Member Review

Pronounced "Sear-sha," Meaning "Freedom"

In Charleen Hurtubise's compelling novel “Saoirse,” the quest for freedom is a delicate house of cards built on stolen identity and menacing secrets.

The story follows Sarah Roy, who escapes a traumatic Michigan childhood—marked by a criminal stepfather and a turbulent home life—by stealing an identity and passport. Arriving in Ireland, she reinvents herself as 'Saoirse,' a name meaning 'freedom' that mirrors her desperate desire for a new beginning.

Upon her arrival in a new country, Sarah is taken in by Paul Byrne, a man whose true knowledge of her identity is unclear. Paul is manipulative and abusive, and Sarah is once again living in a trap.

She soon enters a romantic relationship with the charming Daithi. However, a regrettable one-night stand with Paul leads to an unwanted pregnancy. This situation takes place in 1990s Ireland, a time and place where women's rights were severely limited by antiquated laws; for instance, divorce remained illegal until 1996, and abortion was strictly outlawed.

Breaking away from Paul, Sarah eventually finds a new life with Daithi, who is the one who renames her Saoirse. She appears to have built a perfect existence as a successful artist. However, her increasing artistic recognition culminates in a Dublin exhibition, thrusting her into the public spotlight. This exposure gradually puts at risk the meticulously crafted web of lies that underpins her new identity.

The narrative skillfully builds subtle, character-driven tension by shifting between Sarah's painful past and Saoirse's fraught present. Although Saoirse is a deeply relatable character, her refusal to share her secret only increases the tension as the reader can clearly anticipate her inevitable exposure and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles to a happy ending.

While the persistent tension of exposure is maintained, the narrative's rhythm occasionally slackens. The central, motivating issue—how this convoluted situation can ever be resolved—is what urges the reader on. Personally, I found the conclusion did not ring true; the solution felt too convenient, considering the years of fear and paranoia.

The book comes highly recommended as a superb character study. Saoirse is truly remarkable, persevering despite her feelings of guilt and the ominous sense that a trap lies ahead, all while fiercely fighting for those she holds dear.

Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The publication date is February 24, 2026. #Saoirse #NetGalley