Cross

by Austin Duffy

1994, the summer of the ceasefire. In the Northern Irish border town of Cross, after decades of violent activity protesting British rule, a community plays out its end game.

Francie, a principled elder of the cause, has authorised the murder of a policeman; his teenage henchmen are triumphant at pulling it off. In the town square, the Widow Donnelly protests because her son has gone missing. Young Cathy Murphy, the daughter of a Protestant, is trying to find her place among a people who ignore her. And pathological Handy Byrne, whose marksmanship makes him a valuable weapon, is out of control. Meanwhile, paranoia is growing because operations are beginning to go wrong. The townsfolk suspect a tout, but no one is willing to accept the evidence before their eyes.

From its dramatic first chapter, Cross is an extraordinary evocation of the loyalties and divisions within a town governed by its own variety of law, where violence is rewarded and complicity is second nature. It is a complex tale of betrayal and brutality at the height of the Troubles, a moving, powerful and empathetic lament for a community that has lost its way in its battle for the nation.

Genres: Ireland, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Irish Literature

304 pages, Paperback

Published July 4, 2024

Reviews

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🥳🎉


I need to firstly talk about the narration and the style of writing, it’s like a conversational recollection, a story telling of the like you’d hear from an uncle on his account of a time. The delivery is fantastic, it lulls you in in that same come here to me style.

The story itself is powerful, it grabs you in from the first chapter, there are points where you’ll want to recoil from what you’re hearing but you’ll be unable to .

Powerful. Traumatic. Shocking.

Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for this ELC

[Susan J. Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook ARC from Bolinda.

On one hand this story is a beautifully poetic political rant about the Troubles in 1990’s Northern Ireland. There’s intelligence and wit in these characters, but too little of it, and many of them are shackled by ignorance and fear, or perhaps just drunk on brutality.
On the other, this story perfectly illustrates the horrors that occur when angry young men raised on adventure and chaos, blinkered, unable and unwilling to envision a world beyond their traditional fabled utopia, are given the power to govern their communities. It’s Lord of the Flies, but in real life, and with grown men. It’s shocking and sobering.
An understanding of the politics of Northern Ireland would be a huge advantage; my knowledge is sadly limited which made some of the perspectives more challenging to keep up with.
The style is raw and uncompromising, much like the characters that populate the pages.
I found the ending lacking satisfaction. I’m a big believer in karma, and that was the biggest disappointment in this story. However, if you’re looking for some gritty realism, here it is, no holds barred. I’m in two minds about the rating, so I’m going with 4.5 stars.
Brilliant narration from Ruairi Conaghan. I could probably listen to him read the phone book.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda audio for the chance to listen to an arc.
Cross publishes in Audio on 1 September.

[Blythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as an ARC for work and was pleasantly surprised. It feels like PEAKY BLINDERS meets A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, but in a darker, much more morose way.

[Tenaya · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was not for me. The writing was confusing and it was so horribly violent

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very beginning, there was a lot to take in with this book so much so that I had to rewind and relisten to ensure I was capturing exactly what was being expressed. It is so full of detail for me it was just a timing thing but this doesn't take away from the book itself infact it highlights that the author didn't drag things out in getting to the point of details.

This is so full of various events, how I can imagine and recall certain events how individuals' lives may have been for people in Ireland during these times. It felt like I was listening to someone personally share their experiences rather than a fictional story which may not be too far from the truth as often there is inspiration from experiences of people we know or research to some degree.

This therefore leads on to the way in which this was narrated it was authentic and done in such a way that makes the listener feel like they are being brought into others experiences of their lives in the summer of the ceasefire. There are times where I definitely felt myself in turmoil from the various troubles of violence, politics, and more trying to find their place in this new way of being, loyalties, teratory beliefs that so so many people experienced and became their everyday life that they had to adapt to then trying to change.

