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Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Testament by Alis Hawkins



The two time frame story is becoming very popular. I've seen it so many times and every time it works like a charm.

Here too we go to medieval England to Salster to 1385 and to a master mason Simon and more unusually his wife a master craftsman too. The building of any place is in this time a massive achievement. A lifetime honor for a craftsmen and from the details found in this story, obviously a massive undertaking. Stones were chiselled and part of a building as a labour of love, of much pride for not just the master but also for his workmen. The story of this couple and their unusual child and the complications of local politics and pride is one story.

Fast forward to 2019 and we have Dalmia taking over as Marketing Manager of the college Kinetton and Dacre. The college is bankrupt and is left vulnerable to take over bids where the main concern is turning over a fast buck. Whilst undergoing renovations, a grotesque series of paintings is uncovered. Will this be the saving of the college? but first the story has to be uncovered as to what it signifies.

Two stories of history in two separate time frames, two personal stories one of Simon and his wife and son and then we have Dalmia and her partner trying to find a balance between career and love.

I loved the detail in both time frames. The procedure of building, of architecture in the 14th century and the machinations and marketing of a college which is behind the facade of a well run institution in the 21st century.

Sent to me by Netgalley for an unbiased review, courtesy of Sapere Books.

3 comments:

  1. I've read a couple of dual narratives that I didn't think were great. I'm glad this was a winner.

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  2. Lately the majority of my reading has dual storylines. I get a bit tired of it unless it really works.Sounds like this one did!

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  3. I enjoy dual narrative books quite a bit. I can't say I have read many historical novels set in 1385. I am glad you enjoyed this one. I will have to give it a try!

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