We see Cushla’s kindness, care and a strong sense of duty where needed – with her alcoholic mother and the ostracised young pupil Davy that she takes under her wing – but also weariness and a strong pull to follow her own desires – in her tense relationship with her brother Eamonn who has been burdened with running a pub in such difficult times, her pull towards a man that in every sense is ‘wrong’ for her, and her uncertain standing with his friends. Kennedy has a gift both for storytelling and character development as their love story unfolds, we learn so much about Cushla and Michael as people and a pair, but we also learn so much about them – Cushla in particular – in their interactions with others, through an array of relationships and friendships. Against the odds, this love blossoms into something meaningful and, despite some reckless behaviour, seems to remain relatively well hidden until a devastating tragedy threatens to reveal all. This story is about an unexpected and forbidden love between young Catholic school teacher Cushla and older Protestant barrister Michael, playing out against the backdrop of the Troubles during the 1970s on the outskirts of Belfast a love that ignites suddenly and flares up quite quickly.

Trespasses by Louise Kennedy is, at its heart, a story about an ill-fated love affair but its beauty and strength is that it becomes so much more than that, painting a rich and vibrant portrait of a whole community beyond our two lovers.

Louise kennedy tresspasses