TRESPASSES

Set near Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the Troubles, this audiobook is beautifully written and expertly performed. Brid Brennan's delivery of Kennedy's prose is lovely: Her accent and tone are perfectly matched to each character she voices. Clear-eyed descriptions so carefully wrought come alive in her calmly paced care. In the story, Cushla Lavery is a young Catholic teacher who carries on an affair with an older, married Protestant man. The emotions attached to new love and community violence are ever present as Cushla tries to care for her mother, protect her young students, and see her way to some kind of future for herself. All of these challenges are quietly illuminated by Brennan's warm performance. With distinct dialogue and a sensitive touch, Brennan does right by this excellent debut novel. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2023]