Saoirse: A Novel

by Charleen Hurtubise

For readers of Colm Tóibín and Claire Keegan, 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, Womens Fiction, Art, Family Drama, Irish Literature

Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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 was born in Florida, spent her childhood and early adult years in Michigan and Boston, and has now lived the majority of her life in Ireland. She lives in Dublin with her family.

Reviews

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow start for me, but I was eventually engaged and invested in understanding what led Saoirse to the point at which we first meet her in the beginning of the novel. Lovely language, strong sense of place, and a courageous protagonist.

[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.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The setting alternates between 1990 [US] and 1999 [Ireland]. In Michigan, Sarah had a tumultuous childhood -- a drug-addicted mother, an abusive, lowlife stepfather who forced her to become a drug runner, and a younger sister who she left with grandparents fearing she'd not have a life otherwise. She took a chance, stole someone's identity, fled to Ireland, without a plan or much money. She met Paul by chance on the plane, [no spoiler, but not a good match], goes to his parents home [what a family!] with him, eventually takes up painting and residence in their guest house. She become Saoirses, which means free.

"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." She also meets someone {Daithi; a very interesting person!] with whom she has another daughter; it is a love match.

Saoirse has MANY secrets that haunt her. I fell and felt for Saoirse from the start. I immediately understood her struggles and when she became pregnant as an unwed mother [this will not spoil anything], I knew 1999 Ireland would be problematic.

Physical and sexual abuse. Family--good and bad. Heartbreaking and sad, but ultimately hopeful.

I really enjoyed this book but felt the ending a bit too neat and tidy/contrived.

[Eric (erics_furiouslyreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sarah’s childhood is full of fear of life and the need to escape her stepfather. Her mother a drug addict and just trying to keep her younger sister safe is all she can stand. When she finds out that others are threatening to harm her sister, she does the only thing she can, hide her sister and run. She soon finds herself in Ireland but in much the same trapped life. She soon runs from an unloving, hostile relationship to a man who truly loves her and her young daughter. But she has secrets from her past that are starting to catch up with her, even half a world away.
What an amazing book! The chapters take you back and forth between her life in America and Ireland. The writing is superb and the story unforgettable. Saoirse, (Sear-sha) is a character who has gone through more than anyone should ever have to endure and is so strong, even when she thinks she is not. This book will be available to everyone in February 2026. Don’t miss this powerful story!
#littlefreelibrary #celadonbooks #charleenhurtubise #saoirse #bookstagram #readersofinstagram

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book another 5 stars if I could. If I thought there was a lot of detail,
I learned that everything would lead to a most satisfying conclusion. I’ve not read
such a heartwarming story in a long time. Tissues might be recommended. As well
as an open heart to adsorb the story.
My sincere thanks to Celadon Books via NetGalley for the download copy of this book.

[Meggie Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

astonishing in every way

[Laura Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!

[Donna McCaul Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saoirse is a mother of two daughters, who lives with her partner, Daithi, in Donegal. She's running from something that happened in Michigan, and has never told anyone about it. She tries to live under the radar. But when her growing fame as an artist puts her in the spotlight, she has to decide what her future will hold.
What an amazing book. I read it in under twenty four hours. I could not wait to find out what would happen next. Highly, highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
The first book I’ve really sped through in a long time. It sort of felt like Lily King - but with a lot of plot. Maybe too much plot for me! I found myself wishing it was just Saoirse and Dotty. And Paul. Minus the childhood drama trauma. But loved it still and flew right through.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saoirse is both a heartfelt exploration of a young woman put in perilous situations over and over again that manages to find love and happiness in her life and a searing indictment of how people are willing to abuse and manipulate others they have control over.

This happens to Saoirse (then known as Sarah) as a child and teenager, forced into criminal acts by her stepfather, while trying to care for her much younger sister Lea while their mother overdoses. When the circumstances she's faced with become so traumatizing she can't bear them anymore, Sarah flees, using the passport of a friend from Ireland, to travel there and start a new life under a new identity.

But even here she is being manipulated and controlled, by a man she meets on the international flight that welcomes her into his home, but quickly goes from friendly to overbearing. Taking on the name Saoirse from a man named Daithi that she quickly falls for, she dreams of a life with him and expressing herself through art, only an unexpected pregnancy upends her new plans and leaves her in the grasp of Paul and his family.

