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De dochter van de kaartenmaker
De twintigjarige Freida Ortelius moet aan het eind van de zestiende eeuw vanwege haar geloof Nederland ontvluchten, maar kan door haar talent om landaarten te maken opnieuw beginnen in Londen. Al snel trekt haar zeldzame kundigheid de aandacht van koningin Elizabeth I, die de hulp van Freida eist nu ze worden bedreigd door de Spanjaarden. Freida raakt tegen haar wil betrokken bij een dodelijke missie, waarvan de gevolgen door de eeuwen heen zullen weerklinken.
Jaren later ontdekt Robyn Willoughby een prachtige, maar met bloed besmeurde landkaart in de antieke kaartenwinkel van haar vader. Als Robyn op onderzoek uitgaat, raakt ze verstrikt in een eeuwenoud geheim dat haar leven voor altijd zal veranderen…
Jaren later ontdekt Robyn Willoughby een prachtige, maar met bloed besmeurde landkaart in de antieke kaartenwinkel van haar vader. Als Robyn op onderzoek uitgaat, raakt ze verstrikt in een eeuwenoud geheim dat haar leven voor altijd zal veranderen…
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
July 24, 2022
After a terrible accident, Robyn is helping her father Malcolm in his map shop, and she's starting to feel she's overstayed her welcome. Robyn’s husband Nate went missing from his yacht years ago, consumed by her grief, she hasn’t been able to make any decisions about their property and move on with her life.
Robyn discovers an amazing Tudor era map, it appears to be stained by blood, and she has no idea who created the masterpiece? For the first time in seven years Robyn's interested in something, she’s determined she find out the mapmaker's name, and how it ended up in her father’s shop. Robyn starts her investigation, and she contacts a couple of her friends from her past who might be able to help her.
The Mapmaker’s Daughter is told from two women’s points of view, it has a dual timeline and it alternates between 1569 and 2022. Two women centuries apart, share a connection, not only due to the mysterious map, both married seafaring men, and have lost people they loved.
Frieda lives in London, with her husband Willem and her baby son Jacob. As a child Frieda lived in France, she lost both of her parents when the Spanish Catholics killed and murdered the Protestant Huguenots. Her family are skilled mapmakers, Frieda started drawing when she was twelve, and she’s very talented.
Queen Elizabeth want’s to meet Frieda, a Spanish diplomat is at the palace and she's a nervous wreck. The Queen introduces her to Sir. Francis Drake, and when she discovers Frieda's husband is a Dutch Sea Beggar, and she wants him to fight against the Spanish King. Frieda's involved in a very dangerous situation, due to her childhood experiences she doesn’t handle it well, she’s concerned about her family’s safety, and she doesn’t know who she can trust?
I enjoyed reading about the medieval times, and I was totally adsorbed by the historical aspects of the narrative. The clothes Frieda wore when she visited the Queens court, her life in London and where she lived, how people navigated the city, what they ate, drank and believed in. Most of all the craft of map making, the skill, tools used, how they were printed and Frieda being the first female cartographer. Also, during during the sixteen century people were discovering and exploring new places in the world, science, botany, and making revolutionary navigational instruments.
I received a copy of The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clare Marchant from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. A captivating story about two extraordinary women, both overcoming adversity and their fears, one solving the mystery of the map, who created it, and how it ended up in a shop in England centuries later? I highly recommend this book, I could go on about it forever, and I can't wait to read the authors previous book, The Secrets of Saffron Hall, and five stars from me.
Robyn discovers an amazing Tudor era map, it appears to be stained by blood, and she has no idea who created the masterpiece? For the first time in seven years Robyn's interested in something, she’s determined she find out the mapmaker's name, and how it ended up in her father’s shop. Robyn starts her investigation, and she contacts a couple of her friends from her past who might be able to help her.
The Mapmaker’s Daughter is told from two women’s points of view, it has a dual timeline and it alternates between 1569 and 2022. Two women centuries apart, share a connection, not only due to the mysterious map, both married seafaring men, and have lost people they loved.
Frieda lives in London, with her husband Willem and her baby son Jacob. As a child Frieda lived in France, she lost both of her parents when the Spanish Catholics killed and murdered the Protestant Huguenots. Her family are skilled mapmakers, Frieda started drawing when she was twelve, and she’s very talented.
Queen Elizabeth want’s to meet Frieda, a Spanish diplomat is at the palace and she's a nervous wreck. The Queen introduces her to Sir. Francis Drake, and when she discovers Frieda's husband is a Dutch Sea Beggar, and she wants him to fight against the Spanish King. Frieda's involved in a very dangerous situation, due to her childhood experiences she doesn’t handle it well, she’s concerned about her family’s safety, and she doesn’t know who she can trust?
I enjoyed reading about the medieval times, and I was totally adsorbed by the historical aspects of the narrative. The clothes Frieda wore when she visited the Queens court, her life in London and where she lived, how people navigated the city, what they ate, drank and believed in. Most of all the craft of map making, the skill, tools used, how they were printed and Frieda being the first female cartographer. Also, during during the sixteen century people were discovering and exploring new places in the world, science, botany, and making revolutionary navigational instruments.
I received a copy of The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clare Marchant from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. A captivating story about two extraordinary women, both overcoming adversity and their fears, one solving the mystery of the map, who created it, and how it ended up in a shop in England centuries later? I highly recommend this book, I could go on about it forever, and I can't wait to read the authors previous book, The Secrets of Saffron Hall, and five stars from me.
