Lingard, Joan

(British, 1932– )

Lingard writes both adult and teenage fiction. She was born in Edinburgh and lived in Ulster until she was 18. Out of this experience she wrote what are probably her best-known novels, the Kevin and Sadie series. Across the Barricades (1972) has been read and loved by many schoolchildren. It explores the growing relationship between Kevin McCoy, a Catholic, and Sadie Jackson, a Protestant. It is a sophisticated treatment of the complex situation in Northern Ireland and still has resonance even in these changing times. Into Exile (1973) follows Kevin and Sadie to England as they flee to avoid the bigotry they face as a mixed partnership. Lingard returns to similar themes in Dark Shadows (1998).

Anne Fine, Jennifer Johnston  TO