Stations

by Louise Kennedy

In 1982, Róisín and Red meet as teenagers in their hometown in Ireland. Red's reputation for trouble might precede him, but Róisín finds in him an intelligent and funny – if unlikely – friend. When a brush with the law pushes Red into a corner, he escapes their town and his family for good to start a new life in England.

As the years pass, they grow up and apart. Despite Red's particular gift for disappearing, they remain tethered to one another, a fragile thread holding their once fierce friendship together. When Róisín arrives in London to spend Christmas with her estranged father, she finds herself swept up once more into Red's storm. Róisín longs for the closeness they once had, but Red continues to travel away from her – and as the past weighs on the present, Róisín wonders if she'll ever reach Red where he is.

Stations is a devastating story of love and friendship, and the choices we blithely make when we are young, unaware that the consequences will reverberate throughout our lives.

Genres: Ireland, Fiction, Irish Literature

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 24, 2026

About the author

Louise Kennedy grew up near Belfast. Trespasses is her first novel. She is also the author of a collection of short stories, The End of the World Is a Cul de Sac. She has written for The Guardian, The Irish Times, and BBC Radio 4. Before becoming a writer, she worked as a chef for almost thirty years. She lives in Sligo, Ireland

Reviews

[Linda Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so pleased to receive an ARC of this book but often the proofs are kind of 'set aside' until nearer publication date ... well this one had me in its grip from the opening pages. It reminded me of when I used to have a book at my side through lunch, in the bathroom ( before the evil phone days) ... the characters have a darkness that is flawed, compelling and oh so vulnerable. The story moves through the decades with an attention to detail, but an immediacy in the writing. No spoilers will be given, but suffice to say it's not the obvious outcome but is all the more powerful for it. If you enjoyed Claire Daverley's Talking at Night, or the TV series It's A Sin .. a story full of young characters with heart-breaking circumstances, not only was I thoroughly invested in them but I kind of need to know what they are at now, already. Loved it.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god