In the present, we are absorbed in a fascinating ghost story taking place in the former Wilde home, which is being resurrected as a Museum in honour of the war hero Captain Benjamin Wilde. The new curator, Charlotte (Charley) is faced with the loss of her brother, caring for her teenaged niece and resistance of new ideas from the Board of the Museum. All while having to contend with a ghost moving items and bearing a lantern light through the forest to the sea. I really enjoyed the chapter transitions. We go from the viewpoint of Charley, in the present, trying to reconcile her own family's dark past with her need to find Lydia's story about her love for a French captive. Then we shift to Lydia, who is slowly learning to forgive and begins to understand the person behind the soldier in war, the reasons for both sides fighting and the costs both sides must suffer for a cause. From Lydia we move to Jean-Philippe de Sabran, one of the captive French Lieutenants, who is slowly realizing that being a soldier does not have to be his entire life, that he can hope for more. Jean-Philippe is a very strong character. He arrives at the Wilde home speaking no English, but witnessed a private scene of Lydia in the sea and is in awe. He immerses himself in the family, although he tries to remain aloof, and he continues to show his kindness, humility and humanity to these strangers who are harbouring an enemy who has brought a lot of sadness to their family. He is understanding, honest and courageous, and these qualities slowly endear him to those around him, specifically Lydia. He is also very interesting, born in Quebec he is a Troupes de la Marines, but he also lived with the Seneca and developed some of their indigenous culture. He is very different from the other Lieutenant, born in France, who seems to care little about the men in his service and the territory he is fighting to keep. Lydia is passionate, but also a stability to all those around her. A calm head, strong character and kindness help her to alleviate stress on all those she comes in contact with. She is intelligent and can fight battles, or stop battles before they begin. Jean-Philippe and Lydia overcome cultural and societal boundaries to find an enduring love, although in the present it is suspected Jean-Philippe was murdered by Lydia's older brother. Kearsley adds real historical figures to her stories, which bring her narrative to life. She places them where they would have been at the time, with in depth research and stunning realism. She also switches her narrative language depending on the character's voice. Lydia narrates with a voice of a colonial, and Charley narrates with a voice of the present. The changes are so subtle, but really display how amazing Kearsley is at drawing the reader in to her story, how she is able to portray her characters so beautifully. While the book was slow to start, it was moving, immersive and thought provoking. I applaud Kearsley for addressing slavery, prejudice, and residential schools. These are all topics that need to continuously be talked about, taught at schools and written about. We need to remember, especially now, when so many injustices are still taking place.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Currently ReadingHorror
Epic Fantasy
Archives
March 2024
|