Set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, this is the story of Cushla, an elementary school teacher/barmaid/Catholic who falls in love with an older, married man/barrister/Protestant. There are many things wrong with their relationship and, given the political climate, their affair can be fatal. Cushla could lose her job, her family’s reputation could suffer along with their pub, she could be shot just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or nobody will notice the affair because they are busying questioning the extra attention she’s paying to a Catholic pupil whose father has been brutally attacked, in which case she could lose her job, her family’s reputation could suffer along with their pub, she could be shot just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Life in this small town outside of Belfast in the 70s is full of precarious tensions.

Trespasses is a heartbreaking story about living in a time when it matters who you are, not what you do. Cushlas class of 7 year olds start the day with recapping The News. They know an awful lot about bombs and checkpoints, unemployment, and beatings.

This is a novel that made me feel very melancholic. Although it’s backdrop is bleak, there are some lovely moments throughout.

Published by Penguin Random House Canada