Review of Maren,

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Maren," by Eve Gwartney.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Maren, The Fisherman’s Daughter by Eve Gwartney is a fiction novel for adults and young adults. Fans of historical fiction and wholesome stories will enjoy this book.

Hanna Iversen knew the only way to save her family from destitution was to force her two daughters into indentured servitude. Hanna’s husband and son died in a storm while fishing. Their loss took the family's security and source of income. Herr Agner Estridsen is a wealthy landowner profiting from farmlands, wheat fields, and a powerful lineage. Hanna’s two daughters, Maren and Betina, begin working for their new master and leave behind their family, happiness, and childhoods. Maren, the older sister, tries to comfort Betina and protect her from the harshness of their reality. Maren became an expert wheat winnower and danced in the wind as she winnowed, thrashed, and sheaved. One day, after strenuous work, Maren falls asleep outside. She wakes to a whimpering sound in the nearby forest but rushes home to Betina. Sunday afternoon gives a deserved reprieve from work, and the girls search the forest to see if the whimpering noise is a lost kitten. What they find hidden within the trees changes their lives forever.

This story is a charming tale of adversity and love. The author has expertly communicated the hardships and emotions of two young girls in a desperate position. As a reader, you feel sympathy and sadness for their situation and utter contempt for the characters who put them there. The author has developed great characters with intriguing backgrounds that add depth to the story. Love is present between the characters, adding emotion. Surprising twists keep the story original and engaging. The book moves with momentum in the first half but is slower in the second. The second half of the book feels more reflective and less engaging.

The book contains many Bible quotes and some Christian religious content. This aspect should not deter non-Christian readers as the story is suited to anyone. The author has integrated some religion into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Faith and religion give the characters the strength to live successfully. The author does not preach any religious conviction but draws religious comparisons about redemption and forgiveness.

The story is set in Denmark. The author transports you to a different time in a diverse country. While reading, you can imagine yourself in the beautiful countryside, in the coastal areas, and in the busy streets of Copenhagen. Traversing through different seasons is also a pleasure to read. Through generations of family, the book gives an insight into the history of the country and the changing political and social scenes. I particularly enjoyed the education I received about a country I know little about.

The book is exceptionally edited. I loved the story and the variety of characters. The author has created an emotive book in which you become immersed. I especially liked the surprising twists and descriptions of Denmark. I didn’t find the second half of the book to be as engaging as the first, so I have to deduct a star. I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.

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Maren,
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[Shaniz Tobiaz]

This is a very great review, i have developed interest in the book, and it is a must read for me.

[Eseile Sharon]

I love the cover already added to my shelf and preparing to read love it let me just go grab coffee