Pushed to the brink, Saoirse finally gets a chance of the freedom she's been searching for and finds herself happy for the first time in her life. But her exceptional artistic talent is drawing more attention than she anticipated, with the secrets from her past threatening her new life.

The book is wonderful, and heartbreaking. It was somewhat disorienting in the beginning as it starts in Saoirse's present, but then alternates back and forth between her time in the states and her arrival in Ireland. It eventually catches up to her present, and the reader has an opportunity to see the trauma she's faced at every turn of her life, with little support and protection. While she has technically committed crimes, it's hard not to feel sympathetic for a character that seemed to be in no other position but to do so if it meant her own survival.

Hurtubise's writing is elegant and in a way sparing, capturing both the emotions of Saoirse and the beauty of her adopted country without seeming excessive or overwrought. This is not her first book, but it is her American debut, and it is well worth reading.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This one is dark but hopeful.

Saoirse starts off as Sarah in Michigan, and due to horrific events that unfold over the course of the novel, she pulls a geographic. Sarah heads to Ireland where she takes on a new identity as Saoirse and a new life, she hopes. No matter what it takes, she is determined to outrun her past.

As anyone familiar with the concept of pulling a geographic knows, you can't outrun yourself. As much as Saoirse desires an escape from her life, it's not so simple, particularly when she finds new ways to get into more seemingly inescapable, tough situations.

While Saoirse can't seem to catch a break, she does have a few things going for her that include romantic love, deep connections to her children, and a noteworthy talent as an artist. These elements keep her going, though they also come with challenges of their own.

The audiobook is particularly intriguing because of the way the past and interludes about Saoirse's art are indicated. I really enjoyed the novelty of this and recommend this option when and where accessible.

It is important to know that there are multiple instances of sexual assault, rape, and other forms of power based personal violence here. They're important to the plot and character development. Readers who are sensitive to this content should be extra wary before jumping in.

I enjoyed the read overall, though some of the aforementioned content was difficult to stomach. Also, I didn't love the ending. It didn't ruin the novel, but it didn't enhance my experience either.

I'll recommend this one mindfully (because of those content issues), and I will look forward to more from this author.

*Special thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Angelic Dodgens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saorise is the kind of novel that feels less like reading and more like being quietly claimed. From the opening pages, Charleen Hurtubise draws the reader into an emotionally rich, character-driven story where identity, resilience, and self-definition shape every layer of the narrative.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its structure. The story moves fluidly through time, shifting between Saorise’s childhood, when she went by the name Sarah, the present day, and the months and years leading up to that present moment. These time jumps are handled with clarity and purpose, gradually revealing how past experiences echo forward and shape who Saorise becomes. Each transition adds emotional depth rather than confusion, allowing the reader to fully understand the weight of her journey.

Saorise is a deeply realized protagonist, strong without being hardened, vulnerable without ever feeling fragile. Hurtubise excels at exploring the tension between who we are as children, who we grow into, and who we choose to be. The stakes are personal and human, making every decision feel earned and meaningful.

The prose is clean, evocative, and grounded, letting emotion and character development take center stage. There’s a quiet confidence in the storytelling that trusts the reader and rewards close attention.

Saorise is a reflective, emotionally resonant novel that lingers long after the final page. It’s thoughtful, sincere, and beautifully constructed, an easy five-star read for anyone who loves deeply human stories about identity and becoming. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley & Celadon books for gifting me the pleasure of reading this arc. I will be purchasing my own copy when it comes out on February 24, 2026.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Saoirse”, by Charlene Hurtubise, set primarily in the 1990’s, focuses on Sarah (who renames herself “Saoirse”, meaning “freedom” in Irish), who flees to Ireland on a stolen Irish passport. On the flight to Ireland, she meets a man named Paul, a smarmy character, who will not leave her alone. Through a set of unforeseen circumstances, she ends up staying with him, his parents and his sister in their family home for several years. Although she later meets someone who she falls in love with, she ends up staying with a physically abusive Paul and his unpleasant, unwelcoming family.

