Northern Spy

This is the second book I have read by Flynn Berry (see post on Under the Harrow) and both have been about the relationship between two sisters. There is a tiny kernel of an author website for her. Also, in both novels, the protagonist/ narrator finds out that she knows less about her sister than she thought. In this book, Tessa is a news producer for the BBC affiliate in Belfast. The IRA has continued its agenda of terrorizing anyone and anything that they think will demoralize the Brits. When yet another news report of a robbery at a gas station hits the TV, Tessa is shocked to see her sister pulling on a black ski mask. She is of course questioned by the police who tell her that Marian is a member of the IRA. But Tessa is convinced this can't be true. They're close. She would have known. Beside Marian was on a vacation at the seaside. She must have been kidnapped and forced to participate in the robbery. They have talked about their opposition to the IRA's tactics on many occasions. And now Tessa is frantic about Marian's whereabouts and well-being. When Marian finally contacts her, confirming her years-long membership in the IRA, Tessa is furious at what she sees as a terrible portrayal. The only person Tessa loves more in the world is her infant son, Finn, and now Tessa fears he is at greater risk because ofTessa's involvement. Plus she will now have to lie to the police about knowledge of her sister's whereabouts. Then, in a twist, Marian says she has become an informer for MI5 and asks Tessa to help her in passing information on to her handler. Tessa digs in her heels at every step of the way but eventually agrees because Marian and her handler assure her that the government and the IRA are in secret peach negotiations. 

The book is very descriptive, highly atmospheric, and Tessa's struggles as she becomes increasingly enmeshed is very convincing. Like the earlier book, this one deals with obsessions, though of a political variety. And they both feel very dark. But then the situation in Northern Ireland casts a pall over life for much of the population there. Strongly reminded of Anna Burns' Milkman, although these characters feel much more accessible. I think I am done reading about the IRA for the time being, however. 

Kirkus calls this "a taut and compassionate thriller" but goes on to say, "This is not a book of action, though there is plenty, but instead a greater reflection on personal choice and consequence." Publishers Weekly also praises Berry's complex characters. "It’s a measure of the author’s skill that she never loses sight of the humanity of her characters." Likewise The New York Journal of Books applauds "The fiercely portrayed reality of life in a divided land and the costly choices everyone faces make this into a page-turner. Berry also excels at keeping her protagonists smart and even wise—so when things do go wrong, it’s not because of foolish mistakes."