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Saoirse
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 269 hours, 58 minutes
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.
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.
Audiobook
Expected publication February 24, 2026
57 people are currently reading
12295 people want to read
About the author
Charleen Hurtubise
2 books80 followersCharleen 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
September 2, 2025
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.
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.
Want to read
February 11, 2026all 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.
that just means saoirse ronan and the edition of brooklyn with the movie tie-in cover, but still.
December 29, 2025
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!
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!
October 6, 2025
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!
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!
December 10, 2025
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.
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.
January 1, 2026
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.
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.
December 7, 2025
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
January 19, 2026
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.
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.
February 4, 2026
“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.
“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.
February 13, 2026
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
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
January 18, 2026
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!
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!
January 9, 2026
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.
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.
January 31, 2026
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.
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.
September 12, 2025
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
▪︎ 𝙎𝙖𝙤𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙚 (𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘌𝘌𝘙-𝘴𝘩𝘢 𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘜𝘙-𝘴𝘩𝘢): 𝘐𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘧𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 "𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙤𝙢."
💭THOUGHTS:
𝗦𝗮𝗼𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗲 is an evocative and powerful novel in the vein of Colm Tóibín and Claire Keegan. Heavily character-driven and atmospheric, it deftly explores trauma and reinvention through the healing power of art and a life built upon impossible choices by a resilient but morally gray woman.
Traversing across the US and Ireland through different times and interlaced with chapters that showcase her art, Saorise's life is intricately unveiled and feels increasingly fragile with each layer that's exposed. From escaping a tumultuous past and carrying unresolved trauma in the present, Saoirse is a complex and nuanced character. Her story is quietly told with an intimacy and emphasis on introspection and emotional depth. Though it is not fast-moving, there's a subtle underlying suspense that you can perceive.
Charleen Hurtubise's writing feels deeply human and laced with melancholy and an undercurrent of tension. For anyone who appreciates psychological and literary mysteries that are character-driven and emotionally charged, Saoirse encompasses it all.
🎙 Róisín Rankin solely narrates, beautifully encapsulating all of Saoirse's emotions, reflections, and nuances. The accompanying music for the painting interludes added a quiet beauty to a tense atmosphere.
✨️ Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for the ALC! [Pub date: 2•24•2026]
💭THOUGHTS:
𝗦𝗮𝗼𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗲 is an evocative and powerful novel in the vein of Colm Tóibín and Claire Keegan. Heavily character-driven and atmospheric, it deftly explores trauma and reinvention through the healing power of art and a life built upon impossible choices by a resilient but morally gray woman.
Traversing across the US and Ireland through different times and interlaced with chapters that showcase her art, Saorise's life is intricately unveiled and feels increasingly fragile with each layer that's exposed. From escaping a tumultuous past and carrying unresolved trauma in the present, Saoirse is a complex and nuanced character. Her story is quietly told with an intimacy and emphasis on introspection and emotional depth. Though it is not fast-moving, there's a subtle underlying suspense that you can perceive.
Charleen Hurtubise's writing feels deeply human and laced with melancholy and an undercurrent of tension. For anyone who appreciates psychological and literary mysteries that are character-driven and emotionally charged, Saoirse encompasses it all.
🎙 Róisín Rankin solely narrates, beautifully encapsulating all of Saoirse's emotions, reflections, and nuances. The accompanying music for the painting interludes added a quiet beauty to a tense atmosphere.
✨️ Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for the ALC! [Pub date: 2•24•2026]
December 31, 2025
4.5/5
Thank you @celadonbooks @macmillan.audio #partner #macaudio2025 for the gifted copies of this book!
This was such a solid and beautifully written mystery that completely pulled me in from the get go. It is moody and atmospheric which just felt perfect for all of these gray days in Illinois this time of year!
What surprised me most was how real this story felt. The main character definitely makes some “ma’am???” choices, but somehow that only made me empathize with her more. When her past trauma comes out it helped me really understand her motives. I caught myself constantly wondering what I would do in an impossible situation like that…and yeah, I might not be making better choices either. Ope.
Another favorite part of this story is the setting. Having been to Donegal in real life, I could picture it so vividly with the rugged landscape and the isolation. It made becoming immersed in the story effortless and then add in the audiobook narration with Irish accents and the mood was set perfectly for me!
This book explores family loyalty, buried secrets, lies, deceit, love, and the skeletons the main character desperately hoped would stay hidden. There’s a constant sense of dread that simmering beneath the surface.
