The Women on Platform Two

By: Laura Anthony

Narrated by: Jessica Regan, Shakira Shute, Maeve Smyth

In 1970s Dublin, all forms of contraception are strictly forbidden, but an intrepid group of women will risk everything to change that in this “heartbreaking, powerful, and ultimately uplifting” (Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House) novel inspired by a little-known true story.

Dublin, 1969: Maura has just married Dr. Christy Davenport and they look forward to growing their family. But as her husband’s vicious temper emerges, Maura worries that her home might never be safe for a child. Meanwhile, her close friend Bernie, a mother of three, learns the devastating news that another pregnancy could prove fatal.

Dublin, 2023: A close call makes Saoirse realize that she may never want to be a mother. Little does she know that only a few decades ago, a group of women made this option possible for her. And she’s about to meet one of them…

The Women on Platform Two is an “inspiring novel about the liberating paths blazed by Irish women” (Kirkus Reviews) and how much farther we still have to go.

Critic reviews

"This moving audiobook is a tribute to the women of Ireland who championed reproductive rights and changed the laws of a country where all forms of birth control were prohibited in the 1970s. It’s not merely a polemical piece; it’s a poignant, heartwarming novel about Irish women from different backgrounds who formed deep attachments to one another and to the cause of reproductive freedom. Three talented actors bring these brave women to life. Jessica Regan portrays Saoirse, a modern woman who benefits from Ireland’s new laws; Shakira Shute animates Maura, whose calm, genteel voice hides spousal abuse. Mauve Smyth portrays Bernie, who is lovable and determined. Each narrator sounds true to her character and speaks clearly in an easily comprehensible Irish brogue."

"This moving audiobook is a tribute to the women of Ireland who championed reproductive rights and changed the laws of a country where all forms of birth control were prohibited in the 1970s. It’s not merely a polemical piece; it’s a poignant, heartwarming novel about Irish women from different backgrounds who formed deep attachments to one another and to the cause of reproductive freedom. Three talented actors bring these brave women to life. Jessica Regan portrays Saoirse, a modern woman who benefits from Ireland’s new laws; Shakira Shute animates Maura, whose calm, genteel voice hides spousal abuse. Mauve Smyth portrays Bernie, who is lovable and determined. Each narrator sounds true to her character and speaks clearly in an easily comprehensible Irish brogue."

The women on platform two

A captivating story of strong women, friendship, hardship, happiness and struggle and their fight to make their country a better place for women. They were the voice of so many.

Must read!

Loved everything about this book. Story and narration was terrific! Not to mention the history of women’s reproductive rights in Ireland.

Beautifully narrated!

Storyline was fantastic and narration was spot on! One of the best books of historical fiction I can recall.

Beautifully written

I loved this story! It felt so real without meandering. The author did a great job at portraying each and every character fully

The strength of Irish women

The strength of the women of Ireland and how they fought for their reproductive rights .