Standard Issue Podcast

Roisín O’Donnell’s portrait of coercive control

Published: 11 March 2025 at 03:00 UTC

Listen on

Episode notes

Roisin O’Donnell’s striking debut novel, Nesting, tackles some big issues: domestic abuse, coercive control and the housing crisis in Ireland. We follow protagonist Ciara’s spur of the moment decision to take her two young girls and flee her abusive husband – and the challenges she faces staying away. Roisín chats to our Mick about coercive control, strong women in impossible situations, and sparks of hope.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. You are not alone. 

Nesting is published by Scribner and out now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices