Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick
Why did I read it?
One of my coworkers read it as it won The Printz Award, and even though she wasn't sure what she thought about it, she said it was definitely worth reading.
What happened?
While the island was called Blessed, and the kindness and hospitality of the island dwellers seems to support that name, Eric Seven's natural journalistic curiosity was definitely aroused with this assignment.
First there are the rumors that no one on the island has aged in years. Secondly there is the fact that the island produces many medical remedies that no one can quite explain. Then there is the reality that Eric doesn't seem to notice his curiosity anymore. He is more enthralled with a young woman on the island that he has never met before, and yet, has...Merle...who is she?
So begins a novel sweeping backwards through history. Tragedy in the present seems to relate to similar events in the past. Events in one time relate to and effect another. Two lovers, Eric and Merle, call, long, and reach for each other through time.
What did I like or not like?
This novel is divided into seven parts; each one set in a different time
period. It begins in the future, and then each part travels further
back into the past. Each time a new period is introduced, we are offered
another look at the characters, and given more revelations of their
story throughout time. This unique writing structure kept me turning the pages wondering what pieces of the first story would be revealed and explained in the past.
Even though the book was well-written, had an interesting writing structure, and felt like a fairy tale mixed with poetry, it wasn't one of my favorites. I don't think it was a particular element in the book that turned me off; it apparently just wasn't my particular cup of tea. That notwithstanding, my coworker was right; it was definitely worth reading =D
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