Title: Wildthorn
Author: Jane Eagland
First published February 6, 2009
359 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780330458160 (ISBN10: 0330458167)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
Sixteen-year-old Finn, half-merman and half-human, has been living on land and attending high school, where he crushes on a girl but is afraid to tell her of his true destiny as the protector of the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. As Finn balances his duties and his feelings for the girl, he must also confront the threat of an ancient enemy who seeks to destroy his home and everyone he loves.
Can Finn save Atlantica and win the heart of his crush, or will he be forced to choose between his two worlds? Dive into the enchanting world of Forgive My Fins and discover a tale of love, destiny, and underwater adventure.
Editoral Review
Wildthorn by Jane Eagland is a powerful and gripping historical novel that explores themes of gender, identity, and mental illness. Published in 2009, the book is set in 19th century England and is written in a style that is both elegant and accessible.
The story revolves around the character of Louisa Cosgrove, a spirited young woman who is committed to an insane asylum after refusing to conform to the expectations of her family and society. As Louisa tries to unravel the mystery of her confinement and navigate the oppressive and often brutal conditions of the asylum, she confronts the limitations of her gender and the prejudices of those around her.
The novel is a masterful exploration of the theme of gender and identity, as Louisa struggles to assert her own sense of self in a world that is determined to suppress it. Eagland does an excellent job of developing the character of Louisa, painting a vivid and sympathetic portrait of a woman who is both vulnerable and resilient.
The setting of the novel is also well-crafted, with Eagland transporting the reader to a bygone era of corsets, carriages, and class divides. The details of the asylum are particularly vivid, and the reader can almost feel the claustrophobia and despair of the patients trapped within its walls.
Historically, Wildthorn sheds light on the treatment of women and the mentally ill in Victorian England. The novel is a powerful reminder of how far we have come in our understanding of mental health, but also of the ongoing struggles that many people face in their search for acceptance and understanding.
While there are some minor flaws in the pacing and plot structure of the novel, these are easily overlooked in light of its many strengths. Wildthorn is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, women’s literature, and social commentary.
Overall, I would highly recommend Wildthorn to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging novel that resonates with contemporary issues and themes. This book deserves a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its masterful characterization, evocative setting, and insightful commentary.