Seasons in the Mist
4.8
5
16
16
Good historical novel, but read with caution
pinion: This novel was clearly well researched and written by an author who values historical accuracy and authenticity and used plenty of period terms and phrases in the narrative. She also apparently had a good knowledge of linguistics, both of Middle English and Medieval Cornish and the peppering of the narrative with Cornish, Middle English and Medieval French phrases again gave the novel a more authentic edge. Details of political, social and economic conditions also made for a more realistic and plausible historical setting.
The Middle English-like language spoken by the characters could be something of a double edged sword- it made the novel accurate and authentic, but could also make the narrative cumbersome and heavy- going, so that sometimes it was necessary to read passages of dialogue two or more times to get the gist of what the characters are saying. Thankfully, the author provides a glossary at the back, and the Kindle dictionary makes life easier, but this could be a little off-putting for some readers.
The romantic aspects of the story were also generally well done and there is no sexual content, which many `romance' novels feel the need to resort to. Though some of the romantic scenes seemed a little overstretched and overdone at times, and this really did not always seem necessary as Beth and Michael the hero's depth of feeling was pretty obvious for the most part anyway, so did the audience really need to have it affirmed so many times to get the picture?
The characters were generally well developed and believable, allowing the reader identify with or feel for most of them. The time travel concept is also well handled, Beth's sense of confusion and isolation at landing suddenly and unexpectedly in the 14th century was very relate-able and quite understandable for her circumstances- as were the responses of the Medieval people to her strangeness.
Christianity/Morality: To 'get by' in the past Bethany tells a lot of lies and falsehoods, primarily for the reason that she thinks nobody will believe her claims to be from the future, and so invent a sort of 'cover story' for her turning up alone and hurt in the 14th century. She does agonise over the morality of such a course of action, and eventually reveals the truth to the hero Michael, but not to anyone else.
I had some issues with the treatment of some biblical and Christian concepts in the book. For instance, in one place Bethany says that Michael's evil half-brother who was killed by him in single combat's `soul dwells with our dear Lord' , despite having lamented the fact that he had not been shriven or made his peace with God a few sentences before. So it is seems to have clearly been implied that the person is question went straight to heaven without having confessed, repented or been forgiven of his sins.
Bethany also 'says Aves' or prays to Mary a few times throughout the novel.
Sheila, Bethany's modern day Cornish host is a strange and unconventional personality to say the least. Her main role is as Bethany's `guide' and `mentor' which is all well and good, but the constant references to her `seeings' or ability to anticipate future events, and `intuition' by which she knows intimate details about Bethany are really just- weird. Sheila is supposed to be a Christian and the author tries to attribute her abilities to God, but I simply could not buy this. It would be all too easy for readers to see Sheila as a `psychic' of some description, and come to the conclusion that psychic power supposedly comes from God, or is compatible with Christianity- a dubious and perhaps even dangerous implication for a Christian book.
History: One thing that I found incredibly annoying being a Medievalist Historian myself was Beth the Historian heroine's belief that she could be branded a `witch' and summarily burned at the stake by the people around her for the slightest and most trivial things, such as wearing `strange' clothes, or having surgical scars. As a Doctorate level `expert' on 14th century English history she should have realised that the above would quite possible neither have been legal or very likely, as burning at the stake was not particularly common in England at this time and often reserved as a last resort for only the most serious of offences, such as heresy and supposed Satanism (to my knowledge.)
On a personal level I disliked the way that some Historians and the members of the historical profession seemed to have been depicted in the story. It appeared to be claimed that all they were interested in was 'dry facts' for their own sake, or for their own self-aggrandisement, yet many Historians wish to learn about the day to day lives of the people they study- contrary to what Beth thought.
Beth also seemed to adopt a rather condescending view of `medieval medicine' for most of the book, dismissing it as rubbish that could not heal anyone and marveling at how soldiers could have survived the wounds which gave them the scars they bore without the wonders of modern medicine. Apparently she expert was unaware of the ability of at least some surgeons to deal with wounds relatively effectively (to my knowledge) . So for a supposed trained Medievalist, Bethany's knowledge of many aspects of Medieval history was decidedly lacking.
January 16, 2013
Awesome time-travel romance!
In this time-travel novel Deborah Kinnard writes a story that I liked in all aspects.
The main character Bethany Lindstrom is a student in medieval history. For her studies she travels from the US to England. There she meets the friendly Sheila who offers Bethany a place to spend the night in her historical house.
When Bethany wakes up early she is going to explore the house a bit and stumbles on a time portal that transports her back in time to the 14th century.
It's a shock for Bethany to discover she has traveled back in time. But as a historian she also enjoys to see real life in the 14th century.
Bethany makes new friends, but also enemies. She comes to fall under the protection of Lord Michael Veryan and together they travel to king Edward's court. Bethany is trying to guard her heart, but nonetheless finds herself falling in love with Michael.
This journey back in time brings Bethany on her knees and she finds God again. What does He want her to do? Can she stay in the 14th century, or does she have to travel back to the 21st century? She doesn't know what she should choose. She is missing her mom, but she also doesn't want to leave Michael.
Travel with Bethany through the ages and find out if there's a future for her and Michael!
This novel is full of historical facts and colorful descriptions of life in medieval times. I enjoyed the author's writing-style and liked the use of old English in the conversations. I appreciated the Christian theme and how it was portraited. Wonderful job, Deborah!
March 2, 2012
Wonderful reading! Loved the detail about life in the 1300's. I was a little disappointed in the abrupt ending, but overall, a great book.
October 12, 2010
Seasons in the Mist was a wonderful escape into a medieval world. I found myself not wanting to read too fast. The descriptions of the people and the scenery really, "took me there." which is exactly what I love about time travels. I was actually sad when I finished reading it-. This book will go into my read again pile.
July 24, 2010
Welcome to Christianbook.com! Sign in or create an account
Cart
0 items
Checkout
We now accept PayPalfor ALL orders
