Detailed, fascinating and complex, Elodie Harper’s novel sweeps the reader on quite extraordinary journey.
This is a novel that doesn’t allow you to catch your breath – it is bold, adventurous, violent and bloody from start to finish.
The story takes readers from the mysterious marshlands of Britain all the way to the politically dangerous world of Rome, the reader follows the story of Solina daughter of the legendary Boudicca first growing up in her mother’s shadow and rivalry with her sister through to the tragedy that follows in the bloody battles against Roman soldiers and Solina’s seeking of vengance as she is taken to Rome.
Told through a variety of different perspectives, this structure allows more depth to the experience of many rather than the select few – although naturally it is Solina’s voice that shines through the most. There is also great detail in the surroundings, the hint of magical atmosphere in the marshes where Solina and her family live to the luxurious lavishness of Rome that ensures that the reader feels completely immersed in this world that Harper has created.
But is also complex in the way in which it handles a variety relationships – whether it is between Solina and her moth Catia (Boudicca’s other name) or Solina and her relationship with Paulinus the Roman who captures her and takes her to Rome.
The early part of the book in which the Iceni and the Romans enter a bloody conflict in the wake of the death of Solina’s father- is filled with drama, violence and urgency which can feel slightly overblown. This means that the early part of the book feels rushed through. Things settle down as Solina is taken to Rome and in many ways is infinitely more satisfying, because the reader is given deeper understanding of Solina’s conflicting emotions of guilt at surviving where her family didn’t, disgust at being forced into decisions she doesn’t want to make and shame at her growing feelings for Paulinus. It is actually her time in Rome that adds a vulnerability to Solina’s character, despite her dislike of the Romans heightened further when she becomes a mother.
The overriding feeling about this book is one of survival no matter what the personal cost. It is gritty, vivid and utterly unputdownable and set in a time in history that I know very little about. It will certainly be interesting to see what the author does next.
Overall, Boudicca’s Daughter is fierce and an immensely thrilling read from start to finish. I highly recommend.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Boudicca’s Daughter is available to buy now.