To find peace is no easy feat when there has been a previous standpoint set for so long. When people live in survival mode, having definitive beliefs and a way of living, moving from that is a difficult process that is definitely expressed throughout this audiobook.

I commend both the author for the way in which this was written and the narrator on the delivery it was all brought together impeccably.

With thanks to Netgalley & Bolinda Audio for this ARC in return for an open & honest review.

[James Durkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross / Austin Duffy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~ Besides, nephew, he continued to Mickey, if I wanted to be in with the big boys I would have done so years ago. In my experience the only difference between big boys and little boys is that big boys can hold it a bit longer… ~

Talk about dramatic. This book I couldn’t get enough of. My second Duffy, and I much preferred it to The Night Interns.

While it can be argued nothing much happens in this, a lot of this all reads of hearsay and private conversations, so much happens it’s unreal.

I didn’t grow up in a time of The Troubles, so the historical aspect is important for this. It was a changing time. It was also a time for the young guard coming up amidst the old guard. Was it radicalisation? Or was it the good fight? A lot of what was swept under the rug, to protect the name and the legacy. How things may change but it all remains the same.

The story of the women is also important, of what was done and what they had to live with. The Murphy story particularly hits hard.

Overall, a great showing. Glad I read this.

Picked up from the TBR Pile - Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.
Bought from @_bookwormthurles_, Thurles - 13/07/24

* Read: 05/11/24 - 07/11/24
* Release Date: 04/07/24
* ISBN: 9781803510835

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brutal, relentless and never ending depiction of the brutality, its senselessness. This is a dark book. At a point I was having a hard time finishing it. Not even a glimmer of hope or light in it.

[Jory · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bit surprised that nobody’s pointed this out yet, but to be clear this book is RPF. Or to put it in a less online way, nearly every single character is so 1:1 with a real person that the author is almost on shaky legal territory. There’s Eamon Collins, the customs man from Newry who joined the ra for his left wing political beliefs, spent most of his time gathering information, and eventually became disillusioned. He even had a bloodthirsty younger relative called Mickey in real life, too. Bachelor pig farmer/smuggler/IRA “mafia boss” with a farm straddling the border would be Thomas “Slab” Murphy, who is a rather interesting person to decide to borderline libel given that unlike Collins, he’s still alive. Casio and his cronies, Freddie Scappaticci and Joe Magee, there’s no real difference. Handy Byrne is a little harder to pin down but I’m going to go a warped version of Bernard McGinn or maybe Micheál Caraher — you get the idea. It’s uncreative, and the plot is just close enough to reality that every departure from reality is frustrating and everything that’s kept close to reality is boring. If I wanted to read some stupid sensationalistic badly argued drivel about the South Armagh Brigade of the PIRA I’d just read old BBC articles, and they’d be more interesting than a novel where the author regurgitates the same information in poorly written prose because he couldn’t be bothered to come up with characters or a plot. Just read nonfiction at this point. Or, if you’re interested in this setting in fiction, try Country by Michael Hughes, which is very similar but it has a plot and characters and so forth.

