56 pages • 1 hour read
Louise KennedyTrespasses
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In the historical novel Trespasses by Louise Kennedy, set in a town near Belfast during the 1970s amidst the violent sectarian conflict known as "the Troubles," young Catholic schoolteacher Cushla Lavery's quiet life is disrupted by a passionate affair with Michael Agnew, a married Protestant barrister who defends IRA suspects, leading her to navigate a complex web of societal expectations, religious divides, and personal desires. The book addresses wartime violence, homicide, and alcohol addiction.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Louise Kennedy's Trespasses has garnered praise for its emotive storytelling and complex characters set against the backdrop of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Critics applaud its vivid portrayal of historical and social tensions. However, some found its pacing uneven and character development lacking depth at times. Overall, it's a compelling but occasionally flawed narrative.
Who Should Read Trespasses?
Fans of Trespasses by Louise Kennedy will appreciate intricate character development and richly depicted settings. Ideal for readers who enjoy exploring complex social dynamics and historical tensions, similar to The Troubles by J. Bowyer Bell or The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry.