A review by lcr16
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy

dark informative mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Trespasses is such quietly haunting novel about Cushla, a catholic schoolteacher and bartender during the Troubles who falls madly for an older married Protestant barrister for the IRA, Michael. Kennedy crafts a forbidden romance into a larger narrative around the personal and political tension and danger during the Troubles. Cushla as a schoolteacher tries to look out for her community, including her young student little Davy. Her relationship trying to hold together his family as well as her own reflects the instability and poverty. Kennedy's writing style is beautifully simple and pure against the darker, suspenseful backdrop. The ending really drew me in and left me breathless! Thank you to NetGalley and Riverhead for the ARC for the honest review