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A review by wordsofapaige
Sistersong by Lucy Holland
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm just say please buy this book, please read it, please experience it and please feel all the feelings it's going to give you. It entirely caught me out by just how much emotional punch it has and those last 100 pages are going to have you rollercoastering through so many emotions. I wanted to cry happy tears at the end, the kind of tears where your heart has been broken but then fixed just enough that you feel almost happy again.
We get to read from the point of view of all three of our main characters. Riva, the oldest sister who falls for a stranger. Keyne, born female but wants to be seen as the Kings Son. Sinne, the youngest sister who longs for romance. I loved reading each of their stories and their struggles as children of the King in the turbulent times they're experiencing. Keyne was hands down my favourite of the three, and it's Keyne's story that feels at the centre of the book.
There are people far better than me out there to talk about the representation within the book. Sistersong features a trans character in Keyne, and a gender fluid character in another important person (it's best to find out who by yourself). The message in this book that the most important name you have is the one you give yourself is poignant and powerful and watching Keyne get accepted by those around her is a joy.
Set in a time when Christianity is just being preached across England, it's a fascinating look into how Christianity converted communities and the religion that was left behind in its wake. It's the first book I've read where the battle between these religions features. I loved seeing the rituals of the pagan religions, and how Gildas (our Christian priest) tries to stop them and convert the community to his way of religion. To read this change and this intolerance for the religion of those who were there before him. It's a subject that makes for fascinating reading, and important lessons.
The plot of Sistersong is based upon the folktale of the same name. Except usually it speaks of two sisters, with a third occasionally being spoken of, but with a small forgotten role in the tale. Lucy Holland has taken this folktale and woven a magical, poignant story with it. One that has major character development and actually, some of the best character development I feel like I've read in a while.
The purpose of this rambling review is to say that Sistersong is a must-read of this year. It's an important story of change, identity and love.
I'm just say please buy this book, please read it, please experience it and please feel all the feelings it's going to give you. It entirely caught me out by just how much emotional punch it has and those last 100 pages are going to have you rollercoastering through so many emotions. I wanted to cry happy tears at the end, the kind of tears where your heart has been broken but then fixed just enough that you feel almost happy again.
We get to read from the point of view of all three of our main characters. Riva, the oldest sister who falls for a stranger. Keyne, born female but wants to be seen as the Kings Son. Sinne, the youngest sister who longs for romance. I loved reading each of their stories and their struggles as children of the King in the turbulent times they're experiencing. Keyne was hands down my favourite of the three, and it's Keyne's story that feels at the centre of the book.
There are people far better than me out there to talk about the representation within the book. Sistersong features a trans character in Keyne, and a gender fluid character in another important person (it's best to find out who by yourself). The message in this book that the most important name you have is the one you give yourself is poignant and powerful and watching Keyne get accepted by those around her is a joy.
Set in a time when Christianity is just being preached across England, it's a fascinating look into how Christianity converted communities and the religion that was left behind in its wake. It's the first book I've read where the battle between these religions features. I loved seeing the rituals of the pagan religions, and how Gildas (our Christian priest) tries to stop them and convert the community to his way of religion. To read this change and this intolerance for the religion of those who were there before him. It's a subject that makes for fascinating reading, and important lessons.
The plot of Sistersong is based upon the folktale of the same name. Except usually it speaks of two sisters, with a third occasionally being spoken of, but with a small forgotten role in the tale. Lucy Holland has taken this folktale and woven a magical, poignant story with it. One that has major character development and actually, some of the best character development I feel like I've read in a while.
The purpose of this rambling review is to say that Sistersong is a must-read of this year. It's an important story of change, identity and love.