Throughout the book, there are flashbacks to her past, revealing tantalizing glimpses into her reasons for fleeing the country on the stolen passport. As a result, throughout the book there is a sense of foreboding as Saoirse wonders when her stolen identity and past will be discovered and her carefully constructed world will come crashing down around her.

The book is filled with sparse yet evocative prose that further enhances the feelings of foreboding and oppression that permeates the novel. Although the seemingly relentless hopelessness and misery expressed in the book, as well as the descriptions of sexual, physical and emotional abuse can become overwhelming at times, the beautiful prose and the dramatic tension surrounding Saoirse’s past and her fear of discovery makes this a book that is difficult to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for providing me an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Debbie Viscosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in circumstances beyond her control, Sarah Roy fears for her life and her sister's life. Sarah manages the situation. With no one to guide her, she lives life moment by moment, making choices to protect her identity. The life she builds crashes down upon her. How will she be judged for her actions? Will the people in her life turn their backs on her or understand? Once Sarah reveals the truth, what punishment awaits her?

In her younger years, life happens to Sarah. As she matures, she manages to the best of her abilities: no guidance, no support, no safety net. Saoirse is about doing your best when caught in a riptide. Sarah recognizes the dangers in her life and knows that to survive, she must find her way out. Sarah's deceptions are a means to her survival. Could she have stopped and asked for help? Yes, but how do you trust someone when everyone in your life has let you down?

There are many triggers in this book because Sarah's life is hard. If readers are triggered by drug trafficking, domestic violence, and stolen identity, this story might be difficult to appreciate. While much of Sarah's life is difficult to read about, her story is one of resiliency, hope, and love. Underneath the need to survive is Sarah's artistic vision, keeping her alive. Nature feeds the artist's soul, and when life becomes too much, Sarah retreats to nature to refresh her soul. Struggling through life doesn't break Sarah; she becomes Saoirse and perseveres.

I highly recommend this book and would like to thank Celadon Books and Charleen Hurtubise for the early review copy.

[Reading Xennial · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah moved to Donegal Ireland and changed identity to Saoirse. She’s an artist who has used art as a way to get through past trauma, and she is now getting recognition that is bringing her attention that she wants to avoid.

This book had a lot of triggering events such as physically and sexual abuse. It didn’t dive deeply into any of them and they were all surface level. It jumped back and forth between timelines which made it a bit harder to get into a flow of reading. Some of the parts were drawn out, and even though it was short, I would lose interest in some parts. Overall, it was well written and I would recommend it to people who find this type of premise intriguing. It’s not for everyone, but it certainly has its audience.

Thank you, NetGalley and Celadon Books for allowing me to read this early. The opinion in this review is my own.

[Claire Talbot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Saoirse, but it wrapped up a little too neatly for me - which under the circumstances, I felt was far-fetched. Sarah is a young woman whose parents have abdicated responsibility, and instead put in her a world of drug trafficking and danger. When her situation seems to spiral out of control after a horrific attack, she decides to take her younger sister somewhere safe and flee. She ends up in Ireland after stealing a friend's identity - She gets herself into another troublesome relationship, but ends up in a loving relationship with a man, and having two children. Unfortunately, after winning an art prize, Saoirse's freedom and privacy is threatened, and the long awaited repercussions of her previous life in the USA arrive. in Ireland. Once you get to the second half of the book, it is difficult to put down.

[Cheryl Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charleen Hurtubise’s Saoirse is a deeply affecting novel that resonates profoundly. The story follows Sarah, a teenager grappling with a history of abuse and trauma that leaves her emotionally scarred. She navigates her pain through the only means she knows, escaping and expressing herself through her art.

Believing she has successfully distanced herself from her past, Sarah embarks on a new life with a loving partner and two daughters. This is where the narrative begins. Her artistic talent earns her a prestigious award, but soon her past resurfaces, instilling a sense of dread that her newfound happiness may be shattered. The looming threat of her history threatens to unravel everything she has built.

This poignant narrative deserves a solid five-star rating.

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley for providing the ARC, enabling me to share my honest thoughts.

[Madeline Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars! Saoirse is a captivating story navigating the life of Saoirse through her time as a teenager to about a decade later as a wife and mother. Wow, Charleen Hurtubise packs a hell of a story into 256 pages. You will not want to put it down as you follow Saoirse's journey. The messages of resilience, trauma, and survival will stay with you.

