With sticky and tangible observations about anticipation, loss, love, fear, familial dysfunction, and hope, Trondheim is an observant and memorable novel.

“Trust is so close a cousin of hope that in an inattentive person the two are easily confused.”

The characterisation is prickling sharp and the push and pull between a troubled couple is beautifully captured. The language is taut despite being descriptive and kept me keen on taking the journey to know the interiority of a troubled couple‘s dynamic when faced with a crisis. Cormac successfully curls out bitterness and resentments that underline prolonged proximity by placing the couple in a stressful situation.

“It’s like there’s something strong you know you’re meant to be feeling, but you can’t quite connect with it. And you kind of feel lonely for it. Even if you know it’s bad.”