[Queen Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin Duffy "grew up in Ireland, studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin and is a practising medical oncologist. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children." Granta Magazine, which clearly states nothing can be used without permission, here's hoping my mere speck doesn't draw anyone's ire.
This is Duffy's fourth novel, an unlikely subject it would seem for an oncologist. But then one learns Duffy grew up near the border and the story becomes less unlikely. I will say I've had just about enough of the Troubles. It seems as if the publishers in Ireland are only accepting books about the Troubles and books that expose the fall of the Republican movement without any mention of the horrors perpetrated by the British and unionists. It's a bit tiring actually.
Having said that, this story is one of the best, if not the best I've read on the subject. Maybe being south of the border gives Duffy a broader perspective than the writers from Norther Ireland who mostly lived through the violence or have had to live with the aftermath of it.
The story is set in the fictional town of Cross, which is on the border, a hotbed of Republican ideology and is set in 1994, the ceasefire is called in the story. there are three main characters, to my way of thinking, Francie, a Marxist and Republican who sees the movement as a war against colonialism; Handy Byrne, who comes from an honored family of Republican fighters, but who is little more than a psychopath using the movement as cover for his sadistic violence; and then MOC, the politician who brings the ceasefire to Cross hoping to persuade the fighters to lay down their weapons. A secondary tier of characters includes the women -- Cathy Murphy and Mrs. Connelly -- the former a 14 year old daughter of a Protestant mother and father who was killed for being a tout, the latter the mother of a 17 year old boy also killed for being a tout.
There is graphic violence in the story, no horror left unexplored --except of course the British role in creating the civil rights movement that morphed into the Troubles in the first place (there is one scene of British brutality that is horrific) -- but the story is about a small Irish border town and the brutality of the Troubles as well as the betrayals that have hounded every Irish Revolutionary Movement throughout history. All the players (this would be an excellent play) are involved, there are no bystanders in the story, some voluntary participants, some involuntary. Read the book, it's excellent.
What I came away with is that Duffy has no respect for the politicians involved in the ceasefire and Good Friday Agreement; MOC is a shady character whose role in the crimes committed in the name of the cause is never quite clear or provable, but whose fingerprints are clearly everywhere there is violence. Francie represents the real Republicans who believe in the cause, are willing to fight a war that regrettably involves necessary violence. This is made evident repeatedly -- when he directs the murder of a police officer, he honors the man, thinks of is wife and surviving children, but asserts he was an enemy combatant and therefore it was a righteous albeit regrettable, kill; or when he works to weed out the psychopaths -- Handy is a cold blooded murderer, not an idealist, he revels in the violence and perpetrates violence at every opportunity, hiding behind his family's reputation as storied Republican fighters. He represents what the movement devolved into as the Provos split from the real IRA and escalated the violence, including the killing of their own, to the point of alienating the people they purported to free from British rule.
These characters are all incredibly believable, the town of Cross is alive in its people who meet in pubs and kitchens, its outlying fields and forests brought to life as the scenes of so much violence. There is tension throughout the book as Duffy keeps the reader guessing about who is the tout, who should be punished for what and how, and the ending does not disappoint.
I give this book 5 stars not because of its lyrical language, but because it is a masterpiece about a story that has been told 1,000 times. It makes the story and the people new, approachable, relatable, but is also brutally honest.

[Mark Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read if you’re interested in the IRA. Fictional tale of a group of unruly paramilitares in the small Irish republican bordertown of Cross, as they move about in the shadows. Set in 1994, the summer of the ceasefire - violence and hatred is rife, the inner politics of hierarchy, the politics of the Troubles, informants, familial disputes, the lot. Worth a read.

[Jo McEldowney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been lucky to have this audiobook via NetGalley.

It’s not an easy book to get into and can be tough to follow, however the narrator was the reason I stuck with the story did reasonably enjoy it.

I think if I had read it I would have struggled to complete, the text is very detailed and sometimes went on a bit too long.

Overall I thought the guy reading the story was a perfect choice as he kept the flow very well whilst the story itself was a bit heavy.

[Thomas Harte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It really takes you into the scheming and contradictions of Republicanism. It is full of great characters and the writing is superb . If I had one criticism it is that sometimes the humour does not work. I would have preferred this novel to have less humour. Maybe it’s the subject matter. That being said this is a wonderful book and adds to the rich literature about Northern Ireland.

[Deirdre · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are going to write about the conflict in the North of Ireland you need to get the language correct. No self respecting Irish Republican world ever refer to Long Kesh prison as ‘The Maze.’ The gratuitous violence was unrealistic as was the fact that volunteers openly discussed attacks in a public place.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is powerful, the narrative style, which frequently switches between reportage and near stream of consciousness vernacular, is masterful, the subject matter unrelentingly bleak and I most definitely mean unrelentingly.

