Here are the basics ...Books: The Winter Sea
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Blog: http://www.theheroineaddicts.blogspot.com/
Category: Fiction - Historical
My thoughts ...
One sentence summary: Carrie McClelland is working on her next historical novel (based on James Stewart's return to Scotland to reclaim his thrown) but as she writes, the line between fact and fiction begins to blur.
The good: I enjoyed how the book alternated between past and present because both heroines, both sets of characters and both relationships were all so engaging. I have to admit, it took me a while to get into the book (which I'll explain soon) but the characters kept me going. They were very well-written and you feel so many of their emotions through the author's words (at least, I did!).
The bad: The main character is a historical novelist writing her book and many of the people around her are also into history. Then the main character set in the past is witness to a political upheaval so many of the people around her are discussing war and the monarchy. But to be honest, I really wasn't interested in any of that. Sometimes the historical facts would go on for pages and I mostly skimmed over them because I wanted to get back to the heart of the story - the characters. I think there should have been less history and more fiction.
Do I recommend?: Halfway through the book I started to think about this review and how I would answer this question. At the time, I was learning towards no but I think my answer is yes. I do recommend it. If you want a lighter read, then you might want to read a YA novel instead but if you're willing to read through the history lesson-like aspects of the book, it is a good read.
One sentence summary: Carrie McClelland is working on her next historical novel (based on James Stewart's return to Scotland to reclaim his thrown) but as she writes, the line between fact and fiction begins to blur.
The good: I enjoyed how the book alternated between past and present because both heroines, both sets of characters and both relationships were all so engaging. I have to admit, it took me a while to get into the book (which I'll explain soon) but the characters kept me going. They were very well-written and you feel so many of their emotions through the author's words (at least, I did!).
The bad: The main character is a historical novelist writing her book and many of the people around her are also into history. Then the main character set in the past is witness to a political upheaval so many of the people around her are discussing war and the monarchy. But to be honest, I really wasn't interested in any of that. Sometimes the historical facts would go on for pages and I mostly skimmed over them because I wanted to get back to the heart of the story - the characters. I think there should have been less history and more fiction.
Do I recommend?: Halfway through the book I started to think about this review and how I would answer this question. At the time, I was learning towards no but I think my answer is yes. I do recommend it. If you want a lighter read, then you might want to read a YA novel instead but if you're willing to read through the history lesson-like aspects of the book, it is a good read.
Happy reading!
I absolutely adore reading fiction based in history, especially European history. Though Scotland's history is one I have yet to delve into, I think I'd be interested in reading this book.
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