This novel heavily focuses on art. This aspect was special, especially in the way the author used it. Art was not used as a random piece of the story. Instead, Charleen Hurtubise created the story surrounding the art and incorporated it into Saoirse's life with a purpose.

Thank you NetGalley, Celadon Books, & Charleen Hurtubise for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Saoirse is released on February 24, 2026!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those quiet, emotionally resonant novels that sneaks up on you. Saoirse is beautifully written, with a deep sense of place and a haunting look at identity, reinvention, and the shadows we carry with us.

The story moves at a slow, thoughtful pace, but I never felt bored—the writing is lyrical, and the atmosphere in Donegal is so vivid I could almost feel the sea air. What really pulled me in was the tension beneath the surface: a woman who’s built a life she loves, but knows it could all fall apart if her past comes to light.

This book has a quiet power. A beautiful, moving read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for providing an eARC prior to publication.

[Marie Guntert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I knew from just reading the summary on the back of the book that I would enjoy it, but didn’t expect to absolutely love it. I felt for the main character (Saoirse) every step she took to survive and make her life better. Saoirse’s resilience and determination to overcome her past is astonishing. This has been one of my most favorite characters to read because she is so strong.

I can’t wait to recommend this book to all my friends and add it to my little free library. 📚 ❤️

Thank you Celadon books for this ARC and Little Free Library. 📚

[Stroop · Rating 4 out of 5]

So atmospheric! Sarah is escaping a dangerous past by flying to Ireland from the United States. Soon, she has a new home and a new name, and is a rising star in the art world. All of that success, however, may come at a price if her true identity is revealed.

This is a stressful and emotional read. The characters felt so real (I can't describe how much I loathed Paul!). Recommended for readers interested in a beautifully written story about second chances and reinvention.

Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

[Rachel Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charleen Hurtubise’s Saoirse is an excellent literary page-turner. The writing is solid, the characters are well-crafted, and the engrossing story unfolds seamlessly. Under this delectable froth you’ll find some hearty social commentary as well: Saoirse’s forced reliance on the men in her life, due to her living with a precarious stolen identity, brings the reality of life for all women in the not-so-distant past to a more modern and relatable stage.

Thank you to Celadon Books, Charleen Hurtubise, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read - the story of a girl with a chaotic childhood, seeking stability and safety through the only means available to her. There were a few moments when I wanted to step in and save her from herself - or some ill chosen associates. But there are also some wonderful people that I wanted to push her towards, willing her to overcome her inbuilt distrust. There are so many moments of peril and fear that the warm bath of the ending did not feel at all sappy, just a welcome relief!

[Kimberly Tierney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given and advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and review:
This was an interesting story, but it was also difficult to read. I don't usually have a problem with stories that jump between time or location in chapters, but this one was a struggle. The jumping in this one was tricky to follow. I felt like I needed a cheat sheet to keep track of when and where I was reading, though I don't know how much it would have helped.

[Maryanne/MA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a compelling read that literally had my heart racing towards the end. I’m still wiping away tears. Saiorse is a story of survival, at all costs. Sarah/Saiorse has experienced unimaginable trauma, and takes desperate measures to escape. She builds a house of cards, and as we all know, one wrong move and they will all tumble down.

I wish I could be more eloquent, but I’m emotionally drained.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saoirse follows the title character from the United States to Ireland as she takes on a new identity and reinvents herself to escape her turbulent childhood. As her star rises in the art scene, so does the potential for her secrets to surface.

I was drawn to the premise initially, but wasn’t sure if it was for me based on the very literary comps. When I was invited by Celadon Books to try it as a comp to Finding Grace, my interest was piqued! That recommendation tracks — the writing style is lovely and lyrical, and the story revolves around secrets kept.

I was convinced this would be a 5-star read for the first 60% or so — the plot moved steadily forward in unpredictable ways. In the second half however, it lost some momentum and didn’t fully pick back up. Still, this is a beautifully written story of reinvention that I recommend if you’re interested in stories about art and Irish settings. Be mindful of whose reviews you read because I’ve seen a few that spoil quite a bit of the plot.

I kept picturing Daryl McCormack as one of the characters while reading (will let you figure out who!). Thanks so much to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.