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erinbrenner's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Bullying, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Violence, Trafficking, War, and Deportation
There is one brief scene of attempted pedophilia. If you wish to avoid it, you will want to skip past the scene in whichthecharmofit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
Minor: Pedophilia
heather_freshparchment's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity
jupiter2932's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent
eire2011's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Though this is considered to be a part of the Slains series, it can be read by itself but I would recommend having a bit of knowledge about early 1700s Scotland including some information about the Jacobites to get some context of the book.
This was told in multiple points of view, jumping between the late 1600s to the early 1700s as stories are told about some of the characters and you get more insight into why some of the characters are reluctant to speak about their past.
I really felt for Lilly who was one of my favorite characters and was just trying her best to live a good life but often found herself between a rock and a hard place. She was able to overcome so much, including coming to terms with being abused as a little girl by someone she trusted, the death of her parents, losing friends and loved ones while also keeping a candle for a man who she fell in love with.
I also really enjoyed learning about Adam's story who has also had his fair share of hurdles to overcome, is full of surprises and did not see the ending that reveals things about his past. I had to go back and reread some parts for it to click but that's probably because I was so wrapped up in the story.
Highly recommend checking out this book especially if you are interested in the early 1700s Scotland and the Jacobites. Looking forward to reading more of Susanna's books and can't wait to see what next she has up her sleeve!
Trigger warnings: death, prison, hanging, forced into service, pedophile, child abuse, black mail, some violence, death due to child birth
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Violence
ridesthesun's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't have words to explain the brilliance of this book. The twists, the history, the threads of this story are woven so artfully, so beautifully. SK's simple, layered style absolutely punches my gut every time. She pulls these little known figures from history, and fleshes them out, tells their stories, so that they won't be forgotten. Absolute brilliance.
Also I'm pretty sure I would die for Lily, that she would never see another hard day in her life, just saying.
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol