Nichole Louise

This book was enjoyable. At times I found the prose a little clunky and the pacing a little slow. The polylingual insertions were a little awkward (and I can read both German and Dutch, so maybe that's a because and not a despite), and the beginning was rather dry. However, the story itself was, as I said at the beginning, enjoyable to read. I liked the book, found that it was well grounded, and would recommend it to those who are fans of either the Sleepy Hollow folklore or historical fiction.
… (más)

It is 1776 in Cassel, Landgraviate of Hesse-Cassel, as Lieutenant Wolfram von Hultz's story begins and alternates with the life of Ms. Hulda Aupaumut in Sleepy Hollow, New York. The story transitions seamlessly with an easy flow in their distinctive voices. How would their lives intersect? A Hessian who came across the sea to fight for the British in the Americas during the American Revolution, and a healer/midwife in Sleepy Hollow, New York, using herblore passed down by the generations of women in her family one to another.

The author's writing enthralled me. Discovery of the title's reveal in the Prologue, opening in May 1772 in Sleepy Hollow, New York, added a fresh opening style rather than the title reveal in one of the last chapters. The descriptions are atmospheric and yet succinct. The landscape painted in my mind with her words, "crumpled leaves gilt in frost glittered on the forest floor" or an individual's countenance understood with "eyes like whiskey reflecting candlelight." Whether describing a woman falling down rocks trying to escape prey in the forest, storms at sea, or family and friends sitting down to a meal together, I was not only drawn into the moment but immersed in the setting, experiencing the event with the character(s) as though a hidden witness, listening to every sound, visualizing the drama, and feeling the emotions.

"After they’d exchanged pleasantries and Mrs. De Vries had doled out portions of corn and venison stew and biscuits, the table fell into a lull punctuated by the clink of cutlery on pewter plates, a cup set upon a saucer, the pop of the fire in the hearth, a slurp from Katrina’s spoon—followed by Elizabeth’s whispered scolding."

At times heart-warming, at times heart-wrenching, it is at all times a riveting portrayal of history in this period. I also found it to be a thoughtful spotlight on war, from fighting to answer a required call or fighting for a cause to defending home and family and protecting the innocent. There are gripping scenes that portray the sacrifices in leaving loved ones, friendships formed by circumstance or events endured, differences in military leadership, and following military orders vs. following one’s heart to do the right thing.

In the time before apothecaries, a healer was respected and feared as the knowledge of plants and herbs is sometimes not easily understood, and Hulda's experiences are no exception. As always, the spontaneous observations and reactions of children add humor and concern as adults wish to keep them safe from harm and enjoy their childhood for as long as possible before the realities of life.

The end of historical fiction is often easy to ascertain. I missed the most obvious clue and am so glad I did. Incredible!

The Author's Note shares the inspiration that led to the author's debut novel, which was created with meticulous research of local legends, historical accounts of events and figures, including Dutch, German, and Mohican language words and phrases masterfully adding authenticity to dialogue. Sources and Websites used during the author's research are shared with Land Acknowledgement of the first inhabitants of the Hudson Valley.… (más)

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, but NEW historical fiction is even better. I always appreciate a well researched book, and that is what Raven Rock is. Not only is it telling the story of the Headless Horseman and his beginnings, but it is telling the story of American History through a completely new lens. This is not a topic I would have ever thought about in terms of historical fiction writing, but it is one that is unique and is bound to make waves in the historical fiction world. The writing is beautiful, the pacing is perfect, and once again - the research is plentiful.… (más)