Trespasses

by Louise Kennedy
Trespasses cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1285
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-03
  • ISBN: 9781526623362
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2023-01-01
  • Formats: 13
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Trespasses is a gripping debut novel that delves into the complexities of love and violence in a divided society. Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's Troubles, the story follows Cushla, a teacher, and Michael, a married man from Belfast, whose chance encounter in a pub sets off a chain of events that will forever alter their lives. The novel explores the daily realities of living in a time of conflict, where ordinary moments are overshadowed by the ever-present threat of violence. As the political tensions escalate, Cushla and Michael find themselves navigating a dangerous path, forced to make choices that challenge their morals and loyalties. The narrative is both tender and shocking, offering a poignant portrayal of people trying to live ordinary lives in extraordinary times. Trespasses has been widely acclaimed, winning several prestigious awards and being shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2023.

Reviews
Books on the 747 · 2023-11-13
engaging 4.00

The writing is powerful and keeps the reader hooked, even when the outcome is predictable. The novel is praised for its emotional depth and the author's ability to create a vivid sense of place.

The reviewer from Books on the 747 is captivated by the powerful writing in Trespasses, which keeps them engaged throughout. They note that even though the outcome is predictable, the emotional depth and vivid sense of place make the story compelling. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to create a rich and immersive world, filled with complex characters and profound emotions. The novel is seen as a testament to the author's skill in storytelling.

Quick quotes

    The writing in Trespasses is so powerful, it's what drew me in and kept me hooked.

    The fact you know what is going to happen doesn't dampen the emotional impact.

    Kennedy creates a vivid sense of place and time that immerses the reader completely.

The New York Times · Parul Sehgal · 2022-11-01
moving 4.75

The novel is praised for its beautiful writing about love in all its forms, particularly the love between a vulnerable child and their caretaker. The reviewer notes the author's ability to create deeply moving and authentic characters.

Parul Sehgal from The New York Times highlights the beautiful writing in Trespasses, particularly the exploration of love in its various forms. She is moved by the author's portrayal of the love between a vulnerable child and their caretaker, which is described as profoundly touching. Sehgal appreciates the authenticity of the characters and the emotional depth of the story. The novel is seen as a powerful exploration of human relationships and the complexities of love.

Quick quotes

    Kennedy writes beautifully about love. Familial and romantic love, but perhaps most profoundly, the love between a vulnerable child and a caretaker.

    The characters are deeply moving and authentic, drawing the reader into their world.

    Trespasses is a powerful exploration of human relationships and the complexities of love.

The Guardian · Lizzy Davies · 2022-04-16
compelling 4.50

The novel is praised for its sense of utter conviction and the author's ability to weave profound truths about life in Northern Ireland. The writing is powerful and keeps the reader hooked.

The reviewer at The Guardian highlights the novel's rare quality of utter conviction, which makes the story compelling. They appreciate how the author intertwines the personal with the political, creating a rich tapestry of life in Northern Ireland. The writing is described as powerful and engaging, with a sense of authenticity that draws the reader in. The reviewer also notes the novel's exploration of love and family, which adds depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    A novel distinguished by a quality rare in fiction at any time: a sense of utter conviction.

    It is a story told with such authenticity and power that it keeps the reader hooked.

    Kennedy weaves in some profound truths about life in Northern Ireland at that time.

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