Westerly: A Novel by Susan Donovan BernhardMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Westerly is a poignant, multi‑generational tale that begins in 1946 with two German sisters sent to Ireland under Operation Shamrock. Decades later, in Maine, Faye Sullivan’s carefully built life is shaken when an old Irish newspaper clipping resurfaces, threatening to expose long‑buried secrets.
Bernhard’s writing is tender and immersive, weaving together survival, identity, and the fragile bonds of family. The novel shines in its exploration of motherhood and sisterhood, showing how one desperate decision can ripple across generations. That said, the pacing leans toward the slow and reflective, with the narrative focusing on introspection over action. Still, the emotional resonance and richly drawn settings from post‑war Ireland to coastal Maine makes this a rewarding read.
I switched seamlessly between the audio and eBook. The narration was quite good and moving, adding emotional weight to the slower, more reflective passages. Thanks to Little A, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, this is a slow-burn contemporary family drama about secrets, survival, and reconciliation, with glimpses into history and not quite a tightly structured Historical Fiction.
3.75/5⭐.
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