Title: Sisters of Castle Leod
Author: Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
ISBN: 9781685130626
Pages: 310
Genre: Historical fiction, Tragedy, Drama, Spirituality
Reviewed by: Manik Chaturmutha
Pacific Book Review
Sisters of Castle Leod by author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is a beautiful story of two sisters in the high society of Victorian England. The first chapter introduces the book’s two main characters, Sibell and Constance Mackenzie, and gives insight into how their relationship would change with time.
The book’s protagonist and narrator, Sibell Mackenzie, is the eldest daughter of the Earl of Cromartie and, ultimately, the heiress to his estates. She is described as an aspiring writer with firm spiritual beliefs. On the contrary, Constance is a headstrong, stubborn and talented young woman who strives for attention and recognition. After the death of the Earl of Cromartie, when all the estate passes to Sibell, the tensions grow. Their relationship is broken when a tragedy strike too close to the home of the new Countess of Cromartie. With the death of a loved one, all the suspicion falls on Constance and results in a devastating consequence.
Sibell and Constance each want what the other has. Mistrust, jealousy and envy grow each year until everything is at a standstill. All it takes is a leap of faith to solve all the problems, rekindle relationships, to understand the misunderstood. But, with so much time lost, will the sisters take that leap, or will all the ties forged by blood cease to exist?
There are many things which make this book an exciting read. The author uses a fast-paced storyline with a beautiful scenic backdrop to create a beautiful illusion and takes the readers back to the 1890s and the 1900s. The easy-to-understand language with minimal profanity also plays a significant role in the easy development of the plot and smooth storytelling. Another exciting fact about the book is that the readers see through the narrator’s perspective, empathize, and relate to the character and her motivations. The perfectly realistic and complex relationship between the two sisters is unique. Each has its imperfections and specific character traits.
With shocking revelations and twists throughout the book, the reader is never sure what each new chapter will bring. Presence of themes like betrayal, self-harm, grief, superstition etc., this book has a comfortable reading experience for an adult audience. I recommend this book to people interested in historical fiction who want a different story defining the relationship between siblings. The highly relatable relationship between the two sisters in the book can inspire people that it is never too late to rekindle their relationships with their peers. Overall, with an excellent plot and character development, this book is awe-inspiring.
