Wrecker

In my opinion...

I read that 2018 is the year of Cornwall and historical fiction- a great combination as I love both subjects, so I was intrigued to read this debut novel.

Historically it seemed authentic and intriguing, with some brutal, horrific, read through your fingers descriptions.

Many of the phrases used by Mary, the main character, are laugh out loud sharp and funny, but regardless I did not warm to her, although I appreciated she was a woman trying to fight stereotypes. Normally the kind of character that I would love. I also found the use of local dialect off putting, as it slowed me down.

Certainly an unusual and thought provoking story, with an unexpected ending, however I never felt that I quite got involved, possibly due to my lack of empathy with Mary.

Thank you @HQStories for my ARC and for asking me to take part in this blog tour.

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A powerful debut exploring the dark side of Cornwall – the wrecking and the drowned sailors – where poverty drove villagers to dark deeds…

Shipwrecks are part of life in the remote village of Porthmorvoren, Cornwall. And as the sea washes the bodies of the drowned onto the beach, it also brings treasures: barrels of liquor, exotic fruit, the chance to lift a fine pair of boots from a corpse, maybe even a jewel or two.

When, after a fierce storm, Mary Blight rescues a man half-dead from the sea, she ignores the whispers of her neighbours and carries him home to nurse better. Gideon Stone is a Methodist minister from Newlyn, a married man. Touched by Mary’s sacrifice and horrified by the superstitions and pagan beliefs the villagers cling to, Gideon sets out to bring light and salvation to Porthmorvoren by building a chapel on the hill.

But the village has many secrets and not everyone wants to be saved. As Mary and Gideon find themselves increasingly drawn together, jealousy, rumour and suspicion is rife. Gideon has demons of his own to face, and soon Mary’s enemies are plotting against her…EndFragment

My rating....

For me, it's a cautious three glasses, I think for other readers it will be a full on five!