July 24, 2022
I have a lot of thoughts about this book, so hopefully they end up semi-coherent in this review. First, a brief synopsis:
Frieda is a woman descended from an illustrious line of Dutch mapmakers. She is married to a Dutch privateer, and they live in London with their young son, after fleeing persecution by the Spanish Catholics. Frieda is recruited by the Queen to make a special map, and the Spanish ambassador starts threatening her. That’s really it. There is a dual story set in 2022 centered around Robyn, whose husband was lost at sea seven years ago. Again, that’s really it.
Just because you CAN write a dual-timeline novel, doesn’t mean you should. I don’t think these two stories tied together well at all. Or maybe I’m just frustrated by the fact that they women are portrayed so weakly — with moods, self-worth, and life decisions utterly dependent upon the men in their lives.
Frieda’s insecurity and anxiety is EXHAUSTING. She was not a likable character for me. Robyn neither, so overtly concerned with how others felt and how she was inconveniencing people around her. Yuck. Mendoza, the Spanish villain, is honestly the most one-dimensional character I’ve come across in ages. He is openly hostile to Frieda despite his courtly political position as ambassador. And he is a moron, falling for ridiculous schemes that anyone with a brain would question.
There is also the question of the multiple historical inaccuracies. Maybe the details of this novel are well-researched, but there are glaring problems for me. For starters, there are letters between two Dutchmen written in “ancient Latin” — what??? It’s 1580. And then a few references are made to “medieval London” — ???? Again, it’s 1580. The medieval period ends by 1500 at the LATEST. Very glaring errors, in my opinion.
As far as good things about this story, I’m struggling to remember. It’s written coherently. The imagery is pleasant. The mapmaking process details are very interesting, as I didn’t know much about this beforehand. I’m trying not to be horribly negative, but I didn’t connect with the characters at all and I couldn’t wait for the end of this book. I hope your experience is more pleasant!!
Thank you to Clare Marchant, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Frieda is a woman descended from an illustrious line of Dutch mapmakers. She is married to a Dutch privateer, and they live in London with their young son, after fleeing persecution by the Spanish Catholics. Frieda is recruited by the Queen to make a special map, and the Spanish ambassador starts threatening her. That’s really it. There is a dual story set in 2022 centered around Robyn, whose husband was lost at sea seven years ago. Again, that’s really it.
Just because you CAN write a dual-timeline novel, doesn’t mean you should. I don’t think these two stories tied together well at all. Or maybe I’m just frustrated by the fact that they women are portrayed so weakly — with moods, self-worth, and life decisions utterly dependent upon the men in their lives.
Frieda’s insecurity and anxiety is EXHAUSTING. She was not a likable character for me. Robyn neither, so overtly concerned with how others felt and how she was inconveniencing people around her. Yuck. Mendoza, the Spanish villain, is honestly the most one-dimensional character I’ve come across in ages. He is openly hostile to Frieda despite his courtly political position as ambassador. And he is a moron, falling for ridiculous schemes that anyone with a brain would question.
There is also the question of the multiple historical inaccuracies. Maybe the details of this novel are well-researched, but there are glaring problems for me. For starters, there are letters between two Dutchmen written in “ancient Latin” — what??? It’s 1580. And then a few references are made to “medieval London” — ???? Again, it’s 1580. The medieval period ends by 1500 at the LATEST. Very glaring errors, in my opinion.
As far as good things about this story, I’m struggling to remember. It’s written coherently. The imagery is pleasant. The mapmaking process details are very interesting, as I didn’t know much about this beforehand. I’m trying not to be horribly negative, but I didn’t connect with the characters at all and I couldn’t wait for the end of this book. I hope your experience is more pleasant!!
Thank you to Clare Marchant, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
August 16, 2022
Extensively researched and exquisitely authentic, Clare Marchant’s newest novel is one historical fiction lovers will want to source and secure immediately!
United by a map, Marchant’s dual timeline features a plot led by Frieda Ortelius, a female cartographer, set in 1580 and a plot led by Robyn Willoughby set in 2022. Robyn finds a hidden map in her father’s stock and the mystery about its owner unravels, linking the two women.
I was drawn to this story because of the unique perspectives; a female cartographer and the Spanish Inquisition. It’s not often I get a chance to read a novel set in Elizabethan England, either. I was glued to the pages, smiling like I’d won the lottery, as I read about Sir Francis Drake, John Dee, and Queen Elizabeth I. I loved the wide sweep of Marchant’s research and enjoyed the fine attention to detail. Her exploration of second chances and the strength/influence of women was outstanding. As I turned the last page, I had a desperate desire to time travel to Tudor England and experience the era for myself!
Although this one didn’t measure up to the high standard of The Queen’s Spy in my eyes, it was enjoyable and I’d heartily recommend it to fellow historical fiction enthusiasts.
I was gifted this advanced copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
United by a map, Marchant’s dual timeline features a plot led by Frieda Ortelius, a female cartographer, set in 1580 and a plot led by Robyn Willoughby set in 2022. Robyn finds a hidden map in her father’s stock and the mystery about its owner unravels, linking the two women.
I was drawn to this story because of the unique perspectives; a female cartographer and the Spanish Inquisition. It’s not often I get a chance to read a novel set in Elizabethan England, either. I was glued to the pages, smiling like I’d won the lottery, as I read about Sir Francis Drake, John Dee, and Queen Elizabeth I. I loved the wide sweep of Marchant’s research and enjoyed the fine attention to detail. Her exploration of second chances and the strength/influence of women was outstanding. As I turned the last page, I had a desperate desire to time travel to Tudor England and experience the era for myself!
