Wendy Erskine's debut novel, 'The Benefactors,' follows her acclaimed short story collections and establishes her as a prominent voice in Irish literature.

The narrative centers around Misty, a girl raised by a taxi driver, who encounters three affluent boys while working at a hotel, leading to a pivotal incident.

Misty, struggling with an unsuccessful Only Fans account, finds herself in a complicated situation involving consent with one of the boys, Chris, which triggers a police investigation.

The story delves into themes of privilege and violation, as Misty threatens one of the boys, Lyness, with police action after feeling disrespected.

The novel's characters, including Misty's father Boogie and the boys' mothers, showcase a range of responses to the central incident, reflecting the societal context.

Erskine vividly portrays Belfast through its inhabitants, emphasizing the complexity of their experiences and emotions.

With a blend of empathy and narrative depth, 'The Benefactors' offers a nuanced exploration of character and place, highlighting the resilience and challenges within Belfast society.

Rather than culminating in a typical court case scenario, the story presents a rich tapestry of voices and experiences, capturing both joy and sadness in the characters' lives.

The diverse perspectives in the novel are conveyed through third-person chapters and 51 first-person vignettes, enriching the story with varied voices from contemporary Belfast.

Erskine, a Belfast native and school teacher, began publishing fiction in her forties, drawing inspiration from her home city.