[Christopher Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read: Cross by Austin Duffy…

Austin Duffy's Cross is a masterfully written novel that pulls you into the complex world of a small Irish border town during the Troubles. Don't be fooled by the backdrop of a supposed ceasefire; this story crackles with tension, secrets, and violence.

Duffy’s characters are brilliantly drawn. Francie, a seasoned IRA operative, grapples with the shifting political landscape and the moral compromises he’s forced to make. He is deeply involved in the planning and execution of the killing of a police officer, an act he justifies as a necessary step in the fight for Irish independence. He relies on volunteers to carry out the operation, and afterward, he meets with them to debrief. Francie is meticulous in his planning and known for his attention to detail. He spends weeks, sometimes months, surveilling his targets. However, as he rises in the ranks, he finds himself questioning the motivations and methods of the movement he has dedicated his life to.

Handy Byrne is another character who will stay with you long after you finish the book. He is a young, skilled soldier, almost revered for his abilities, but capable of chilling brutality. He is known to have shot a British soldier from over 500 meters away. However, Handy’s loyalty is called into question when rumors of him being an informer begin to circulate.

The Widow Donnelly is the heart of the story. She is a mother driven to desperate measures after her son, Darren, disappears following a botched IRA operation. She stages a hunger strike on The Square, a public display of defiance that exposes the hypocrisy and dark undercurrents of the community. Cathy Murphy, a young woman, becomes entangled in The Widow's struggle, witnessing firsthand the town's complicity in the events surrounding Darren's disappearance.

What makes Cross so compelling is its exploration of moral ambiguity. No one is purely good or evil. Characters operate in shades of gray, their actions driven by a mix of loyalty, fear, and self-preservation. Duffy doesn't shy away from depicting the violence and brutality of the conflict, but he also shows the human cost, the lasting scars on individuals and the community as a whole.

The writing itself is sharp and evocative. Duffy captures the atmosphere of the border town with vivid descriptions and dialogue that rings true. He masterfully builds suspense, keeping you guessing until the very end.

If you're looking for a novel that challenges you to think about the complexities of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit, Cross is a must-read.

The full Deep Dive review of this book can be watched from our YouTube channel...
https://youtu.be/0Ib1xIzM7Ls

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Austin Duffy’s “Cross” is a gripping exploration of the turbulent times in Northern Ireland during the summer of 1994, a period marked by the ceasefire and the lingering shadows of conflict. Set in the fictional border town of Cross, this novel delves into the complexities of a community grappling with its violent past and uncertain future.

The narrative unfolds in a town where the echoes of decades-long strife are still palpable. Francie, a hardened yet troubled IRA man, authorizes the murder of a policeman, a decision that sets off a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. The town of Cross, with its stark landscapes and tense atmosphere, serves as a powerful backdrop to the unfolding drama. Duffy’s portrayal of the setting is both vivid and haunting, capturing the essence of a community on the brink of change.

Francie is a compelling character, embodying the internal and external conflicts of a man who has lived through the worst of the Troubles. His actions and motivations are complex, reflecting the moral ambiguities of a time when lines between right and wrong were often blurred. The supporting characters, including the teenage henchmen and the grieving Widow Donnelly, add depth and nuance to the story, each representing different facets of the community’s struggle.

“Cross” tackles themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for redemption. It examines the personal and collective costs of violence, and the difficult path towards peace and reconciliation. Duffy’s narrative is a poignant reminder of the human toll of political conflict, and the enduring hope for a better future.

Duffy’s prose is lyrical and precise, capturing the raw emotions and stark realities of life in Cross. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ experiences and the town’s atmosphere. The dialogue is authentic, reflecting the vernacular and tensions of the time.

“Cross” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a deep and nuanced look at a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland’s history. Austin Duffy has crafted a story that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, with characters that linger in the mind long after the story is completed.

