Two decades ago, Oona remaining the island of Inis for the first time. A wind-blasted rock and roll of fishing boats for sale and turf fires, where ladies stayed within their homes until they truly became mothers themselves, the island was something special for a few, a jail for others. Oona was barely greater than a gal, but guaranteed herself she’d leave the tall tales behind and never return.

The Island Child tells two stories: of the girl who grew up watching births and betrayals, storms and secrets, and of the adult Oona, desperate to find a second chance, only to discover she can never completely escape. As the strands of Oona’s life get together, in bloodstream and marriage and motherhood, she must acknowledge the purchase price we pay out when we love what is never really ours .

High, haunting and rooted in Irish folklore, The Island Child is definitely a spellbinding debut novel about identity and motherhood, freedom and fate, and the therapeutic power of stories.