Set in 1970s Belfast during the Troubles, the narrative follows Cushla Lavery, a Catholic primary school teacher who divides her time between her classroom and her family’s pub. Her life becomes complicated when she begins an affair with Michael Agnew, a middle-aged Protestant barrister who defends IRA suspects. Simultaneously, Cushla attempts to protect a young student, Davy McGeown, whose family is targeted by sectarian violence. These two connections force her to navigate the rigid social boundaries and physical dangers of a city defined by checkpoints, bombings, and local informants.
This novel is for readers who value historical accuracy and the intersection of private desire with public political strife. It attracts those interested in the specific social geography of Northern Ireland and the consequences of crossing class and religious lines. Readers finish the book with a visceral understanding of how systemic conflict dictates personal choices and how ordinary individuals manage the persistent threat of retaliation. It provides a stark look at the difficulty of maintaining neutrality and the high cost of empathy in a divided society.
Inward-looking and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Mindful Reader. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2022
- Language
- EN