Although this one didn’t measure up to the high standard of The Queen’s Spy in my eyes, it was enjoyable and I’d heartily recommend it to fellow historical fiction enthusiasts.
I was gifted this advanced copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 23, 2022
I enjoyed reading 'The Mapmaker's Daughter' as much as I enjoyed listening to 'The Secrets of Saffron Hall'. Clare Marchant has a knack of bringing history to life!
The Mapmaker's Daughter is also a dual timeline story covering the journey of modern day Robyn Willoughby and Freida Ortelius in 16th century England with a map created by Freida connecting the two timelines.
Like her previous book I enjoyed reading about the historical period more. Clare Marchant has brought 16th century England and especially the court of Queen Elizabeth I to life. The time period covers the persecution of the Protestant Huguenots by the Spanish and I could clearly see and feel every scene described in my mind from the conversations, the feasts, the court life, the costumes, the sea journeys and the court intrigue that was rampant back then. It felt like I was there experiencing everything that Freida was experiencing and the conversations between Freida and Queen Elizabeth I were one of my favourite parts of the book. The mapmaking process was also described in a way that made it interesting to read about. Along with other names belonging to the time period, one of the most prominent names in Queen Elizabeth I time, Francis Drake, also makes an important appearance in the book and it's the map that Freida has to make for him that eventually connects the two timelines together.
Another winner from Clare Marchant and now I am very much interested in reading her other book 'The Queen's Spy' since that also covers the time period of Queen Elizabeth I.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books UK and the author for the e-Arc of the book.
The Mapmaker's Daughter is also a dual timeline story covering the journey of modern day Robyn Willoughby and Freida Ortelius in 16th century England with a map created by Freida connecting the two timelines.
Like her previous book I enjoyed reading about the historical period more. Clare Marchant has brought 16th century England and especially the court of Queen Elizabeth I to life. The time period covers the persecution of the Protestant Huguenots by the Spanish and I could clearly see and feel every scene described in my mind from the conversations, the feasts, the court life, the costumes, the sea journeys and the court intrigue that was rampant back then. It felt like I was there experiencing everything that Freida was experiencing and the conversations between Freida and Queen Elizabeth I were one of my favourite parts of the book. The mapmaking process was also described in a way that made it interesting to read about. Along with other names belonging to the time period, one of the most prominent names in Queen Elizabeth I time, Francis Drake, also makes an important appearance in the book and it's the map that Freida has to make for him that eventually connects the two timelines together.
Another winner from Clare Marchant and now I am very much interested in reading her other book 'The Queen's Spy' since that also covers the time period of Queen Elizabeth I.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books UK and the author for the e-Arc of the book.
January 18, 2024
This book was offered at reduced price on Amazon, so I picked it up earlier in the month. It held my attention at times, but it also annoyed me at times because I do not favor dual timeline books.
August 5, 2022
Freida and Robyn from two different times, both overcoming heartbreak. I really like dual timeline stories.
This one I thought was just ok. I really was expecting more of a mystery regarding the map Robyn found.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
This one I thought was just ok. I really was expecting more of a mystery regarding the map Robyn found.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
May 14, 2022
The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clare Marchant is a great dual timeline historical fiction novel that I truly enjoyed.
This book has it all: history, intrigue, suspense, mystery, and a gripping narrative that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I have enjoyed books by Ms. Marchant in the past, so I knew I had to read this one.
This book weaves its story between present-day Robyn and Frieda via 1569. I love Elizabethan England, so incorporating Queen Elizabeth and so much vivid historical detail into the plot was a real treat for me. The author clearly has done her research, and her passion shines throughout. (I obviously enjoyed and prefer the historical thread…how could I not?)
I enjoyed the mysteries, twists, and how the author was able to pull it all together for the satisfying ending.
If you like historical fiction, and Queen Elizabeth/Tudor history, than this one is for you.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Avon Books UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/1/22.
This book has it all: history, intrigue, suspense, mystery, and a gripping narrative that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I have enjoyed books by Ms. Marchant in the past, so I knew I had to read this one.
This book weaves its story between present-day Robyn and Frieda via 1569. I love Elizabethan England, so incorporating Queen Elizabeth and so much vivid historical detail into the plot was a real treat for me. The author clearly has done her research, and her passion shines throughout. (I obviously enjoyed and prefer the historical thread…how could I not?)
I enjoyed the mysteries, twists, and how the author was able to pull it all together for the satisfying ending.
If you like historical fiction, and Queen Elizabeth/Tudor history, than this one is for you.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Avon Books UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/1/22.
November 18, 2022
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for approving me for an ARC of this book. I have read Clare’s two previous book and love her writing style so I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this one.
This is a dual timeline story told by two women, Robyn and Frieda. Robyn’s story is set in the present day, where she stumbles across a map that her father never knew was hiding in his shop. This mystery proves to be the perfect distraction whilst Robyn is coming to terms with a difficult decision. Frieda’s story is set in the 1500’s during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Whilst constantly fearing for her life Frieda finds herself being invited to court to carry out a task for the Queen.
