I am delighted to share my review today for Mere by Danielle Giles. I admit the cover caught my eye and then it was the synopsis that made me to decide to read this book.
My huge thanks to Pan Macmillan for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.
The mere has fingers.
Clever fingers to reach through the marsh and wrap around little ankles.
Strong arms to pull poor sinners downwards.
And a great gaping belly that can never be filled . . .
Norfolk, 990 AD. Deep in the Fens, isolated by a vast and treacherous mere, an order of holy sisters make their home. Under the steely guidance of Abbess Sigeburg they follow God’s path, looking to their infirmarian, Hilda, to provide what comfort and cures she can.
But when the mere takes a young servant boy, Sigeburg’s grip falters and Hilda quickly realises this place holds secrets darker and more unholy than she can fathom.
Then proud Sister Wulfrun, a recent arrival to the convent, has a a curse is upon them and change must be brought. Is she saint or serpent? To Hilda, Wulfrun is a signal bolder and brighter than any fire set – one she cannot help but follow . . .
Mere by Danielle Giles is a strikingly beautiful historical novel about fear and survival, power and position, and a love that takes hold in the darkest of places.
MY REVIEW
This historical fiction story is set in the Fens of Norfolk in 990 AD. Set amid this area is a community of nuns and those living nearby. There is a fear of the fens and the dark bogs, pools and unclear pathways. Some will forage around the edges, and those who know some of the pathways.
Having visited Norfolk, the Fens and the surrounding area when I went camping with my family as a child, I remember the warning I was given about sticking to the pathways. I know the landscape has changed obviously between the time of the story and when I visited, but the atmosphere of wandering the paths and not walking at night in the area added a huge sense of dread, fear and suspense.
There are some key characters in this story and these are very easy to remember as the story of the community unfolds. There is a fear that the land that is used for farming, foraging and fishing is not producing what it once did. Times are getting harder, and there is a young boy who gets lost in the fens. He was the latest arrival to the community, along with Wulfrun, who is to join the order. It is Wulfran’s arrival that upsets the balance, and along with this comes a huge change to the way things are.
The author uses the iron will of the Abbess to maintain control, but there are whispers in the corners about a curse. While this is a Christian community, there are also the old ways that are intertwined into everyday lives. The details of their living conditions, the daily life and chores, and how society treats women who are discarded by husbands or parents are interesting.
The sense of fear and mistrust of change that is shown through the story is intriguing and adds a huge amount of suspense. There are mentions of romance and also how treatments and natural remedies are used in the infirmary.
This story has a lot of detail about the life and times in the area and I found it interesting to read and the main storyline to be very addictive. This is not a fast paced book, and everything is timed with the way of life and the seasons, so it is a very fitting pace. But it does allow the author to explore her characters more.
If you are a fan of historical fiction then this is a book that might very well interest you. It took me a little longer to read than normal, but I do tend to notice this more with historical fiction. I would definitely recommend it.
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
