Fallen Star, by Joan O Neill

A Review By Caitriona O'Malley

This book tells the story of Stella Wood, age 15 from the seaside town of Knocknacree, Co Wicklow who lives with her mother and brother Ciaran, age 10. Her father is working in England. In 1959, she becomes pregnant out of wedlock and is sent to the Magdalene Laundry in Dublin, where she slaves away for the nuns until she has a baby girl.

Then her Aunt visits her and promises to help Stella in whatever way she can.

To cut a long story short, Stella goes on a terrifying journey to find solace and ends up back in Wicklow with her family, including her brother and baby.

I would highly recommend this author and thought this book was brilliant.

The characters of the ashamed mother and horrified priest really suited that particular era, where pregnancy out of wedlock was considered a grave sin.

This book would be an excellent read for girls aged 12-16. Some parts of the book were really heartbreaking, and Stella's escape was a tense and gripping read. Thumbs up all round.

Rating 10 out of 10

By Caitriona O Malley age 12.