Whilst we flip back and forth between these two women’s stories we learn many things about cartographers, life at sea, Huguenots and so much more. I was fascinated with Frieda’s story from the first chapter. She came from shocking circumstances and I had nothing but sympathy for her when her fears manifested in her adult life too. She was clearly a compassionate and lovely women who just wanted a simple life away from fear and trepidation. As her story unravelled and more was revealed about her husband’s final task I felt the fear leaping from the pages.
I loved being back in the royal court, especially Queen Elizabeth’s as her reign is infamous. I almost wish we had been there more as with Clare’s previous books I’ve felt there was more focus on that aspect. Learning about our Royal history is fascinating to me and the introduction of Francis Drake certainly piqued my interest.
This was brilliant storytelling, filled with history and adventure. Clare Marchant has the knack for drawing her readers in and keeping them on tender hooks until the very end.
This is a dual timeline story told by two women, Robyn and Frieda. Robyn’s story is set in the present day, where she stumbles across a map that her father never knew was hiding in his shop. This mystery proves to be the perfect distraction whilst Robyn is coming to terms with a difficult decision. Frieda’s story is set in the 1500’s during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Whilst constantly fearing for her life Frieda finds herself being invited to court to carry out a task for the Queen.
Whilst we flip back and forth between these two women’s stories we learn many things about cartographers, life at sea, Huguenots and so much more. I was fascinated with Frieda’s story from the first chapter. She came from shocking circumstances and I had nothing but sympathy for her when her fears manifested in her adult life too. She was clearly a compassionate and lovely women who just wanted a simple life away from fear and trepidation. As her story unravelled and more was revealed about her husband’s final task I felt the fear leaping from the pages.
I loved being back in the royal court, especially Queen Elizabeth’s as her reign is infamous. I almost wish we had been there more as with Clare’s previous books I’ve felt there was more focus on that aspect. Learning about our Royal history is fascinating to me and the introduction of Francis Drake certainly piqued my interest.
This was brilliant storytelling, filled with history and adventure. Clare Marchant has the knack for drawing her readers in and keeping them on tender hooks until the very end.
October 31, 2023
I loved Clare Marchant two previous books The Secrets of Saffron Hall and The Queen’s Spy and was very excited when I saw she had a new dual timeline mystery out. I loved the setting of the 1500s and learnt so much about the persecution of the Huguenots in Holland and of their flight to London. I was fascinated by Frieda’s map making skills as I knew nothing at all about this craft, especially during this period. I loved being caught up in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, thoroughly enjoying all the descriptions of the clothing and the way people behaved around the Queen. I also enjoyed the mystery of the map in 2022. However I must admit that I found both main characters rather annoying. This hasn’t put me off the author at all, because I love all the historical details in her books and love being transported to another time.
September 26, 2022
I had such high expectations for this book. It mentioned for lovers of Lucinda Riley and another author both whom I adore! I also adore dual timeline historical fiction and what seemed like a short book (for me anyway) at 300+ pages I thought I'd race through this at a pace that I'd consciously have to slow myself. Instead it was the complete opposite with me encouraging myself to read "one chapter". Virtually unheard of. I probably would have DNF'd but as mentioned above, I persevered.
The dual-timeline seems irrelevant and although the "present" connects the dots to the past, the past was already known so it felt like repetition and you were in parts reading the same bits twice? I realise it's fiction but I think there are some glaring historical inaccuracies.
I loved hearing about how the maps were made and the descriptions given but the book was so long for a plot that went nowhere? Everything seemed VERY rushed in the last 30/40 pages and I thought, surely something will happen with the present day Robyn character but it just didn't? The characters seemed to lack depth and the plot was flawed in parts but then the plot also didn't seem to flow or have movement especially with the present day just seemed it was there for a reference point rather than another whole story which is what dual timeline should be (I think?).
Maybe I've missed the point here? But onwards to the next historical fiction read!
Many thanks to Avon and Clare Marchant for the ARC of this book.
The dual-timeline seems irrelevant and although the "present" connects the dots to the past, the past was already known so it felt like repetition and you were in parts reading the same bits twice? I realise it's fiction but I think there are some glaring historical inaccuracies.
I loved hearing about how the maps were made and the descriptions given but the book was so long for a plot that went nowhere? Everything seemed VERY rushed in the last 30/40 pages and I thought, surely something will happen with the present day Robyn character but it just didn't? The characters seemed to lack depth and the plot was flawed in parts but then the plot also didn't seem to flow or have movement especially with the present day just seemed it was there for a reference point rather than another whole story which is what dual timeline should be (I think?).
Maybe I've missed the point here? But onwards to the next historical fiction read!
Many thanks to Avon and Clare Marchant for the ARC of this book.
June 18, 2025
Now I am researching medieval maps. The skill to create maps with such detail well before drones and GPS is fascinating. Even more remarkable is to be able to create a mirror image of the design in a copperplate to print copies. This story connects 500 years of map mapping history through the lives of two women.
October 20, 2022
Highly Engaging Read ❤️
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 October 2022
A beautiful dual timeline that swept me away on a thrilling wave of peril and adventure! The Dutch history and cartography details were a joy to learn about. I particularly enjoyed Freida's storyline, and my heart was racing at the end as she fought for everything she held dear. An emotional rollercoaster, incredibly well researched, and beautifully told.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 October 2022
A beautiful dual timeline that swept me away on a thrilling wave of peril and adventure! The Dutch history and cartography details were a joy to learn about. I particularly enjoyed Freida's storyline, and my heart was racing at the end as she fought for everything she held dear. An emotional rollercoaster, incredibly well researched, and beautifully told.
