A very belated review, assembled from my notes & comments for our #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead discussion…last month!😬
“There are questions and emotional realities of Maud‘s life that remain a mystery. That is the space where fiction can enter.” (from the Author‘s Note)
To a certain extent, I agree. But I‘m also torn about this specific flavor of historical fiction. It seems presumptuous—and intrusive? sensationalist?—to speculate on ⬇️
Part of my discomfort here is that I disagreed with many of Steiner‘s fictional speculations, especially regarding Maud‘s courtship with Ewan and the circumstances around Maud‘s death. This is part of my problem with this type of historical fiction: presenting an interpretation of someone‘s life as fact. That said, parts of this felt entirely plausible, especially Maud‘s relationship⬇️ 8mo
Steiner also uses a number of narrative devices that were hit or miss for me.⬇️ (edited) 8mo