They could have been just a group of women going from Dublin to Belfast for a little shopping and perhaps lunch. But, they weren't.  These were women with a purpose and THE WOMEN ON PLATFORM TWO, a novel by Laura Anthony, is their story. 

The story opens in 1969 in Dublin when Maura marries the man she considers to be the love of her life, Dr. Christy Davenport. She believed they would raise a family and grow old together.  Soon after their wedding ceremony, Christy showed he was more than a respected physician.  He was an abusive monster and Maura feared for the safety of their children.

Maura's close friend Bernie, a woman in a loving marriage with three children, was told she might not survive another pregnancy. Since any type of contraception in Dublin in 1970 was illegal, women had no legal options. Jump ahead to 2023 and Saoirse was at a crossroads in her life and she knew she might never want a child.  She was a woman with options and perhaps by fate, she met one of those women who helped make those options possible.

Based on a true story, THE WOMEN ON PLATFORM TWO brings to life a story that isn't well-known about a group of women willing to risk everything in order to gain control of their own lives and decisions.  Their bravery and strength are inspirational.  At times difficult to read as the narrative deals with suicide, spousal abuse and illegal abortions, this important story needs to be told. These remarkable women created a remarkable legacy, one which helped shape the future of those who came after them.  There is so much about this story that is important and this is what makes it profound, moving and memorable.  Highly recommended.