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March 24, 2024Na een succesvolle carrière in de IT wereld, verhuisde Clare Marchant van de grote stad naar het rustigere Norfolk waar ze een relaxter leven wilde opbouwen samen met haar echtgenoot en kinderen. Haar eerste historische roman Het mysterie van Lutton Hall werd goed ontvangen door het lezerspubliek en al gauw werd ze fulltime auteur. Met haar derde roman De dochter van de kaartenmaker neemt Clare haar lezers mee naar de zestiende eeuw en dit van Amsterdam tot in Londen. De geschiedenis van deze periode spreekt mij aan en ik keek dan ook uit naar dit boek.
Nadat de jonge Freida in 1569 haar beide ouders verloor, door de gewelddadigheden van de Spanjaarden tegen de Hugenoten, vlucht ze via Antwerpen naar Londen. Onderweg leert ze Willem kennen, kapitein en piraat. Ze worden verliefd op elkaar, waarna ze snel in het huwelijksbootje stappen.
In Antwerpen had Freida van haar oom Abraham Ortelius geleerd om landkaarten te maken. Ze blijkt hier uitzonderlijk getalenteerd in te zijn, waardoor ze in Londen dan ook snel de aandacht van koningin Elisabeth I trekt. De koningin wil dat ze een bijzondere kaart maakt voor niemand minder dan Francis Drake. Deze kaart dient hem te beschermen tegen de Spanjaarden. Zo komt Freida weer in gevaar… .
2022, Hay-on-Wye, Robyn werkt in de antieke kaartenwinkel van haar vader en vindt per toeval een zestiende-eeuwse kaart. Ze besluit op onderzoek te gaan om de herkomst van de kaart te achterhalen en komt zo een eeuwenoud geheim te weten.
De dochter van de kaartenmaker is een mooie historische roman en was voor mij een aangename leeservaring. Dit vooral omdat het verhaal van Freida fascinerend is en je vanaf de eerste pagina wil weten hoe het met haar zal aflopen. Doch zijn er een paar storende elementen in het boek geslopen. Eén daarvan is de slechte en slordige vertaling, af en toe dacht ik zelfs dat ik met een slechte google-translate te maken had. Zo kan ik mij niet voorstellen dat het reeds in 1580 mogelijk was elkaar te bellen. De Engelse termen ‘To call up’ of ‘to call someone’ heeft meerdere betekenissen naast het ‘opbellen’ van iemand.
Het verhaal zelf bestaat uit twee verschillende verhaallijnen. Het verleden waarbij we Freida leren kennen en heden waarbij we het verhaal van Robyn volgen die een moeilijke periode aan het meemaken is. Ze verwerkt namelijk het verlies van Nate, wat op zich wel een mooi verhaal heeft, maar jammer genoeg niet past binnen deze. Het brengt geen enkele meerwaarde en bovendien kwam hierdoor Robyns queeste naar de afkomst van Freida’s kaart te veel op de achtergrond te staan. Wat jammer is, want het is fascinerend hoe men de herkomst van oude middeleeuwse documenten en kaarten probeert te achterhalen. Dit had de auteur zoveel beter kunnen uitwerken. De auteur heeft een uitgebreide research gedaan en ik vind het wat zonde dat ze deze wat teniet doet door het verhaal over Nate erbij te halen. Al haar kennis had ze beter gebruikt om de zoektocht naar afkomst van de kaart gedetailleerder weer te geven.
Clare Marchant heeft een fijne, aangename schrijfstijl en ze weet de spanning er in te houden. Vanaf de eerste pagina wordt je dan ook in het verhaal gezogen. Zestiende eeuws Londen werd op een realistische manier beschreven en intrigeerde mij. Ik zal zeker nog boeken over deze periode in Engeland lezen.
Het verhaal begint in Amsterdam wanneer de Spanjaarden de Hugenoten verdreven. Hier miste ik dan weer wat extra achtergrondinformatie die de auteur had kunnen opvangen door een korte proloog toe te voegen, met de geschiedenis kort weergegeven. Ook achteraan het boek was er niet echt een nawoord waarbij er extra uitleg gegeven wordt over de waargebeurde feiten in het boek, waardoor ik toch wat op mijn honger ben blijven zitten.
Voor mij is De dochter van de kaartenmaker noch een feelgood noch een historische roman. Voor een feelgood zijn de aangekaarte thema’s niet luchtig genoeg en voor een historische roman is het te oppervlakkig. Ik zou het dan ook eerder omschrijven als een boek om op een rustige zondagmiddag in de luie zetel te lezen zonder veel over na te denken.
Nadat de jonge Freida in 1569 haar beide ouders verloor, door de gewelddadigheden van de Spanjaarden tegen de Hugenoten, vlucht ze via Antwerpen naar Londen. Onderweg leert ze Willem kennen, kapitein en piraat. Ze worden verliefd op elkaar, waarna ze snel in het huwelijksbootje stappen.
In Antwerpen had Freida van haar oom Abraham Ortelius geleerd om landkaarten te maken. Ze blijkt hier uitzonderlijk getalenteerd in te zijn, waardoor ze in Londen dan ook snel de aandacht van koningin Elisabeth I trekt. De koningin wil dat ze een bijzondere kaart maakt voor niemand minder dan Francis Drake. Deze kaart dient hem te beschermen tegen de Spanjaarden. Zo komt Freida weer in gevaar… .
