TW: This book and review discuss domestic abuse
A heart breaking and beautifully written story, Nesting follows the journey of Ciara, a pregnant mum of two, who makes the quick decision one evening to leave her abusive husband. This debut novel from Roisín O’Donnell grew originally out of a short story, and I must admit it was a story that I am so glad she chose to continue to tell. It is a hard read but one that I would highly recommend you grab yourself a copy and put it to the top of your to be read pile!
With no plan, no money and nowhere to go, one evening while her husband is in the shower Ciara grabs an armful of clothes, a few toys, her two children and leaves a house that she has tried to make a home. The story portrays the difficult decisions that a mother must take to not only leave an abusive relationship, but in order to stay out of it. As the story unfolds, we see Ciara going on a journey of re-discovering herself and the internal strength she has been forced to hide.
The one aspect of the story that really had an impact on me was the lack of drama. I do not say this as a negative but as a positive. So many times, when we read books or watch films or see TV depictions of domestic abuse, they are filled with sensationalist or dramatic storylines. This can often therefore infiltrate our own thoughts and our understanding of what domestic abuse is. Many of us will often think that domestic abuse is only the extreme physical side – the black eyes, the obvious bruising and violent altercations. It is often portrayed as overt and obvious. And although this is a true reflection of so many abusive relationships, there are also other forms of domestic abuse that then perhaps are not recognised as abuse. I think even this understanding, or sometimes lack of understanding, is portrayed well within Nesting, as Ciara constantly questions if it is abuse that she has been dealing with and wonders if she is doing the right thing or over-reacting.
The author has captured the complexity of leaving an abusive relationship through detailed and emotive storytelling and skilfully provided the reader with an intimate journey of Ciara’s story though the use of close third person narrative. So often we hear people say ‘She should have just left’ but Roisín has successfully countered that narrative and demonstrated why ‘just leaving’ is not as simple as it may sound, especially when there are children involved. In my line of work, domestic abuse is a topic I work on regularly and I really think this book has been able to capture the realistic everyday trials that an abuse survivor faces. She addresses coercive control, gaslighting, emotional and financial abuse as well as subtly acknowledging the issue of sexual abuse within a marriage too. Unfortunately, the story is already a gripping one that makes the reader want to read on to know the outcome, but fortunately for the reader, Roisín O’Donnell presents it in a very empathetic and sensitive manner – one that allows the story to unfold but without forcing it for dramatic effect.
One of the beautiful things I love about the story is the ‘village’ that wraps itself around Ciara. It is not necessarily her family, or friends she has had from her childhood or university days – but a new village. An unexpected village who come together at different points along this new path, helping her to carve out a new life and recognise her own strength.
The story is hard hitting, heart-breaking, will have you turning the pages quicker and quicker, and in a subtle manner provides a glimmer of hope.
I must also mention that as a mum of four with a full time job finding the time to read is sometimes a bit of a struggle so I take full advantage of using the Libby App and downloading audio books. This particular book was narrated by Louisa Harland (aka Orla McCool from Derry Girls), and her reading of it really added so much emotion and depth to not only the story but also the character of Ciara.
Wee Bubble of Books 