Review: Worthwhile historical novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 27, 2014
Cartier's Ring is a well-observed historical novel chronicling the interactions between the Indian nations living along coastal Quebec - today's Quebec - and the European colonial powers looking to trade, conquer and eventually settle those territories. The author's extensive research into early Canadian history has to be applauded.The story focusses on the life of Myeerah, growing up as a 'foreigner' born into a different tribe and captured in a raid early on. As the French arrive we also see these Indian civilisations through their eyes - the politics, philosophy and way of life in detail which I felt was never overwhelming. Myeerah is a fine, strong character and she serves well as the focus of the novel as we follow the course of her life through childhood, marriage, loss, relocation, torture and on to her eventual position as a Matriarch of the tribe. I'll not dwell on plot detail here because other reviewers have done so.All of this is excellent. However what detracted for me from the emotional force of the novel was the use of multiple points of view to tell the tale. For me this made for a disjointed reading experience. While the writer handled the POV well, the passage of time was sometimes unclear and side-plots arose which distracted rather than contributed to the main plot. I found myself having to skip back to pick up threads of the story. I'd read the story in large blocks of time, if your schedule allows.For fans of historical novels this is a highly recommended read. I particularly enjoyed the combination of adventure on the high seas and the depiction of the vast wilderness of early Canada. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a nonreciprocal review. A solid 4.5 stars for Cartier's Ring.