2022, Hay-on-Wye, Robyn werkt in de antieke kaartenwinkel van haar vader en vindt per toeval een zestiende-eeuwse kaart. Ze besluit op onderzoek te gaan om de herkomst van de kaart te achterhalen en komt zo een eeuwenoud geheim te weten.
De dochter van de kaartenmaker is een mooie historische roman en was voor mij een aangename leeservaring. Dit vooral omdat het verhaal van Freida fascinerend is en je vanaf de eerste pagina wil weten hoe het met haar zal aflopen. Doch zijn er een paar storende elementen in het boek geslopen. Eén daarvan is de slechte en slordige vertaling, af en toe dacht ik zelfs dat ik met een slechte google-translate te maken had. Zo kan ik mij niet voorstellen dat het reeds in 1580 mogelijk was elkaar te bellen. De Engelse termen ‘To call up’ of ‘to call someone’ heeft meerdere betekenissen naast het ‘opbellen’ van iemand.
Het verhaal zelf bestaat uit twee verschillende verhaallijnen. Het verleden waarbij we Freida leren kennen en heden waarbij we het verhaal van Robyn volgen die een moeilijke periode aan het meemaken is. Ze verwerkt namelijk het verlies van Nate, wat op zich wel een mooi verhaal heeft, maar jammer genoeg niet past binnen deze. Het brengt geen enkele meerwaarde en bovendien kwam hierdoor Robyns queeste naar de afkomst van Freida’s kaart te veel op de achtergrond te staan. Wat jammer is, want het is fascinerend hoe men de herkomst van oude middeleeuwse documenten en kaarten probeert te achterhalen. Dit had de auteur zoveel beter kunnen uitwerken. De auteur heeft een uitgebreide research gedaan en ik vind het wat zonde dat ze deze wat teniet doet door het verhaal over Nate erbij te halen. Al haar kennis had ze beter gebruikt om de zoektocht naar afkomst van de kaart gedetailleerder weer te geven.
Clare Marchant heeft een fijne, aangename schrijfstijl en ze weet de spanning er in te houden. Vanaf de eerste pagina wordt je dan ook in het verhaal gezogen. Zestiende eeuws Londen werd op een realistische manier beschreven en intrigeerde mij. Ik zal zeker nog boeken over deze periode in Engeland lezen.
Het verhaal begint in Amsterdam wanneer de Spanjaarden de Hugenoten verdreven. Hier miste ik dan weer wat extra achtergrondinformatie die de auteur had kunnen opvangen door een korte proloog toe te voegen, met de geschiedenis kort weergegeven. Ook achteraan het boek was er niet echt een nawoord waarbij er extra uitleg gegeven wordt over de waargebeurde feiten in het boek, waardoor ik toch wat op mijn honger ben blijven zitten.
Voor mij is De dochter van de kaartenmaker noch een feelgood noch een historische roman. Voor een feelgood zijn de aangekaarte thema’s niet luchtig genoeg en voor een historische roman is het te oppervlakkig. Ik zou het dan ook eerder omschrijven als een boek om op een rustige zondagmiddag in de luie zetel te lezen zonder veel over na te denken.
August 29, 2022
I have loved Clare’s writing since I read an ARC of The Secrets of Saffron Hall, then The Queen’s Spy and now this, Clare’s third book.
What a talented storyteller this lady is. Her writing always has me completely absorbed.
In this dual timeline book, two women centuries apart are connected by a map, and also by their husbands’ love of sailing.
In the present, Robyn’s husband was lost at sea during a yacht race and it is coming up to seven years. She needs to find the courage to officially declare him dead but she is struggling with letting go. She is working with her father in his shop when he finds an old map in the bottom of a box he didn’t know he had. Robyn takes it upon herself and draws upon her journalist knowledge to try to find the origin of the map.
In 1580 Freida is living in London after being rescued from Amsterdam where she witnessed her parents being murdered by the Spanish, simply for being Huguenots. She is following in the footsteps of her famous family of cartographers and is quickly gaining a name for herself as a competent cartographer in her own right. It is virtually unknown for a woman to achieve such status.
Freida lives with her husband and baby son in constant fear that the Spanish will come and murder her and her family. When she is reluctantly presented to the Queen, and requested to produce a special map for Francis Drake to help defend England against a possible Spanish invasion, she finds herself in danger from the Spanish Ambassador.
She must save herself and her family this time.
With her husband away from home for long periods of time due to sailing back and forth to Amsterdam with goods and letters for the residents of Lime Street, she needs more protection in order to carry out the Queen’s request. She is a strong and determined woman who will not back down but will this cost her everything she loves?
An engrossing read and I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC.
What a talented storyteller this lady is. Her writing always has me completely absorbed.
In this dual timeline book, two women centuries apart are connected by a map, and also by their husbands’ love of sailing.
In the present, Robyn’s husband was lost at sea during a yacht race and it is coming up to seven years. She needs to find the courage to officially declare him dead but she is struggling with letting go. She is working with her father in his shop when he finds an old map in the bottom of a box he didn’t know he had. Robyn takes it upon herself and draws upon her journalist knowledge to try to find the origin of the map.
In 1580 Freida is living in London after being rescued from Amsterdam where she witnessed her parents being murdered by the Spanish, simply for being Huguenots. She is following in the footsteps of her famous family of cartographers and is quickly gaining a name for herself as a competent cartographer in her own right. It is virtually unknown for a woman to achieve such status.
