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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Child of Eynhallow by Anne Kinsey


Being an outcast isn't pleasant.  Being an outcast in twelfth-century England is twice as bad. 
 
Isabel Cole was an outcast from the beginning of her life and had to deal with many things alone.  She didn't know about her family's life before she was born, but the villagers had their ideas. 

Isabel had to endure unpleasant half-brothers. She had to endure a father who never smiled except at his sons; and she had to endure life in a convent.  Isabel was an outstanding student at the convent and learned to read and to become a lady.  She  visited her village at times on her few hours of free time. 

When Isabel was in the village, she always wondered why the woman labeled as a witch smiled at her whenever she saw her.  Isabel found out why she smiled at her....she was related to this woman. The woman was the sister of Isabel's grandmother, and her name was Alis.

One night after Isabel escaped from the convent and went to see Alis, Alis gave Isabel the details of their family history.  The story describing these women and how their difficult lives and their herbal cures, which were defined by the village people as witchcraft, was quite intriguing.  In fact, each of the book's characters, the men included, was interesting.

The way of thinking during the twelfth century is quite different in terms of religion, unmarried women, and specifically witchcraft.  Anne Kinsey takes the reader through the lives of Mara, Alis, Nan, and Isabel, and ends in the present with Isabel's life.  Learning about their complicated, different lives as twelfth-century women kept me turning the pages.

The book also kept my attention because of the time period, because it was set in Scotland and northern England, and of course because of the storyline.  I totally enjoyed the descriptions of the Scottish mainland and the islands.  I always enjoy reading about Medieval times and how people lived and worked.

 Anne Kinsey has a great way of writing that draws you in.  She is very descriptive, and she weaves you into the story.  You feel as though you have put yourself in the scenes and also into the characters' hearts.  From her descriptions, you will take on the emotions of every character.

 Her writing style will keep you interested and anxiously waiting to learn more about the family, their daily life, and how the generations all came about.  It is an enjoyable, distinctive read.  Don't miss out on this book. 5/5

34 comments:

  1. As you can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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  2. Nice review. It certainly sounds like an interesting read. I love anything to do with historical Britain.

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  3. Appreciate the review! I love historical fiction, so may have to check this one out.

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  4. Oh this book sounds amazing, thank you for the review and the info to this title and author. Take care
    x

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  5. Sounds like such an interesting read. I like historical fiction, and it's not often I see YA or MG in this time period.

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  6. Sounds super cool! I love books about witches. I have some witchy tendencies myself. :)

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  7. Sounds like an interesting book. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the review.

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  8. Well, this sounds like a book I need to read! Thank you for sharing it! And thanks for following my blog!

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  9. This looks like one for my list - I'll look out for it.
    Ann

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  10. Great review!

    Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm a new follower of yours now too!

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  11. What a fun site! I love reviews like this.

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  12. This sounds amazing. I LOVE the way this started, totally pulled me in. And 5/5--I NEED to read this :0)

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  13. Elizabeth, so nice to meet you! Thank you for visiting my blog. :)

    I hadn't heard of this book, but it sounds intriguing. I'll have to add it to my TBR list. :)

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  14. I think I'd enjoy the book too :)

    ........dhole

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  15. It's interesting how they veiwed the world so differently in other times. It's hard to not project our own sensibilities onto historical writing, but I'm glad she pulled it off.
    Sorry it took me so long to stop by, but I was pretty fatigued from NaNo ;)

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  16. Aha! Your a great writer - just like Karen! Welcome and I am your newest follower! sandie

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  17. Just reading the review captured my attention! Sounds like a must read!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, Silver! I hopped right over, and I'm glad I did!!

    Betty

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  19. Elizabeth, thanks for stopping by. We lived in Hershey, PA in the late 90s, a beautiful place. Happy Holidays!

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  20. Thank you for the follow and comment over at my place. It is lovely to know you. Following you back.

    I truly appreciate the review. This sounds like a book I will have to buy and cozy up with this Christmas vacation. I love being drawn in. *waving*

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  21. Hey Elizabeth, thanks for following my blog. Love your blog on books too! Awesome.

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  22. I must read this book. It has so many elements that pique my interest including the herbal remedies. Can't see how to follow your Blog.
    Thanks for stopping by and following mine.

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  23. Now I know where to go for book reviews and beautiful photos! Thanks for stopping by the blog.

    Once blogger's up and running again, I'll be a new follower. :)

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  24. Thank you for finding my blog and the review of this book. It sounds like a sweet story, but I detest the overuse of the name Isabel. Guess, I'll just have to think of her with a different name if I get a chance to read it.

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  25. So glad you found my blog, and this book sounds fantastic! Thanks for posting this!

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  26. I can tell your just pleased as ice~cream punch with this book.

    Great review! I'm puttin' together my winter reads right now and am always lookin' for a great read.

    Sweetie, I just wanted to thank you for visitin' with your sweet comment and hoppin' on my blog. I sure hope ya'll enjoy the ride.

    God bless and in the words of that wild and crazy Granny Clampett, "ya'll come back now, ya hear!!! :o)

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  27. sounds like a cool historical novel! Love the premise. Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth! :o) <3

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  28. Hi, Elizabeth, thanks for stopping by my blog and following me. I notice some of my favorite books on your bookshelf -- Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, The Forgotten Garden for two. And I also liked Shadow of the Wind (mentioned as favorites in your profile.)

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  29. Sounds like a great book! I'll add it to my list.

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  30. Thanks for this review. The book sounds terrific!

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  31. Hi Elizabeth - Thanks for visiting my blog. For some reason when you "followed" Google didn't link you up so I didn't realize I had a new follower until I read your comment. I followed you right back here.

    The book you reviewed sounds like a good one. The last such book I read was Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth." Looks like "Child of Eynhallow" is definitely one for my Kindle.

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  32. I've been looking for a historical fiction to add to my reading schedule and this sounds perfect. Thank you for the tip!

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