A strong and endearing heroine
This novel is one of the few books that has emotionally touched me. I wouldn't classify this book as entertainment but rather as an experience - an emotional journey with its protagonist that despite the historical setting and the element of magic is so grounded in human realities.
The story is set in pagan times when the tension between the Brits and the Irish was just brewing. Amidst this political tension is a far greater force - the spirit world of the Irish forest that plays with the lives of seven gifted siblings. Sorcha is the seventh daughter of a seventh son and she possesses the power of healing. When her widowed father marries the mysterious lady Oonagh her brothers are turned into swans and Sorcha has to save them by weaving shirts of the poisonous starwort plant that stings and disfigures her hands. Most importantly she cannot speak until she finishes her task.
This novel is Sorcha's story. It recounts the hardships she faced alone in the forest. The terrible experience of loneliness, of privation and abuse that makes the reader suffer with her (I cried on three occasions). However it also recounts Sorcha's fateful discovery of love in the most unlikely place and is therefore a tender love story of two people who have to reconcile their loyalties and let fate take its course.
The only flaw I found in the book is that with so much sorrow and challenges imposed upon the protagonists, the novel ends like a traditional fairy tale on a happy note. I found it difficult to accept. However this element can be forgiven as the novel also ends with a lot of questions about the other characters. Who is the mysterious figure lurking in Sorcha's vision? Where has Finbar (her brother) gone? Will Diarmid and Cormack return? What of the lady Oonagh?
I found this book difficult to put down and contradictorily wanted to prolong the reading experience and get to the end at the same time. It's one of the best books I have read and would recommend it to all. Can't wait to read the second book. Too bad it's not available in my country.
Transformative and Captivating
I actually loved this book. It was one of those books that I found it nearly impossible to put down and I was left feeling bereft when it ended. Set in ancient Ireland, the tale weaves together elements of magic, folktales, and history. Her main character, Sorcha, is the daughter of Lord Colum, and sister to six brothers. When the father brings home a new stepmother for the children, chaos ensues. The stepmother is described as almost unequivocally evil, and capable of great magic. That might, in fact, be my one criticism - her character was not only evil, it was a little flat. I don't hink that detracted from the book at all, and I suspect we may learn more of her in the following two books.
The family is pitted against the people from the British Isles, and there is enough strife and conflict in here to have anyone hurriedly flipping pages. The book is also sad in many ways, but redemptive. I can't wait to read the sequels. If you like folk or fairy tales or historical novels in any way, read this book.
Sorcha is the seventh child with six older brothers. When an enchantress places a spell over her brothers and turns them into swans only Sorcha can help. This story can be heartbreaking at times, but turns out great. There are two other books in the series. Try Juliet Marillier's other books too.
Product Description
Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives, they are determined that she know only contentment.
But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift-by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.
When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers, and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all...
Product Description
Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives, they are determined that she know only contentment.
But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift-by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.
When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers, and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all...