Freida lives with her husband and baby son in constant fear that the Spanish will come and murder her and her family. When she is reluctantly presented to the Queen, and requested to produce a special map for Francis Drake to help defend England against a possible Spanish invasion, she finds herself in danger from the Spanish Ambassador.
She must save herself and her family this time.
With her husband away from home for long periods of time due to sailing back and forth to Amsterdam with goods and letters for the residents of Lime Street, she needs more protection in order to carry out the Queen’s request. She is a strong and determined woman who will not back down but will this cost her everything she loves?
An engrossing read and I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC.
August 24, 2025
16. storočie sa prelína so súčasnosťou, no viac ma baví (ako vždy) historická doba. Úvod je napínavý a drsný. Frieda žila v dobe, kedy španielski katolícki zabíjali holandských protestantov na počkanie, takže únik do Londýna bol načas dobrým riešením. Ako dcéra kartografa sa naučila vytvárať mapy, nakresliť a zrkadlovo vyryť do medenej platne presné ulice a rieky, to chce talent. Jej manžel je námorným kapitánom, no nie schváleným kráľovnou, takže má vlastne status piráta. Napriek tomu sa jej dostane tej cti a pri audiencii s Alžbetou dostane poverenie nakresliť mapu pre iného korzára, panovníčkinho obľúbenca, Francica Drakea. Znepriatelí si tým španielskeho veľvyslanca a problémy sa vyhrotia až tak, že jej nielenže ide o život, ale ohrozujú aj celú jej rodinu. Je však odhodlaná brániť sa, na tú dobu naozaj odvážne, musela som jej držať palce.
Žena v súčasnosti pátra po pôvode objavenej historickej mapy v kartografickom obchode a zároveň sa snaží vysporiadať sa so smrťou jej manžela. Nájsť v sebe silu zmieriť sa s niečím, čo nemá potvrdené, pohnúť sa ďalej a žiť. Cíti vnútorné prepojenie s mapou, pomôže jej vytrhnúť sa z letargie, ktorú cíti už roky, odkedy jej manžel zmizol pri plavbe na mori, ktoré tak miloval.
Autorka pekne poukázala na prepojenie s rodinou a priateľmi, nielen v minulosti, ale aj dnes. Je to záchranná sieť, ktorá vám podá ruku v najťažších časoch.
Určite mi ešte ostane v pamäti chystanie oblečenia na audiencie na kráľovský dvor. Cit pre detaily, počasie a každodennosť v domácnosti; hra s dieťaťom, jedlo i liečba zranení. Uvítala by som však, keby línia z minulosti prevažovala ešte viac, tá v súčasnosti bola síce emočne silná, ale prázdnejšia na akciu, mohla byť len orámovaním v úvode a v závere… 3,5*/5
Žena v súčasnosti pátra po pôvode objavenej historickej mapy v kartografickom obchode a zároveň sa snaží vysporiadať sa so smrťou jej manžela. Nájsť v sebe silu zmieriť sa s niečím, čo nemá potvrdené, pohnúť sa ďalej a žiť. Cíti vnútorné prepojenie s mapou, pomôže jej vytrhnúť sa z letargie, ktorú cíti už roky, odkedy jej manžel zmizol pri plavbe na mori, ktoré tak miloval.
Autorka pekne poukázala na prepojenie s rodinou a priateľmi, nielen v minulosti, ale aj dnes. Je to záchranná sieť, ktorá vám podá ruku v najťažších časoch.
Určite mi ešte ostane v pamäti chystanie oblečenia na audiencie na kráľovský dvor. Cit pre detaily, počasie a každodennosť v domácnosti; hra s dieťaťom, jedlo i liečba zranení. Uvítala by som však, keby línia z minulosti prevažovala ešte viac, tá v súčasnosti bola síce emočne silná, ale prázdnejšia na akciu, mohla byť len orámovaním v úvode a v závere… 3,5*/5
April 20, 2024
This just wasn't for me. It could be great for other readers but will be a DNF for me.
I gravitate to strong female characters and plots where they take control of their lives and situations in spite of whatever challenges they are facing, and the two main characters here - one in the present and one in the past - are both introduced as women who are broken and have more or less withdrawn from the world so they just did not connect with me.
Now, I understand that everyone deals with trauma (and both of these characters have had traumas one particularly horrifically so be aware that is part of the story at the beginning) and I am absolutely not minimizing such choices or other people's way of handling what life hands them. But as a reader, the characters I relate most strongly to - both male and female, but particularly female, as it's always harder for females, even today - are the ones who fight through their pain and difficulties and take actions to find a resolution that serves them.
Admittedly, I did not get far into this book before deciding it was not for me, so it's certainly possible that the two main characters do eventually find their chutzpa and overcome their challenges and gather their strength. But I was so not engaged with how both of them were approaching their lives right from the beginning that I just couldn't spend more time with them.
That's a "me" thing, and not a "the book" thing, so as I said, other readers might find this a great fit for their reading interests and really enjoy the journey these characters are going on. I am just not that reader, so this will be going back to the library.
I gravitate to strong female characters and plots where they take control of their lives and situations in spite of whatever challenges they are facing, and the two main characters here - one in the present and one in the past - are both introduced as women who are broken and have more or less withdrawn from the world so they just did not connect with me.