This novel is a must-read for those interested in historical fiction and the human stories behind political conflicts.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this novel carries a lot of weight. On one level, Cross is just the name of a small town sitting on the border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland. Clearly, its inhabitants routinely cross that border to conduct their business. Also, the word has a powerful religious connotation—the suppression of which was one of the professed motivations for the conflict. And double-cross can refer to the snitches (“touts”) everyone whispers about in town. Duffy sets his “troubles” novel in Cross to evoke the unstable conditions that existed during the final months of the struggle. Cross has been a center of IRA activity throughout. As an uneasy ceasefire takes effect, the people of Cross are suspicious of each other and of the political motives behind the peace talks. Yet, they seem to have forgotten why they were fighting in the first place. Instead, they cling to actions that now seem empty, including senseless killings, terrorist threats, brutality, suspicion and even bank robbery.

The characters are deeply flawed. Some are longtime republican operatives, like Francie Begley and Nailer. Others are just kids seeking kicks, like Kaja and Mickey. Handy Byrne comes from an IRA family. He is a skilled marksman with psychopathological tendencies. Notwithstanding a noticeable lack of women in Cross, Cathy Murphy and the Widow Donnelly stand out as aggrieved victims of IRA thugs. Speaking of which, Duffy gives us a couple of really depraved guys in Casio and Drill Bit. Their specialty seems to be catching and torturing touts while simultaneously watching action films while eating takeout. Máirtín O’Cuilleanáin (referred to as MOC throughout the book) is there to represent the political wing of the Republican movement. Clearly, he is a man on the make, looking for his main chance to rise as a politician by advocating for peace.

The mood of the novel is unrelentingly dark and nightmarish. Duffy portrays violence and brutality as unremarkable with an ironic voice mixed with black humor. His principal character (i.e., Francie) is well-drawn, while others are stereotypes (e.g., MOC). The dialogue often seems artificial and contrived to make points. Moreover, Duffy’s shifts between multiple voices, imagery and points of view give his narrative an uneasy feel. To his credit, however, he is not didactic. Instead, he allows his characters to tell the story and express the beliefs that many people on both sides of the conflict held.

[James Cartwright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. At times beautifully written, at times a slog. Much like the bog that features in the story, sometimes you're on firm footing and sometimes you are slipping unwittingly into a sinkhole. The stream of consciousness prose was good up to a point but at times got irritating, though I have to praise the writing as a whole.

A sorry tale full of dubious actors, one thing I will credit Duffy for is creating characters that had me sympathising with them one minute and then hating their guts the next. I was never quite sure who to trust, and whilst this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'm not entirely certain who - if anyone - I was supposed to be rooting for. But maybe that's the point when the setting is what appears to be (though many will disagree) a senseless conflict, where rather than fighting for any ideology, men are fighting for dominion over one another and searching for some fleeting feeling of the glory of the past. Even the lineage of the Byrne's, 'the closest thing to royalty you'll get around here', begets the suspected snake at the bottom of the barrel, intimating that nobody can be trusted.

A bleak book for a bleak time. I begrudgingly admit that my knowledge of the troubles is pathetically inadequate, which left me at times wondering what on earth the context to all of this was. This effected my enjoyment of the book, but is that my fault or Duffy's? Either way, don't expect to learn much from this book other than the sheer brutality of it all.

