I would highly recommend. It includes musical transitions between chapters, which were lovely, and Róisín Rankin is a really great narrator. I did pair it with the e-arc, which was helpful in spots.

I thought that it was important that the author put a spotlight on domestic abuse. Women are often forced to endure many sad and painful experiences. If you’re willing to stick with it, it does pay off. I loved the beautiful setting of the book in particular and would love to visit Ireland one day.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted early ALC. Many thanks also to the publisher, Celadon Books and NetGalley, for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. #macaudio2026

CA | Contains some strong language, a couple of brief fade to black steamy scenes and SA is implied.

[Susie Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise. I went in with high expectations after falling in love with her debut, The Polite Act of Drowning, and somehow this novel managed to surpass them.

Set in rural Donegal in 1999, Saoirse is an artist who seems to have everything she’s ever wanted - a loving husband, two beautiful daughters, and a home that feels like it’s finally hers. But she carries a secret, one that has shaped her life for over a decade. When her Dublin exhibition wins a prestigious award and brings public attention, the safety she’s worked so hard to create starts to feel fragile.

What I loved most is how real the characters feel. Saoirse is complex and captivating. She’s a mother, a wife, an artist, and someone carrying the weight of her past. Her relationships with her daughters are tender and full of love, and her connection with her husband Daithí is the stuff that dreams are made of. All of this makes the tension of her past creeping back into her life even more gripping!

The novel moves between Michigan and Ireland, perfectly reflecting Saoirse’s inner journey. Hurtubise brings both settings to life - you can feel the wind off the Atlantic, the damp Donegal countryside, and the shadows of a past that still haunts her. The writing is beautiful, full of emotion, and keeps you completely absorbed from start to finish.

If you love character-driven stories, emotionally charged narratives, and novels with a strong sense of place, this book will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Saoirse is haunting, beautifully crafted, and unforgettable. Charleen Hurtubise has outdone herself, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise features a traumatized young woman trying to reinvent herself in Ireland. Her story of trauma and resilience is slowly revealed using alternating timelines until the timelines dramatically intersect. In 1999, Saoirse’s artwork wins a prestigious award but she worries that her new fame will cause her past to catch up with her. And then starting in 1990, 17-year old Saoirse flees America with a stolen identity in order to escape her dangerous past.

This book was right up my alley, featuring the kind of complex, found-family relationships I absolutely love. The majority of the story is quiet and character driven, but with a tense undertone. The suspense gradually ramped up until I couldn't stop turning the pages. The writing style is vivid with a clear sense of place and characters that I felt a heartfelt connection to. I highly recommend this compelling and surprisingly emotional gem. 4/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. (Pub Date: 2/24/26)

@CeladonBooks, #CeladonReads #SaoirseNovel

[Kelsey Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been on an Irish lit kick and was interested in this one as it is a part mystery, part family story. The story follows Saoirse who is currently an artist on the brink of winning a major award when a story about her past gets unearthed. Saoirse's past is slowly uncovered as we get her POV from when she is age three to where she is today. This book has deeply seeded trauma- from drug/human trafficking, to domestic abuse, etc. In the book Tess of the D'Urbervilles is referenced and Saoirse has a moment where she wants to toss the book into the fire. That pretty sums up this book- a very modern retelling of Tess. It was a heartbreaking example of I am sure hundreds if not thousands of girls (and boys) who our system fails.

The story overall flowed really well as an audiobook despite the time jumps and the narrator did an excellent job.

A huge thank to you Celadon Books, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for my ebook and audiobook copies of Saoirse!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah steals a passport and flees the US to Ireland where she reinvents herself as Saoirse. She's a talented painter with a hidden, awful past. And, of course, that past starts to catch up to her. The story is in main sections, each associated with a painting from her first solo show. These paintings relate to her past, and we hear the story of the painting at the start of each section. It's a well-told and well-narrated tale with beautiful, evocative language.
My only complaint is that while she seems adept at navigating the adult world and achieving her goals, she escapes one man only to depend on another.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #Saoirse for review purposes. Publication date: 24 February 2026.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars Mmm. I don’t get to read enough Irish authors. I really like this one. Charleen’s descriptions allow me to feel, see and smell Ireland in this book. Love the Irish language, accents, dialogue and names. As Saoirse’s story progressed/regressed, it felt like being punched in the gut at times. It became a little annoying that she was “stuck” with Paul for so long and how she was treated. Enjoyed the story very much overall and liked how it ended.

[Sarah (sarahanneisreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars