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What Members Thought
Really well-done historical fiction with a setting that is incredibly rich without feeling educational or overly expository. The alternating protagonists are complex and real. I kept thinking I was watching Downton Abbey, more than six hundred years earlier; the roots are here. An interesting contrast with the history of American expansion, which of course I'm a lot more familiar with.
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4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story about two girls in occupied Wales in the late 1200's, certainly a time period I know nothing about. I really thought I would give it a 5, but there was quite a bit of violence that I didn't love (but understood the necessity).
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Set in Wales in the Middle Ages, this is the story of Cecily, a teen who has lost her position due to English laws governing inheritance. She and her father move to a walled town where the English oppressively tax and control the Welsh, who live outside the walls. She absolutely hates living among the Welsh and behaves like a miserable brat.
In contrasting chapters (and font), Cecily's handmaid tells her version of events. She, too, has lost her position but it's because of the English who have t ...more
In contrasting chapters (and font), Cecily's handmaid tells her version of events. She, too, has lost her position but it's because of the English who have t ...more
I loved this book for so many reasons. I loved the history of Wales and the masterful way that the hatred, mistrust, and misunderstanding of Brits and Welsh was portrayed through the eyes of two young women who were more alike than they knew. I loved the title. Who is sure of what is wicked and what is just? Within pages, my sympathies changed from one character to another. I loved that this was real, never subtle, always honest in what life brings. I loved the ending, and I love thinking about
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Complex historical fiction, liked the time and place setting, but the main characters had little emotional progress/developed no new understanding which detracted for me.
Not sure of the audience due to its harshness. Upper high school maybe. Some parts were tough to understand. Will there be a sequel? I was left with questions.
This story is going to stick with me for awhile.
If you're reading 1 Historical fiction for YA this year,
so far this would be my pick! ...more
If you're reading 1 Historical fiction for YA this year,
so far this would be my pick! ...more
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