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.

Thanks to Melville House and NetGalley for this ARC of Austin Duffy's 'Cross.'

The mid-90s in Northern Ireland saw the push for a negotiated peace that would see the decades long 'Troubles' end.

This novel from Austin Duffy brilliantly captures the internecine chaos that the summer of 1994 and a ceasefire brought with it.

All the factions are here. The dyed-in-the-wool Marxist republican who envisioned a Utopian society based on those principals, the straightforward militaristic faction, the politicians, the profiteers, and the outright psychos (and some who were a combination of some or all of those traits). There's a tout, an informer - that absolute worst thing an Irish republican can be - in operation and he's getting away with rape, murder, and all manner of crimes because of who he and his family are.

The sheer disillusionment that sets in when that way of life that had become the norm for a section of Northern Irish society is very well portrayed and described. The realization that a goodly percentage of the volunteers are only in it for the violence, the fame/infamy, and money comes through very clearly. Men and are men and women are, generally, despised.

We've seen novels set at the height of the Troubles but it's seldom we see this relatively recent and highly important period of Northern Irish history covered in fiction.

Very well done.

This is not a copy of the manuscript. It's a two-page ad. I downloaded every version (Kindle and NetGalley app) and there is nothing to read.