Review by Sue Dounim
This is a fascinating, intriguing novel of historical fiction set in the wild Yorkshire moors of England in the late 1800s. It has everything: an unexpected inheritance of a rural English manor, a young boy searching for magic, a handsome schoolmaster and a teacher with secrets, and presents superstitious beliefs and strange rituals. Author Lita-Luise Chappell skillfully introduces you to this drama, which includes not only complex characters, but the natural and cultural history of the area as well. Her meticulous research and detail breathe life into each scene. I especially liked the unexpected and unpredictable twists and turns the story took. Often when I smugly thought “I bet I know where this is going” or “I know why the author is presenting this aspect”, the narrative rug was pulled from under my feet. The story’s climax is bittersweet: ancient mysteries are unraveled, not without some tragedy, but new hopes are born from it. It was surely an enjoyable, engaging read and I highly recommend it.
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The official website of Lita-Luise Chappell, writer on sex, magic, food, distant lands, and everyday life with articles, poetry, novels, travelogues, rituals, cookbooks, and short-stories.
