Basic plot run down: after witnessing the events at the Massacre at Glencoe, Corrag is accused of witchcraft and imprisoned. Irish minister (and secret Jacobite) Charles Leslie comes to interview her in hopes of finding proof that King William was truly behind the massacre. The narrative is told mostly from Corrag’s point of view as she recounts her life before and leading up to the events at Glencoe. This alternates with Leslie’s point of view as he writes home to his wife in Ireland recounting his reactions to Corrag’s tale.
I liked the idea of seeing Glencoe from Corrag’s viewpoint (supposedly she did exist), but unfortunately the narrative just didn’t work, at least for me. Much too much time is spent as Corrag recounts the times before she came to Glencoe, let alone her time assimilating into the community and the relationship with Alasdair. The massacre itself didn’t even happen until well past page 300 and by then there were only another 50 or so pages left to tell the story. As for Leslie’s letters home to his wife? Over and above the *yawn* factor, I was scratching my head at some of the information he was willing to put to paper in such dangerous times.
Yes, the writing was lovely, yes it was lyrical – but the repetition may drive you nuts (it did me). I’d have been better off dragging Jennifer Roberson’s Lady of the Glen out for a reread (don’t let that stupid WTF were they thinking cover from Kensington scare you). Library only, then buy it if you love it. That said, everyone else seems to love it to bits so it must be me again 😉
FTC, a win off of Librarything’s Early Reviewer program.
