Trespasses | Book Review

Louise Kennedy’s outstanding debut novel

Maybe, if you are like me (not Irish), you would be a little intimidated to pick up Louise Kennedy’s Trespasses. The blurb reveals the novel takes place in the Northern Ireland of the 1970s, and mentions The Troubles, the IRA, as well as other terms that revolve around the war between Catholics and Protestants of that time. Back home, my education on Irish history was limited to the events of 1916, and even when I have lived in Ireland for almost a year, I must admit I am still catching up on the rich, cultural and political history of this country. When I decided I would read this book, I was afraid I would not be able to understand much of the politics that frame its plot. I am most definitely pleased I decided to dive into it regardless, and I would like to persuade any potential readers of doing the same. Louise Kennedy’s writing dissects this world to us with such detail and eloquence that it is impossible not to feel completely immersed it.

“‘Trespasses’ is really a work of fiction… But the world of the book is the world that I grew up in.” (Louise Kennedy for “Women’s Prize for Fiction)

Our protagonist is 24-year-old Cushla Lavery, the youngest daughter in a family that is still…