Book review: Trespass by Rose Tremain

A departure from the 2008 Orange Prize winner's optimistic last novel, The Road Home, Rose Tremain's latest book, Trespass, is of a much darker nature.

Set in the verdant Cevennes hills of southern France, it tells of rivalry and love between two sets of siblings. Aramon is the owner of the majestic stone house, the Mas Lunel. His sister, Audrun, owns the surrounding woodland and lives in a shabby cottage within the grounds. They not only have a dispute over the sale of the stone house, they also have a tarnished history yet to be forgiven.

The arrival of Anthony Verey, an antiques dealer from London, sets things in motion. His sister Veronica and her lover Kitty have already moved to the Cevenol, and his appearance interferes with their tranquil life.

The links Tremain weaves between her characters are solid and convincing. The deftly executed ending is redemptive and moving.

8/10