The Women on Platform Two - a novel inspired by real-life trailblazers of women's rights in Ireland.

In 2023, Saoirse lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her fiancé, who is eager to have children. As a nurse working with ill children, Saoirse is uncertain of what she wants. Following an argument at home, Saoirse meets Maura Flynn, an elderly woman boarding a train to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Maura has an incredible story she enjoys sharing, and Saoirse decides to join her on the ride to hear it. Maura's story begins in 1969. She works at Switzer's department store and meets Christopher Davenport, a charming and accomplished doctor. After they marry, Maura has to give up her job and is expected to start having children. After she discovers that her husband is not the man she thought he was, she fears getting pregnant. Maura develops a close friendship with Bernie, her butcher's wife, who has three daughters. With contraception being illegal in Ireland, they find out that courageous women are advocating for change. But they stand to lose a lot if they get involved. When the story shifts back to the present day, Maura's story deeply affects Saoirse.

The Women on Platform Two is a powerful and touching book. Laura Anthony, a pseudonym for author Janelle Brooke Harris, was inspired to write this novel based on the efforts of the Irish Women's Liberation Movement and a significant event in 1971. While heartbreaking at times, this is an inspiring and uplifting story. You'll want to read more about the efforts of these real-life heroines.

Many thanks to Gallery Books for the gifted advance.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Historical and Contemporary Fiction.

Publication Date: March 11, 2025.

Please "like" this post if The Women on Platform Two sounds like a book you might like to read. I'd love to know. Scroll below the photo and click on the red outlined heart on the lower right-hand side of the page. Comments can also be left below.