The Coast Road

A Novel

By: Alan Murrin

Narrated by: Jessica Regan

Winner of the Irish Book Awards Newcomer of the Year 2024

Shortlisted for the John McGahern Annual Book Prize

A poignant debut novel about the lives of women in a claustrophobic coast town and the search for independence in a society that seeks to limit it.

“Murrin powerfully renders the ways that women’s freedom, individuality, and self-expression are stifled by religion, custom, and gossip.”—The New Yorker

“A painful, gorgeous debut.”—Elle

Set in 1994, The Coast Road tells the story of two women—Izzy Keaveney, a housewife, and Colette Crowley, a poet. Colette has left her husband and sons for a married man in Dublin. When she returns to her home in County Donegal to try to pick up the pieces of her old life, her husband, Shaun, a successful businessman, denies her access to her children.

The only way she can see them is with the help of neighbour Izzy, acting as a go-between. Izzy also feels caught in a troubled marriage. The friendship that develops between them will ultimately lead to tragedy for one, and freedom for the other.

Addictive as Big Little Lies with a depth and compassion that rivals the works of Claire Keegan, Elizabeth Strout, and Colm Tóibín, The Coast Road is a story about the limits placed on women’s lives in Ireland only a generation ago, and the consequences women have suffered trying to gain independence. Award-winning Irish author Alan Murrin reminds us of the price we are forced to pay to find freedom.

The sense of community in a small village

The main character was well developed and one or two other characters as well. The details of living in a rural community were very visual. Felt the cold and wind from the sea. Sad story about reckless and thoughtless behavior with horrible consequences. Unexpected ending.

Excellent and sad

Great novel on the suffering of women in Ireland and the bulling and infidelity of their husbands. It seems so anachronistic but I guess it is a true reality when people pass their times drinking.

Touched my Heart

I loved this book. I could not put it down. I felt engrossed in the lives of the characters. It was sad but it was real. My overwhelming feeling was admiration for their survival and the emotional cost of a time gone by. I loved the Irish narration and am searching for similar books/stories. A great debut novel.

Fine Literature

This is an important book ... well written and with thought provoking impact. I hope it wins (or has won) many awards.

Fabulous

Beautifully written, this a story of flawed relationships and flawed people, doing their best to take care of their families. The author did a great job of taking you back to a recent but different time in Irish history. It's not a happy ever after type of story and that's the point. The end, particularly the final sentences, resonated deeply. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, savored the book, and look forward to more by this talented author.