The Secret Scripture

In 1942, Rose McNulty, a young woman, is arrested for the alleged murder of her infant child. This tragic event marks the beginning of her tumultuous journey, leading to her institutionalization at Sligo Regional Mental Hospital.

Following her arrest, Rose is confined to Sligo Regional Mental Hospital, where she spends the next five decades. Her imprisonment is shrouded in mystery, prompting questions about her mental health and the legitimacy of her charges.

As the hospital faces demolition, Dr. Stephen Grene is commissioned by the Catholic Church to evaluate Rose's mental state. His task is to determine whether Rose should be transferred or finally released after years of confinement.

In the early 1940s, a young Rose escapes from Northern Ireland to the Irish Free State, seeking refuge from the chaos of war. This decision marks the start of her tumultuous emotional journey and complicated relationships.

While in the Irish Free State, Rose becomes entangled in a love triangle between Michael McNulty, a British sympathizer, and Jack Conroy, a passionate nationalist. This conflict adds layers of emotional turmoil to her already precarious situation.

A nearby plane crash dramatically changes Rose's life when she discovers that the injured pilot is Michael. Their chance reunion ignites a passionate connection that defies the risks posed by the surrounding conflict.

Michael is violently abducted from Rose’s cottage by anti-British locals seeking revenge for what they perceive as his betrayal. This tragic event aims to tear apart the love they had barely begun to explore.

After Michael's abduction, Father Gaunt delivers a damaging report on Rose's mental state, claiming she suffers from 'nymphomania.' This report facilitates her aunt's decision to have her institutionalized, deepening Rose's despair.

Inside the hospital, Rose undergoes tormenting procedures like insulin shock therapy and electroconvulsive therapy. These inhumane methods contribute to a profound decline in her mental well-being and clarity.

Desperate for freedom, Rose attempts to escape to the beach, pursued by Father Gaunt and the authorities. Her journey leads her to a secluded cove where she gives birth in secret, but she remains unaware of the dangers lurking nearby.

In an unfortunate twist, Rose gives birth to her child in hiding, only to be mistakenly accused of murder. The Garda Síochána officer who witnesses the scene misinterprets the events, not knowing that Father Gaunt is the true culprit.

In present day, Dr. Grene uncovers a sequence of striking writings and illustrations by Rose that chart her emotional journey. As he delves deeper, he begins to understand the tragic past that ties him to her.

Through Rose’s writings, Dr. Grene stumbles upon a significant clue linking him to her past, coincidentally aligning with his own birthday. This revelation propels him further on a quest to discover his true roots.

Dr. Grene finds a letter hidden among his family documents that reveals his adoption and includes a sacred cross belonging to his biological father. This shocking discovery underscores the depth of his connection to Rose’s life.

With new information about his ancestry, Dr. Grene embarks on a journey to find Rose's familial home. His quest illuminates the interconnectedness of their tragedies and ultimately leads both characters to confront their shared past.