Having loved 'Company of Liars', I was determined to read this book, and, after ordering, can cofess was very excited about it arriving. I had to wait until evening, after work, to read it and so the apprehension just gathered ever greater. Initially, I was immediately intrigued by the events of the prologue, and then the first section. Then, I was a little wary of the fact that this was going to be told by lots of different characters in first person narrative rather than just the one. I thought this might make the story seem fractured and I'd lose interest as it switched between viewpoints.
This prooved to be a false belief.
As I continued to read, I became use to 'seeing' through each character's eyes, finding one no less interesting than another. Indeed, I began to enjoy the tale as much as I had enjoyed 'Company of Liars'.
Pagan and christian ways intermingle beautifully in some ways and clash spectacularly in others, all the way through. There's mystery, tragedy, suspense and a rather satisfying, though ambiguous, ending. And, of course, the notes at the end of the book aren't just worth reading, showing how much care is taken by the author in her research, but they are a joy to read. Truly, Karen Maitland knows how to write what she's interested in. And such enthusiasm shows through her pages, making her work a real joy to read.
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