Reading: Sistersong

[white_hart]

Lucy Holland's Sistersong is a historical fantasy set in sixth-century Britain. The novel weaves together the voices of the three children of Cador, king of Dumnonia (modern-day Devon and Cornwall): thoughtful, studious Riva; golden, carefree Sinne; and Keyne, whose magical talents hide other, more difficult truths. As the old magic fades from the land and Dumnonia becomes vulnerable to attack by the Saxons, the siblings' actions are key to the fate of the kingdom.

Based partly on the ballad 'The Twa Sisters', Sistersong weaves together history, myth and legend, sibling rivalry, disability and gender identity to create a powerful and compelling story. I really enjoyed this; more than anything, it felt like an updated version of Rosemary Sutcliff's post-Roman novels, with added magic.

Comments

[cmcmck]

Being a folkie, I might find this one interesting.

[white_hart]

I suspect you would!

[oracne]

The description reminds me a bit of HILD by Nicola Griffith.

[white_hart]

Yes, it did remind me of that a bit in places.

[jinty]

I was thinking the same :-)

[sfred]

*bumps it up my to-read list*

[crinolinerobot]

I reviewed this one for SFX and really liked it too.