Between The Lines

by Evelyn Riley

In a land torn by division, faith and family draw the deepest lines…

Growing up in 1970s Northern Ireland isn’t easy. Under the roof of her stern and devout adoptive mother, Eileen Duffy, Angela’s life is confined by rules and the tension of a community split between “green” and “orange.” In a place where identity is inherited and choices are few, Angela longs to carve out a future of her own.

Her sheltered existence soon fractures when she meets Stevie, a boy whose roots contrast with her own upbringing. Their connection, tender and defiant, offers Angela a glimpse of freedom and belonging—but also sets in motion a series of events that will alter the course of her life forever.

As the years pass, Angela is drawn back to confront the past she left behind. In a world where forgiveness is hard-won and history casts a long shadow, she must decide whether reconciliation is possible—or if some wounds will never truly heal…

Between the Lines is a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, identity, and resilience. The perfect novel for readers who find beauty in the tension between light and shadow, and who believe that even in the most divided places, there is room for hope.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about family love and friendship set in the troubled Northern Ireland of the 1970s
The author creates a diverse relatable caste of characters in this beautifully written novel

[Douglas Stanley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad and depressing

Such a dreary read but I had to finish in order to find out what happened to Angela. A poor girl adopted by a straight laced woman in Northrn Ireland. This was more of an editorial about religion and the fighting in Ireland. Very depressing!

[Clare · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to confess that, unusually for me, I did not finish this book. Even had it been a gripping story, the dreadful editing (or lack thereof) and proofing, would have pulled me out of it.
I'm not sure if the author actually exists or if this is AI-generated but it comes across as if someone had taken Joan Lingard's excellent, "Across The Barricades", added race to try and keep it topical, thrown in a whole load of stereotypes - and then fed it all to a computer to produce this.

[Mary Jane Quesnel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conflicting

I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book when I picked it up. I thought i was going to have a religious opinion crammed at me. I actually am very Pleased I gave it shot. Having grown up in conflicting times and situations, it was a surprise at the depth and growth of the characters.

[Margaret Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book I remember some of the troubles in Northern Ireland in the 60/70s

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a young woman coming of age in Northern Ireland as the troubles are brewing over into abject violence and hatred is everywhere she looks.

Angela an orphan who is taken in at age 7 by Eileen a religious zealot doing her best to mold the girl into the Protestant Missionary she wanted to be. Cold and exacting, Eileen’s no young child’s wish for a mother, but an acquiescent Angela does her best to comply with Eileen’s rules and the rules set down by her particular brand of religion. This means being shamed in public by the minister from the pulpit and being insidiously gossiped about and shunned by her community.

Into this harsh world comes a bit of sunlight in the form of Stevie a mixed race young man who sees something special in Angela. She in turn begins to shine as she basks in his kindness and affection.

Enjoyed this story and how it played out. A solid 3.5 stars.