✨ Why this one worked so well for me:
Solid character driven mystery
It was atmospheric, moody and quietly unsettling
Explores impossible choices and morally gray areas
Excellent audiobook experience (those Irish accents 👌)
A story that made me think
📚 I think this is perfect for readers who love:
Psychological & literary mysteries
A dark slow burn tension
Emotionally complex characters
Audiobooks that fully enhance the experience
This one will stay with me for a while. I loved it!
Thank you @celadonbooks @macmillan.audio #partner #macaudio2025 for the gifted copies of this book!
This was such a solid and beautifully written mystery that completely pulled me in from the get go. It is moody and atmospheric which just felt perfect for all of these gray days in Illinois this time of year!
What surprised me most was how real this story felt. The main character definitely makes some “ma’am???” choices, but somehow that only made me empathize with her more. When her past trauma comes out it helped me really understand her motives. I caught myself constantly wondering what I would do in an impossible situation like that…and yeah, I might not be making better choices either. Ope.
Another favorite part of this story is the setting. Having been to Donegal in real life, I could picture it so vividly with the rugged landscape and the isolation. It made becoming immersed in the story effortless and then add in the audiobook narration with Irish accents and the mood was set perfectly for me!
This book explores family loyalty, buried secrets, lies, deceit, love, and the skeletons the main character desperately hoped would stay hidden. There’s a constant sense of dread that simmering beneath the surface.
✨ Why this one worked so well for me:
Solid character driven mystery
It was atmospheric, moody and quietly unsettling
Explores impossible choices and morally gray areas
Excellent audiobook experience (those Irish accents 👌)
A story that made me think
📚 I think this is perfect for readers who love:
Psychological & literary mysteries
A dark slow burn tension
Emotionally complex characters
Audiobooks that fully enhance the experience
This one will stay with me for a while. I loved it!
November 9, 2025
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.
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.
Want to read
August 31, 2025Really Interested in this Book. Got an Overview from the Publisher on Celadon’s Facebook Page.
Want to Read This One 🥰
Want to Read This One 🥰
February 7, 2026
My HEART.
This book was phenomenal. It was so gut-wrenching a lot of times seeing all that Saoirse was dealing with: neglect and abandonment as a child, witnessing a parent’s drug addiction, and being forced to take part in horrible acts of crime and sexual assault. (Look up trigger warnings if these are concerning.) This is not a happy read, but it is SO beautiful, redemptive, and powerful.
The brief flashbacks in time worked really well to understand what all she had gone through early in life, while keeping the plot moving forward in the later time frame. It was a lot like a thriller where she’s running from her past and wanting to keep her identity secret, so the suspense of all that had me gripped.
The love story in it is incredibly sweet and has so much more depth than most. You could see how desperately she needed someone to really love and care for her, and almost everywhere she turned in life she had not been cared for.
It reminds me in several ways of Once There Were Wolves with the setting, the difficult and mysterious childhood, the murder, the love story, and the beautiful ending.
I’m calling it- this will be in my top ten for the year.
This book was phenomenal. It was so gut-wrenching a lot of times seeing all that Saoirse was dealing with: neglect and abandonment as a child, witnessing a parent’s drug addiction, and being forced to take part in horrible acts of crime and sexual assault. (Look up trigger warnings if these are concerning.) This is not a happy read, but it is SO beautiful, redemptive, and powerful.
The brief flashbacks in time worked really well to understand what all she had gone through early in life, while keeping the plot moving forward in the later time frame. It was a lot like a thriller where she’s running from her past and wanting to keep her identity secret, so the suspense of all that had me gripped.
The love story in it is incredibly sweet and has so much more depth than most. You could see how desperately she needed someone to really love and care for her, and almost everywhere she turned in life she had not been cared for.
It reminds me in several ways of Once There Were Wolves with the setting, the difficult and mysterious childhood, the murder, the love story, and the beautiful ending.
I’m calling it- this will be in my top ten for the year.
February 4, 2026
This book broke my heart and then gently mended it again.
Saoirse is a deeply moving, beautifully written novel about trauma, survival, and the possibility of kindness after profound harm. The emotional journey felt raw and honest, but never exploitative. Hurtubise allows the reader to sit with pain while also offering moments of grace, empathy, and quiet hope.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was outstanding. The performance added an additional layer of depth and authenticity, particularly in capturing the emotional nuances and cultural shifts throughout the story. It is one of those audiobooks where the narration truly elevates the text.
One of the most powerful aspects of the novel was the contrast between the trauma Saoirse endured in the United States and the empathy she encounters later from Irish and Canadian characters. That difference felt striking, intentional, and painfully relevant. The compassion shown by these communities stood in sharp relief to the systems and circumstances that failed her earlier in life, and it resonated strongly with our current moment.