Would have been four stars if not for the ending. Still, it left me with a feeling of discomfort. What was it all for? Nothing remains unscathed. Hope is abandoned. I think that might have been what Duffy was getting at all along.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin Duffy has written a realistic, moving novel set in the fictional border town of Cross, which is a republican stronghold located in the north of Ireland. The novel's events are set during the beginning of the ceasefire that ultimately brought closure to the turbulent times known as The Troubles. While the ending of violence was a welcome step forward, the moral ambiguities of the era are depicted here with gritty realism. Central to the story are Francie, an IRA intelligence operative with a conscience, Nailer, the senior local IRA leader, and Handy Byrne, a more junior IRA soldier with a streak of volatility. Surrounding this triangle are a series of colorful characters and often brutal events that underscore the moral and political complexities of the times. Duffy's masterfully written dialogue beautifully captures the rhythm and Irish accents of his characters on the written page in a manner that enhances the realism for this American reader. Ultimately, it is not an uplifting story, but it is a fitting one for a society coming to terms with the fallout of a not so distant era that was marked by such violent upheaval. This is a great fictional companion to the "Say Nothing" by Patrick Radden Keefe (Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland), which is a historical account of the repercussions of the Northern Ireland peace process. I highly recommend Austin Duffy's well written novel to anyone with interest in this subject.

[the_nerd_cafephile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and the author for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, so this book took me so, so long—too long—to read and is not for the faint of heart. The vibe is serious and absolutely dark, as you would expect for a story set in a country in a state of civil unrest with the history of years and years of occupation, colonization, and genocide bearing down on them. The story is beautifully crafted in the form of an aggressive political rant in self-reporting style plus squeezing in incoherent yet coherent observations, all set in the reality of what it takes to live in a world where hate and frustration are the basal emotions—the brutality and hopelessness is real.

We also get to witness the story of women through war and strife at the behest of men who have np emotional maturity and have been purely bred on power and entitlement, which is absolutely horrendous. What makes it even more horrendous is that 30+ years down the line—this is still reality.

This was educational in a way and brutally honest about being rooted in the reality of what happened with not even a glimmer of hope in sight—because karma would have been really nice for some of the characters, and I was very dismayed at the lack of it even though that is precisely what would have happened anyway.

The narrator, Ruairi Conaghan, was beyond brilliant in making sure that all the emotions are conveyed and that too at an intensity that will make you flinch. I don’t think I have ever felt this level of 'need to know' yet 'cannot continue reading' situation ever before.

[Big Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written, vivid and often brutal novel about a community soured by decades of conflict. Strong characters, good dialogue and a compelling storyline make it a disturbing read.

In the run up to the peace talks the republican community is awash with rumours and unrest. Meetings, talks and reassurances doing nothing to placate the voiced concerns. The Warrenpoint job was a disaster, the cops were waiting and the lads never stood a chance. With fingers being pointed and paranoia setting in the question on everyone's mind is 'How did they know?', followed closely when the inevitable conclusion was reached by 'Who told them?'

Very much a character driven novel, Cross revolves around the inhabitants of a fictional Northern Irish border town with republicanism in its veins during the run up to the 1994 ceasefire. The law doesn't count for much in Cross, those with the power make their own rules and have their own way of dealing with things whilst others look the other way.

I listened to the audio version which was superbly narrated by Ruairi Conaghan, a soft Irish lilt that switched up to one with enough menace to have the hairs on the back of my neck standing up as the tension increased.

There are snippets of humour and wit within this dark and brutal read and whilst there's a definite sense of community the overwhelming impression is of one based on fear and distrust. A compelling and disturbing read.

My thanks to Bolinda Audio and Netgalley for the review copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Sean Sadler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed from my Local Library
The novel is without doubt a page turner in my view ,its opening where we read about how one of the book’s main characters works assiduously on planning, making preparations for a killing of a member of the security forces ( a minor character) is intense and gripping.
The book is set in Ireland /Northern Ireland in 1994, its protagonists are operating at a time when a burgeoning peace process was in fruition and how that process is impacting on those who have been engaged in a bitter and dreadful conflict in N.I since the late 1960,s,/1970,s
The writing is on the whole tight and intense and populated by characters who read as authentic
The climax of the book leads me to conclude that the Author may have a sequel in mind,or that he would use some of the characters in another Book…..
Overall a satisfying , propulsive book .

