Review of 'The Irish Girl' by Sandy Taylor

Review of 'The Irish Girl' by Sandy Taylor

Release date: July 2, 2026

Publisher: Bookouture

REVIEW

 

The Irish Girl is an incredibly moving and unforgettable novel by Sandy Taylor. I was constantly battling tears with each tragedy that transpired in the plot. The author has a way of connecting you to the characters at such an emotional level, you cannot help but feel extensive grief and sadness at the horrors that keep happening to Ivy Connell and her blood and found family. Yet, despite these negative events, the beauty of this story is in how many times strangers come to Ivy’s rescue: in England and Wales until she is able to connect with her extended family in Ireland after the loss of her father and mother.

The Irish Girl opens in London, 1939, to a domestic violent scene. Two children are hiding in a cupboard from their dangerous stepfather who starts shouting at their mother and then punches her with great force. Ivy covers her little brother’s ears to stifle the sound, while the hatred brews inside her for this wicked man. He is in sharp contrast to her Irish father Sean Connell who was gentle, kind, loving and jovial. But sadly he passed away and then Sid Cotter came into their lives, took over their home and controlled and beat their mother.

Ivy feels sad that her father’s dreams and promises of taking them to Ireland cannot happen now. But we learn a little about the relatives who live there and wonder if at some point in time these people will appear in Ivy’s life. In the meantime, we question: how could their mother marry such an awful man after the death of Sean? Well, grief destroyed her. She fell apart. Then Sid Cotter started coming around dressed in fine clothes and put on the charm. Everyone tried to warn her the Cotter’s were a bad bunch, drinking and fighting all the time. But she did not listen and ended up marrying him and lived a tortured fearful existence. The day she finally decides she will leave him, the worst happens and Ivy is a witness to the event. She finds her mother on the floor, eyes closed and soaking in her blood. Ivy tries to rouse her to no avail. Then she panics once she hears Sid heading her way, and she knows what he will do to her after what she has seen. So she takes her little brother Fred and runs…

This is a lot for a thirteen year to deal with. But she meets up with other orphans and together they embark on a journey to Wales. Fortunately, the man whose cart they hide in, is kind and takes them into his home and offers them food and shelter. Then he provides a chance for Ivy, her brother and her new found friends, Lenny and Arthur, to board a boat to Ireland so she can find her family. This girl’s courage and kindness toward others is amazing after all she’s been through. It reminds us there are still good samaritans in this world. And when Ivy arrives in Ireland, her journey towards something wonderful begins. Home, love and family finally become a reality.

There are plenty of surprises, twists and turns in this novel and it moved along at a steady pace. There are a number of characters who get to share their point of view which added to the story’s layers and depth. I felt I truly got to know not only Ivy but the others who surrounded her life. Particularly Lenny’s journey is an interesting and, at times, difficult one. His love and care for Ivy is touching and he makes sacrifices to ensure her safety and happiness.

There were some other lovely key figures— like Aunt Agnus, I admired. Her love for others came shining through and how she helped each one—orphans and other children in difficult circumstances. Father Pat was an excellent example, too. He provided assistance, direction and understanding where needed.

Ivy was amazing. She drew out a lot of good in people. And practised what she preached. She was always helping those in need and became quite a positive example for others to follow in her footsteps. Her understanding of those less popular and shunned is remarkable. She spread her sunshine into many dark corners and changed lives.

The war years did bring much pain and participants saw the heavy damage of war and death. It affected Ivy, too, when she was exposed to it first-hand. Yet with the help of others she found her way back to health and happiness. She was blessed with a wonderful romantic relationship and the fellow’s family was unusual to say the least! But my heart was uplifted by the generosity and concern they exhibited.

Ultimately this is a story that proclaims the strong bonds of love, kindness, sacrifice and community. And how vital it is to care about your neighbour. And to find your place, your home, your family—whatever that may look like. And just as St Mary’s church was a special place where people came to pray, share their losses, celebrate weddings and births, and where many memories were made—it makes us want to hope there are more places like this oasis. And as we saw with Ivy, to learn that family is not only blood relations but it also includes those people who create a profound, lasting familial bond with us.

Get a copy of The Irish Girl! This gorgeous heart shaking novel is a must-read as it shines with the hope and kindness we all need. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.