56 pages • 1 hour read
Trespasses
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ireland • 1970s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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.
Dark
Mysterious
Emotional
Challenging
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
52,308 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
52,308 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ireland • 1970s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.