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a lot of fiction and nonfiction from Northern Ireland. I know more than many people about the Troubles. Perhaps that is why I found this book set during the negotiations for a peace treaty with the IRA in 1994. I found it extremely confusing and hard to follow. Characters had multiple nicknames that appeared and disappeared. Who was who? There was a suspected tout - an informant. There was also a great deal of violence. This was a period -although the novel fails to mention this - when some groups and individuals connected to the Provisional IRA were engaged in crimes of all kinds. One person in our book group described it as capturing the tension when a war or struggle is ending by those who fear giving up because of all the lives lost. This sums up the over 300 pages of a confusing account of a period when peace did not come.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

An addition to the impressive recent literature on the Northern Ireland conflict that is distinguished by the time it is set – in the years leading up to the Good Friday agreement. Tension among Nationalists who believe sincerely in a united Ireland and identify with leftist movements globally and a primarily younger generation in it for the chance to behave like gangsters and deal randomly in drugs and violence is at the core of this story along with informants and the role of politicians. Dissident republicans are portrayed as facing a life that will lose its meaning and the decision to situate the action in the border regions away from Belfast is well made. That said, I did feel that the novel lost a bit of impetus after a compelling first two-thirds.

[Paul Gormley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather unique view of the Republican struggle as the writer focuses in on Cross, a diehard community close to the border. Rape, execution, a failed robbery and the hunt for a tout focus the minds of senior militants.

Added to the mix is the political struggle, with calls for a ceasefire; the elders becoming tired and disillusioned, the youngsters resorting to vandalism and petty violence to sate their thirsts.

This is powerful and altogether realistic and given added force by the events since. Did the politicians betray the cause? Was the military campaign hijacked by crooks and drug runners? Have matters progressed since the initiation of the ceasefire in 1994.

An author to look out for and a title well worth reading.

[Matthew McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0

The book is set during ceasefire times in the mid 90s in a border town called Cross which I can only assume is referring to Crossmaglen.

There are suspicions of a tout in the town as an organized "operation" goes wrong. From there the story follows a few main characters and their interactions with one another with tensions on the rise. The book does a good job of portraying what small towns would have been like in those days.

A well written thriller that I really enjoyed. I am a sucker for anything set during Troubles times though.

[Julie Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

1994 was the summer the ceasefire started in Northern Ireland. Cross, a town on the border will see the endgame play out. Francine believed in the cause but times are changing. Handy Byrne is out of control, violent and dangerous.

Enjoyed this well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Full of strong characters. This novel gives an insight of what it may have been like at this time. Very tense novel.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧3⭐️

I had the audiobook read by Ruairi Conaghan I didn’t enjoy the narration, I found it easier to follow by slowing the speed a little. I found the tone depressing and too monotone although it probably fits the tone of the book.

Irish historical fiction set in 1994 just before the peace agreement.
It covers several peoples stories.

I wanted to read it as I wanted to learn something about the main players during the troubles. Plus I’m a sucker for Irish accents. I found it a difficult listen. It’s bleak, it’s brutal.

I found the actual listening difficult as I found it a constant ramble. It’s bleak, but written in quite a poetic literary fiction style. There’s bad language which doesn’t usually bother me, but I’m not keen on the use of the C word which is used a lot.
I didn’t learn anything new as it presumed the reader was familiar with the politics. This one was a miss for me, I think it would be of interest to people who lived during this time, or people wanting get the feel of how life was during the troubles.

I had this book for free.

[Mark Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really grim but fascinating read. Really makes you wonder how people survived in those days. Nothing lighthearted in this but did feel I was there in the claustrophobic atmosphere. Some of the chapters were a bit too wordy but the interaction writing was excellent. Was hoping for some happiness but asking a bit too much I think. Definitely worth a read.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruairi Conaghan's narration adds another layer to the already gripping storyline.

Set in Ireland in the summer of the ceasefire. A brutal and shocking tale of loyalty and betrayal within a town at the height of the troubles.

Thank you to #Cross #NetGalley #BolindaAudio for my arc audio copy.