What do readers think of The Coast Road by Alan Murrin? Write your own review.

Reading by Jessica Regan was very well done. I paired this with the book.

This is a perfectly crafted literary fiction debut novel that is set in County Donegal in 1994, just before the critical referendum that would finally legalize divorce in Ireland. (Note that this referendum only passed by less than one percentage point.) The Coast Road focuses on three women trapped by marriage.

The Coast Road, tells a story about the limits placed on women’s lives in Ireland only a short time ago and the aftermath women have suffered while trying to gain independence. An Ireland where what people think of you is more important than your happiness and dignity. This has a strong cast of female characters.

I enjoyed everything about this book: the writing, the story, and the characters. I’m excited to see what this accomplished author does next. This is my last read of 2024 and I love it when I end the year on a really good book.

4.5 stars for The Coast Road by Alan Murrin coming out on June 4.

It's been a long time since I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning reading a book, but this one kept me up well past midnight.

The women in the story all have troubled marriages - one has left her family, one considers leaving her family, one should probably leave her family.
The stories and fates intertwine in a small Irish town on the coast, where they all struggle to be their authentic selves, while dealing with the demands of their husbands and children.

I loved these characters, particularly the frustrated Izzy, who needs more than her current life gives her but isn't sure how to go about getting it.
And then there's Colette, who left her husband and children to live her authentic life, but is still struggling due to internal and external constraints.
And finally there is Dolores, who is fighting to keep her family together by ignoring her husband's wandering eyes and body.

This year I seem to be drawn to Irish novels (not on purpose) and here's another great one with an important story. Any one of us who has dealt with the expectations and constraints that women sometimes (often?) face will relate to this compelling story!
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia for the advance readers copy, this review is my opinion.