This is a novel that stays with you long after you finish it. I highly recommend Saoirse to readers who appreciate emotionally rich, character driven stories and to audiobook listeners looking for a truly exceptional performance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
Saoirse is a deeply moving, beautifully written novel about trauma, survival, and the possibility of kindness after profound harm. The emotional journey felt raw and honest, but never exploitative. Hurtubise allows the reader to sit with pain while also offering moments of grace, empathy, and quiet hope.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was outstanding. The performance added an additional layer of depth and authenticity, particularly in capturing the emotional nuances and cultural shifts throughout the story. It is one of those audiobooks where the narration truly elevates the text.
One of the most powerful aspects of the novel was the contrast between the trauma Saoirse endured in the United States and the empathy she encounters later from Irish and Canadian characters. That difference felt striking, intentional, and painfully relevant. The compassion shown by these communities stood in sharp relief to the systems and circumstances that failed her earlier in life, and it resonated strongly with our current moment.
This is a novel that stays with you long after you finish it. I highly recommend Saoirse to readers who appreciate emotionally rich, character driven stories and to audiobook listeners looking for a truly exceptional performance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2026
What a roller coaster.
This fast-paced novel felt entirely unique to me in its premise, as I don’t usually read anything similar to this, but I really enjoyed it. The writing was excellent and so vivid, I felt like I was by the sea, in the Midwest, and all over, and the characters jumped off the page.
I think my heart rate was up throughout the book, as I was desperate to know how things turned out, so I wouldn’t call it a relaxing read but it was an enjoyable one. Saoirse hooks you in from the start and holds you until the end as Saoirse and those she loves make their way into your heart to root for them. I would love to read more of Hurtubise’s work in the future!
Thank you to Celadon and NetGalley for trusting me with an ARC of this book!
This fast-paced novel felt entirely unique to me in its premise, as I don’t usually read anything similar to this, but I really enjoyed it. The writing was excellent and so vivid, I felt like I was by the sea, in the Midwest, and all over, and the characters jumped off the page.
I think my heart rate was up throughout the book, as I was desperate to know how things turned out, so I wouldn’t call it a relaxing read but it was an enjoyable one. Saoirse hooks you in from the start and holds you until the end as Saoirse and those she loves make their way into your heart to root for them. I would love to read more of Hurtubise’s work in the future!
Thank you to Celadon and NetGalley for trusting me with an ARC of this book!
January 4, 2026
Damn… this was so moving I’m actually tearing up a bit. I swear it’s always the randoms you pick up you don’t expect to hit you so hard
December 25, 2025
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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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
December 23, 2025
astonishing in every way
December 2, 2025
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.
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.
November 28, 2025
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.
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.
November 27, 2025
Absolutely brilliant!
January 31, 2026
When her artwork wins unexpected acclaim at a Dublin exhibition, the spotlight of fame threatens to uproot the quiet life Saoirse has found for herself and the secrets buried underneath.
This one was tough. Beautifully written but my gosh this woman endures; over and over again.
Saoirse/Sarah is a solid fmc to follow alongside and root for. At the start of this, she is so young and been through and continues to go through so much. She is one character that is so deserving of a happy ending. I was on the edge of my seat hoping she’d get it!
Early on, with audio, the various timelines were a bit confusing but they come together so well. The side characters (some deeply unlikable and some utterly perfect) added so much nuance and breathed real life further into this book. And yes it’s extremely character driven but the plot delivers and kept me going back for more. Was the ending cleaned up a bit too easily? Sure but I enjoyed the ride!
Eerily relevant and timely. Highly recommend if you’re looking a quietly impactful character driven read and a fantastic audiobook experience.
READ FOR
Character Driven Story
Themes of Survival & Perseverance
Will they or Won’t they?
Dual Timelines
A Bit of Suspense !
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted ALC.
This one was tough. Beautifully written but my gosh this woman endures; over and over again.
Saoirse/Sarah is a solid fmc to follow alongside and root for. At the start of this, she is so young and been through and continues to go through so much. She is one character that is so deserving of a happy ending. I was on the edge of my seat hoping she’d get it!
Early on, with audio, the various timelines were a bit confusing but they come together so well. The side characters (some deeply unlikable and some utterly perfect) added so much nuance and breathed real life further into this book. And yes it’s extremely character driven but the plot delivers and kept me going back for more. Was the ending cleaned up a bit too easily? Sure but I enjoyed the ride!
Eerily relevant and timely. Highly recommend if you’re looking a quietly impactful character driven read and a fantastic audiobook experience.
READ FOR
Character Driven Story
Themes of Survival & Perseverance
Will they or Won’t they?
Dual Timelines
A Bit of Suspense !
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
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