Ocean State

In Ocean State, the tragic murder of a high school student unfolds through the gripping perspectives of four women: the murderer Angel, her mother Carol, the victim Birdy, and Angel’s insightful younger sister, Marie, who reflects on the events of that fateful autumn in 2009. As Angel and Birdy's obsessive love for the same boy spirals into unforeseen extremes, O'Nan masterfully captures the complexities of their lives against the backdrop of working-class existence in Ashaway, Rhode Island. This emotionally charged narrative intertwines personal and communal struggles, making for a deeply compelling story filled with momentum and heart.