The Coast Road

I loved this book and couldn’t believe it was a debut. Set in Ireland in the 1990’s when divorce was still illegal, it highlights the stories of three different woman, their marriages and how their lives will be entangled forever. This book explores the cost of independence and the price you often have to pay for freedom. Colette, a successful poet, has left her husband after an affair and rents the summer cottage of Delores and Donal Mullen. She teaches a writers workshop where she meets Izzy. Izzy is one of the few women in town who doesn’t judge Colette and they develop a friendship. Colette, Izzy and Delores become entangled in each others lives as the book races to a devastating conclusion. The role of church and state, the imbalance of power between men and women in relationships and a picture of life and gossip in a small town. Beautiful, intricate with a touch of humor because it is Irish after all . Such a great story, layered. well developed characters and humorous, real dialogue. I’ve preordered my copy. Just loved this book!

The Coast Road is a historical fiction novel set in the 1990's while Ireland was undergoing the vote to legalize divorce. First of all, it's shocking to learn that Ireland took until 1996 to legalize divorce and it barely passed the vote. That bit of information left me gobsmacked!
The Coast Road focuses upon relationships of a few different families all from the same small town. Colette is the main focus of the story as she has recently left her husband for another man. We learn of her plight to fight her husband to see her children as she moves back to the small town to be near them. Colette is the main narrative of the story however Izzy and Dolores and their marriages are also interwoven into the story.
The main storyline is about the limitations of small-town Ireland, its patriarchal society with peer pressure and gossip, all overshadowed by the control of the church. Women were expected to care for their homes, children, and support their husband without regard for their own aspirations.
The story has strong female voices, tragic relationships, and mixed with a bit of mystery but mostly it is fraught with bad timing. Women, born of a time where you are bound by the rule of law and limitations set by a patriarchal society. Topics include marriage, friendships, career, divorce, abortion, family law, and parental rights.
I found the storytelling spellbinding and the author's unraveling of Colette's complicated story well told. I enjoyed the multi-layers of each community member's interpersonal relationships.
My favorite quote from the book, "She had exhausted herself with stories, spent her life and energy in always wanting things to be another way. The only thing that seemed to offer her comfort was the lesson she had taken from Colette-that acceptance was not the same as resignation."

I really enjoyed this book.
The story takes place in 90s Ireland, pre legalization of divorce. We follow three women Dolores who is married to an adulterer, Izzy who is married to a politician and Colette who is married but separated from her well to do husband.
The writing is superb, a real character study. I loved following these women's lives while they maneuver through messy situations. I can't get over how good the writing is...lyrical, in depth, moving... A great book for people that like to read about the day to day madness of ordinary people.

Wow! This is a debut?! Smooth, lyrical and authentic prose, believable characters, and a suspenseful, well paced plot. This book honestly has everything I personally want in a novel. I read it in one sitting and let things slide to find out what happened. I was born and raised in Ireland and remember clearly the divorce debate. I appreciate the history and political angle that fit seamlessly with an excellent story. The three women and their various types of marriage were relatable and real. I have friends who could have been them. Their individual situation
and the decisions that each ultimately made were so well described that I was honestly surprised to see that the author is male. Thanks so much for an excellent novel, Alan Murrin, and hurry up with the next one. Thanks to Net Galley and to the publisher for my preview copy.

This book snuck up on me out of nowhere. I did not plan on loving it; I saw one good review and liked the cover and synopsis but I didn't think it would be a five star read. I honestly can't believe it's a debut novel. The setting (a small town in Ireland in the 1990s) was described so well. The characters came to life on the page.

The subtle but pervasive theme of divorce is what makes this especially well-written. I had no idea divorce wasn't legalized in Ireland until the late 90s. The plot follows several couples as they navigate relationships, especially infidelity, in a culture that does not allow for divorce (or abortion, and really frowns upon legal separation). It's interesting to see how characters are forced to make decisions in their marriages knowing that divorce is not an option.

The plot is actually pretty dark and the story is definitely heartbreaking but I thought it was beautifully written and really enjoyed reading it.

4.5 stars for The Coast Road by Alan Murrin.
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.
And what a pleasant surprise that a book focusing on women living in a small Irish town was written by a man!
The women 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 own true opinion.