Interview: Sharron Martin talks about Cygnet River

Irish-born New Zealander Sharron Martin lives in Auckland. Always a book lover, she grew up on a diet rich in Irish literature and devoured every book she could get her hands on. Sharron earned both a degree and a master’s degree in communications, majoring in information systems, from Massey University, and has spent most of her working life in the IT industry. Sharron published her first novel, Discovering Orla, in 2023, and Cygnet River is her second. Sharron talks with NZ Booklovers.

Tell us a little about your Cygnet River

I wanted to write a story set in 1975 Ireland to provide some insight into what life was like for women during that time. Growing up I didn’t think anything of it, that’s just they way things were. It is only when you move to other countries and see a different side of life that you realise how awful things actually were. 

What inspired you to write this book?

Seventies Ireland was such a dismal time for women, married women in particular. Most did not work outside the home and were therefore reliant on their husbands. They had few rights and fewer choices, even over such basic things like family size. Contraception was inaccessible for the majority; abortion was not an option until 2019 and there was no divorce until 1997. Property was mostly owned by men and up until 1976 a husband could sell the family home without even informing his wife of the transaction. My mother, a fierce advocate for women, often complained about how terribly unfair it was, worst of all for deserted wives, as this label carried such a heavy stigma in Irish society. I saw firsthand how these women were treated and I always wanted to write about it.  

What research was involved?

The research was significant and took a lot longer than I had intended but it was also very interesting. I wanted to make sure that I had the correct monetary amounts for the time and that all the legal details of the courts etc were accurate, this meant a lot of fact checking and digging through archives.

What was your routine or process when writing this book?

I work full-time, so I usually get up at about 5am and write for a couple of hours before I start my day job. I was also doing a creative writing course while writing this novel, which had a lot of coursework to complete, so it was a very busy time. Luckily, I had Harriet Allan as my mentor on the course, and I used this story as my project, so I was lucky enough to get her input on it.

If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.

·         When You’re Gone – The Cranberries

·         Nothing Compares to You – Sinead O’Connor

If your book were made into a movie, who would you like to see playing the lead characters?

·         Seanna Kerslake - Kitty

·         Jack Reynor- Danny

·         Jamie Dornan - Gerald

What did you enjoy the most about writing this novel?

I enjoyed seeing Kitty develop as a character and discover what she is capable of, despite the many challenges she faces. I also loved seeing her live her life on her own terms and eventually stand up to both her husband and the church.  

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

Nesting – Rosin O’Donnell Irish Novel of the Year 2025.

This novel is a masterpiece in tension-building. It is eloquent and utterly gripping. Reading it feels like you are slowly advancing up a roller coaster, click by click, waiting in agony for the inevitable stomach-flipping tumble down from the peak. It is a sensitive and insightful view into coercive control, and the fact that this is the reality for so many women is completely heartbreaking.

What’s next on the agenda for you?

Cygnet River is the first in a series of three, so I am now working on the others. I am also working on a short story for the North Shore Writers Group's 2026 anthology. This is our fourth collection of short stories, and I treasure being a part of this incredible group of talented creatives.