Book Review for Midwinterblood 1-27-16
by- Terrie
Summary-
Midwinterblood is a haunting seven part book which travels with each subsequent story from the future into the long-ago past. Each part is a story unto itself, but all are tied together by the characters Eric and Merle who began together in an ancient time where sacrifice was not just an idea. In each incarnation- journalist, archaeologist, painter, farmer, fisherman, Viking, and king- Eric chooses to sacrifice himself for love. On the isolated island of Blest; magical dragon orchids, ghosts and even a Viking vampire make their appearances. It’s an island where tea is not just tea, apples are not just apples, and secrets are kept at a brutal and terrible cost.
Critique-
“So it is,” (Sedgwick, 2013) a phrase showing his belief in fate, is repeated by Eric, Erik and Eirikr in all his incarnations throughout the book and at the finale. As you move from the future to the past, Sedgwick slowly reveals patterns and details that re-emerge in a surprising, yet somehow unobtrusive manner. In each new story you’ll wonder what time period you’ll be taken to and who Eric and Merle will be. The tragedy and ruthlessness are at times difficult to read, however, the author engages his audience so thoroughly that they feel compelled to keep reading. Like watching a movie with a dramatic twist at the end, you will find your mind retracing the path through the book, connecting people and details together with an “Ah!” at the end. When the epilogue wraps back to the first story, you may ask yourself if it truly was the end, or yet another beginning? Midwinterblood is not a light read but it is an easy one that flows smoothly, if swiftly, over a fiercely rocky and jagged path. I would recommend this book for ages thirteen and older based on the content. Sedgwick has created a novel that will remain with you long after you’ve finished.
Sedgwick, M. (2013). Midwinterblood. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
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