Loved it! The fierce women ❤️❤️❤️ ( )

This is the first in the Fairmile series. Unfortunately, it was read out of sequence, having read the second one (Dark Tides) first. This book gave background to the second. It takes place in the Tidelands during the English Civil War.

We are introduced to Alinor (Goody Reekie), whose husband is lost at sea. She is devoted to her two children and lives a hard life as an herbalist and midwife. Oblivious to what is unfolding in London between the Royalists and Parliamentarians, her encounter with a young priest whom she helps find safety through the Tidelands has consequences for the family.

Gregory’s historical perspectives are always enjoyable. The novel was slow developing and the abrupt ending left a lot questions unanswered for the reader. As a standalone, one might find it a bit unsatisfying. ( )

Not a bookclub book. I like the era 1600’s (1648-1649) I listened to it on audio. ( )

Good historical detail about the English Civil War and King Charles I and a woman deserted by her husband, left to support her family and face the irrational prejudices of the 17th century. The ending makes you eager to start the second book in the trilogy. Highly recommend.... ( )

Tidelands is the first book in a new series, The Fairmile. As Philippa Gregory is one of my favourite authors, I grabbed the audiobook when I saw it on special.

At first, I found the book to be quite dark and depressing and, in all honesty, I thought this might be the first book by this author that I would be marking as “unfinished” or giving just one star to in a review.

However, I’m glad I kept going as the dark and depressing feel was actually part of the storyline. It seriously showed how bad the main character’s life was. Remembering the book is set in 1648 when life would have been difficult for the poor and underprivileged, and if you were a woman, if was even worse so I gulped and rethought any fanciful wish to live in the period.

Once the setting was truly set and Alinor’s storyline became clear, I was captivated and could hardly wait to continue reading (or in my case, listening) at every opportunity.

Yes, there is a political thread, but it is not overbearing. The politics are required to set the mood, but the characters actions, reactions, and dire need are always the main focus of the book. Alinor, Alys and Rob are wonderful characters and we are taken on a journey where a single decision can change the course of all their lives. And they all make decisions that effect all of them, without the knowledge of other decisions being made around them.

The story is full of love, romance, desperation, rumours, suspicion, secrets, fear, judgement, and superstition. The emotions twist and turn along the way for all of them, for different reasons. But they all want one thing in the end, to feel secure and happy.

Philippa Gregory did it again. She wrote a book that is captivating, meaningful and paints a true picture of what it would have been like living in 1648. I loved this book.

Highly recommended. ( )