The Winter Sea is often referred to as time travel
historical fiction, but I consider it more of a clever blend of contemporary
and historical fiction in one story. The story is told from two alternating
perspectives. One is the first person point of view of Carrie McClelland, a
successful Canadian writer of historical fiction who is writing a novel
surrounding the events leading up to the Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland in 1708
as the exiled James Stewart seeks to reclaim his crown. While visiting her
agent and friend in Scotland, the ruins of Slains Castle call to Carrie and she
feels compelled to rent a cottage in the area so that she can properly research
and write her book. She rents a cottage from a local man, Jimmy Keith and
befriends his two sons Stuart and Graham, falling romantically for the
latter.
The other perspective is
told from the third person, following a young woman named Sophia Paterson who
arrives at Slains Castle in the early 1700s to stay with a distant relation,
the Countess of Erroll and takes place over a couple of years surrounding the
events of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1708. It is at Slains Castle where Sophia
learns of the stirrings of a rebellion on behalf of James Stewart --James VIII
of Scotland and III of England, to reclaim his crown. This is also where she
meets and falls in love with Mr. John Moray, a man trusted by Queen Mary
herself (the birth mother of James Stewart) closely embroiled in the rebellion.
Their story is a heartbreaking one full of danger and secrecy, but also one of
hope and survival.
'Aye,' he
said, 'there is no sight so melancholy as the winter sea, for it does tell us
we are truly at the ending of the year, and all its days are passed, its days
of joy and sorrow that will never come again.'
I know this plot summary sounds
extremely dry but this is seriously one of my all time favorite books. I found
the historical part of the Jacobite invasion and the attempt to reclaim the
throne very interesting. I almost find these sections of the book more engaging
than the modern part featuring Carrie. Although I will say that throughout the
book, it is as though we are looking over her shoulder witnessing how she
conducts research, finds inspiration and writes as much as she could whenever
her muse strikes. I loved this glimpse into the writer’s process. The love story was simple and not
overdone. It’s engrossing but not sappy at all. The Winter Sea really hits the
perfect blend of history and romance.
Susanna Kearsley does a great job
of intertwining and connecting the two story lines. Even though you jump back
and forth in time every chapter it is never bothersome or distracting. The
transition is actually very smooth and often times playful. Her writing is rich
and descriptive and her tone is very friendly or familiar. Kearsley’s stories are similar to something
like Possession by A.S. Byatt but her voice and writing style are a lot more
accessible to the average reader.
“I do promise that
you will survive this. Faith, my own heart is so scattered round the country
now, I marvel that it has the strength each day to keep me standing. But it
does,' she said, and drawing in a steady breath she pulled back just enough to
raise a hand to wipe Sophia's tears. 'It does. And so will yours.'
'How can you be so
sure?'
'Because it is a
heart, and knows no better.”
I just can't be clear enough about how much you will love this book! I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments.
