As a former history teacher, I’ve always been drawn to historical fiction. I’m a particular fan of Philippa Gregory’s historical novels that focus on famous women in history.
“The Winter Sea” sounded as though it would have a similar feel to it. It follows a historical fiction writer, Carrie McClelland, who is writing about a failed Jacobite invasion of Scotland. I’m not hugely familiar with the Jacobites but through the book I learned that they wanted to put James Stewart on the throne of England over William and Mary. I also don’t know much about Scottish history, but again, the book explains enough so that readers won’t feel lost.
Carrie goes to Scotland to see her publisher and on the way finds herself drawn to a castle that she spots by the sea. She had been writing her book in France, but decided to rent a cottage in the small town near the castle. She chooses to write her book from the perspective of a fictional woman named Sophia, who was inspired by one of her own ancestors. Initially, she planned to write from the perspective of Nathaniel Hooke, an Irish man who was involved in returning the Stewarts to the throne of England.
While in Scotland, Carrie meets Jimmy Keith and his two sons, Graham (a historian) and Stuart (a businessman with an eye for the ladies). She becomes increasingly lost in her writing, learning that parts of her fictional story seem to be historically accurate. She develops something that the book refers to as “genetic memory.” She literally inherits the memory of her real ancestor, Sophia.
The novel switches back and forth between Sophia’s story and Carrie’s. Initially, Sophia’s story is a bit boring, but it becomes more interesting, especially as Carrie doesn’t do much beyond write her novel and develop instant attractions to the Keith brothers. The fictional Sophia also develops a love story with a man who resembles Carrie’s love interest.
Here’s the problem: neither protagonist is particularly interesting. Sophia’s storyline is compelling, as more happens to her, but Carrie is pretty boring. It’s not really clear why men are so drawn to either of them. You get the feeling with Carrie that she’d write cheesy, girlie, historical fiction (much like “The Winter Sea”) rather than serious historical novels.
I do enjoy a supernatural twist but the whole “genetic memory” element was a little ridiculous. It’s a cool idea in theory but not so much in execution. I thought I might have discovered another author who I really enjoyed, but I don’t think I’ll seek out another Kearsley book after this one.
