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emmalemonnz's review
3.0
I picked up this book in a second hand book section of a roadside cafe, looking for some light reading for the bus.
I'm not quite sure how this book counts as a mystery... but it served its purpose, keeping me entertained for a number of hours on the road, and pool-side during my holiday. I'm cynical, I know, but I just didn't think the plot was thick enough to be a mystery. It was interesting as historical fiction, and I really enjoyed the way the two stories intertwined, past and present sewn together to create one history.
I also liked that the romances hinted at and/or hoped for throughout the novel were not all neatly resolved. I've never read any of the others in this series, and to be honest, I won't be seeking them out, but this was good as a stand-alone book. The important parts of the story were wound up, but the secondary characters were left open, making for a more satisfying read than if everything had come to a neat conclusion.
I liked, too, the mystic elements - the fairies, the spirits of the forests, and the old midwife who made the prophecy at Malcolm's birth. I realise it's maybe not where the author wanted the story to go, but I think I'd have enjoyed it more if there had been more of a focus on these elements.
Overall, the story was well written, but nothing special. A light, forgettable, holiday read.
I'm not quite sure how this book counts as a mystery... but it served its purpose, keeping me entertained for a number of hours on the road, and pool-side during my holiday. I'm cynical, I know, but I just didn't think the plot was thick enough to be a mystery. It was interesting as historical fiction, and I really enjoyed the way the two stories intertwined, past and present sewn together to create one history.
I also liked that the romances hinted at and/or hoped for throughout the novel were not all neatly resolved. I've never read any of the others in this series, and to be honest, I won't be seeking them out, but this was good as a stand-alone book. The important parts of the story were wound up, but the secondary characters were left open, making for a more satisfying read than if everything had come to a neat conclusion.
I liked, too, the mystic elements - the fairies, the spirits of the forests, and the old midwife who made the prophecy at Malcolm's birth. I realise it's maybe not where the author wanted the story to go, but I think I'd have enjoyed it more if there had been more of a focus on these elements.
Overall, the story was well written, but nothing special. A light, forgettable, holiday read.
jgintrovertedreader's review
3.0
It's been a while, so I might be wrong here. The way I remember it, there was stuff going in the book that never did make sense to me.
loonyhiker's review
2.0
I had a hard time getting into this book because it jumped around too much. I don't think the characters were developed enough and if there was a plot, I had trouble following it.
tabithar's review
5.0
This is perhaps my favorite of all of the Ballad series to date. Uniquely, "The Songcatcher" is partially fictitious but the historical background story is based on the life of one of McCrumb's ancestors. I will likely be reading this one again in the future and highly recommend it.
anaya13's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was my first time reading a Sharyn McCrumb book. I loved the subject matter and found the writing engrossing. Some of the characters’ flaws were a bit creepy and it soured the overarching story for me. I’ll probably try another of her books.
mimima's review
3.0
I have changed this book's rating between 3 and 4 stars several times. I really enjoy McCrumb's Ballad series, and this is another strong entry. She does a good job of weaving together a current story with a historical storyline, this time mining her own family's history.
It also had some interesting things to say about the way that we choose to pronounce place names, and the politics of doing so. It was definitely food for thought.
It also had some interesting things to say about the way that we choose to pronounce place names, and the politics of doing so. It was definitely food for thought.
treehuggr's review
5.0
This was amazing! I always read a book before watching the movie. I did enjoy the movie though because you could actually listen to the beautiful songs of Appalachia. There is a surprise twist though!
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