Young Adult
Pages: 336
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's BooksRelease Date: October 12, 2010
Lady Catherine is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite court maidens—until her forbidden romance with Sir Walter Ralegh is discovered. In a bitter twist of irony, the jealous queen banishes Cate to Ralegh's colony of Roanoke, in the New World. Ralegh pledges to come for Cate, but as the months stretch out, Cate begins to doubt his promise and his love. Instead it is Manteo, a Croatoan Indian, whom the colonists—and Cate—increasingly turn to. Yet just as Cate's longings for England and Ralegh fade and she discovers a new love in Manteo, Ralegh will finally set sail for the New World.
Seamlessly weaving together fact with fiction, Lisa Klein's newest historical drama is an engrossing tale of adventure and forbidden love—kindled by one of the most famous mysteries in American history: the fate of the settlers at Roanoke, who disappeared without a trace forty years before the Pilgrims would set foot in Plymouth.
I'm stunned! This was ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID!!!! I normally quite enjoy Historical Fiction but this time... I mean, come on! This is probably the single one thing in history that I would die to read about, and Lisa Klein does a marvelous job with it. It will always be one of the greatest historical mystery, but now I have an alternate ending that completely satisfied me. I was truly amazed by the way the story flows naturally and provides the reader such vivid insight with the several POVs and letter format. Plus, the poetry was a bonus!
I also enjoyed the fact that the book takes place in both settings: England and the New World. Descriptions were incredibly atmospheric and I felt myself standing in both places. It was absolutely fantastic the way I felt like I traveled to inside the book. I felt I was Catherine, I felt her joy and pain, and the frustration of living in such complicated times and situations.
The writing was delightful, and Catherine's voice was unique and compelling. It's hard to believe she's not as real as the rest. I don't think there is any better way to learn history while enjoying an amazing journey than to read Historical Fiction. It's way too fun to call it studying, but in a way it's exactly what it is. At the begging of the book there's a list of characters that specify which existed and which were made for the story and at the end of the book there's an author's note that explains which parts are true and further readings.
If you've never tried historical fiction, this is an excellent option to start the right way. It's the kind of story that will very much appeal the reluctant readers. On the other hand, if you enjoy the genre already, go out and get this one NOW!! You'll thank me later.
I agree, I LOVED!!!! this book
ReplyDeleteThat's such an intriguing story that I'm not surprised that it made a good novel. I want to read this one!
ReplyDeleteOkay so I should probably pick this as my "One Day I Will Read Historical Fiction" book, huh? You've sold me!
ReplyDeleteI have been so excited about reading this book. I have always hypothesized various scenarios about Roanke, every since I taught early American history and I applaud Lisa for taking on this subject. Great review, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this book. It sounds really good and I've always been so intrigued by the lost colony of Roanoke! Glad to hear that you enjoyed the books so much.
ReplyDeleteI read and reviewed this one too. I was intrigued by Roanoke but could have done without Sir Walter.
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