Now, I understand that everyone deals with trauma (and both of these characters have had traumas one particularly horrifically so be aware that is part of the story at the beginning) and I am absolutely not minimizing such choices or other people's way of handling what life hands them. But as a reader, the characters I relate most strongly to - both male and female, but particularly female, as it's always harder for females, even today - are the ones who fight through their pain and difficulties and take actions to find a resolution that serves them.
Admittedly, I did not get far into this book before deciding it was not for me, so it's certainly possible that the two main characters do eventually find their chutzpa and overcome their challenges and gather their strength. But I was so not engaged with how both of them were approaching their lives right from the beginning that I just couldn't spend more time with them.
That's a "me" thing, and not a "the book" thing, so as I said, other readers might find this a great fit for their reading interests and really enjoy the journey these characters are going on. I am just not that reader, so this will be going back to the library.
June 16, 2025
I really enjoy books by this author. I feel that a lot of research goes into the historical period and this is the reflected in the quality of writing. This novel was no exception however, it did not completely capture my imagination and I found some parts quite heavy going.
I liked the fact that this book moves between present day and the sixteenth century. Starting in Holland, readers see the protagonist escape near death and flee to England. Frieda is a very talented cartographer and soon her skills capture the attention of Queen Elizabeth I. Except it is not just her map-making skills but also her husband; his role as a privateer on the seas means that Frieda’s position on court is highlighted, particularly against a certain Spanish ambassador.
Therefore, the historical element informs readers of William of Orange and the Spanish/Holland war. Frieda has escaped persecution whilst her husband starts to become involved in the politics of her home country. The map that Queen Elizabeth has asked Frieda to make for Sir Francis Drake has even more meaning as she realises that trouble could come knocking at any moment.
Robyn’s discovery of Frieda’s work in the present sees her try and unravel the mystery of the talented cartographer. After all, Frieda was very much working in a male world, making her tale even more fascinating. Yet, whilst Frieda is trying to support her sea-faring husband, in the present, Robyn is trying to recover from it. Her husband has been missing nearly seven years, presumed dead, and Robyn has been trapped in her grief all this time, hating the thought of moving on from her sacred marriage vows.
I liked how the writer established parallels between the two women, particularly in relation to the risks their partners were involved in. Robyn needs the strength that Frieda has in order to move on; whilst Frieda wants to cherish and protect her family from outside threats. Both women are admirable and although I felt sorry for Robyn initially, it was satisfying to see her grow and be more determined, especially as she learns more of Frieda’s story.
Yet, I do not think this book was quite so gripping as other novels from Marchant. It felt quite slow and dense in places – swamped in history – and this challenged my attention span. There were times when I thought sections were a tad too prolonged and I would have preferred the story to move onwards.
Nevertheless, this is a rich historical novel that thrusts readers into Queen Elizabeth’s court and the world of cartography. It was interesting to read, even if it was a little slow at times.
With thanks to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the fact that this book moves between present day and the sixteenth century. Starting in Holland, readers see the protagonist escape near death and flee to England. Frieda is a very talented cartographer and soon her skills capture the attention of Queen Elizabeth I. Except it is not just her map-making skills but also her husband; his role as a privateer on the seas means that Frieda’s position on court is highlighted, particularly against a certain Spanish ambassador.
Therefore, the historical element informs readers of William of Orange and the Spanish/Holland war. Frieda has escaped persecution whilst her husband starts to become involved in the politics of her home country. The map that Queen Elizabeth has asked Frieda to make for Sir Francis Drake has even more meaning as she realises that trouble could come knocking at any moment.
Robyn’s discovery of Frieda’s work in the present sees her try and unravel the mystery of the talented cartographer. After all, Frieda was very much working in a male world, making her tale even more fascinating. Yet, whilst Frieda is trying to support her sea-faring husband, in the present, Robyn is trying to recover from it. Her husband has been missing nearly seven years, presumed dead, and Robyn has been trapped in her grief all this time, hating the thought of moving on from her sacred marriage vows.
I liked how the writer established parallels between the two women, particularly in relation to the risks their partners were involved in. Robyn needs the strength that Frieda has in order to move on; whilst Frieda wants to cherish and protect her family from outside threats. Both women are admirable and although I felt sorry for Robyn initially, it was satisfying to see her grow and be more determined, especially as she learns more of Frieda’s story.
Yet, I do not think this book was quite so gripping as other novels from Marchant. It felt quite slow and dense in places – swamped in history – and this challenged my attention span. There were times when I thought sections were a tad too prolonged and I would have preferred the story to move onwards.
Nevertheless, this is a rich historical novel that thrusts readers into Queen Elizabeth’s court and the world of cartography. It was interesting to read, even if it was a little slow at times.
With thanks to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2023
This was a wonderful story of Freida, Willem, and their son Jacob. Also, Robyn, her dad, and friend Sam. It has different time frames. One in 15th-16th century, which was Frieda, Willem, and Jacob. And one in the present time, but in 2022, with Robyn, her dad, and Sam. Freida is a cartographer/mapmaker, but she is a mother and wife, running her household. She is a woman who in this time she’s in usually a woman would not be doing these type things. They were thought that they couldn’t be thinkers or have an education or have a career. But Freida made a name for herself with the beautiful and accurate maps she created. Jacob was her son and she loved him deeply. She was a real mama bear and when you read a certain passage in the book you will know why I say this……Robyn, in 2022, has come home to live with her dad and help him with his shop. He has come across a map that he thinks Robyn will love to investigate. And that’s what she does. She puts a lot of work in trying to find out all about this beautiful, wonderful map……This is a wonderful, intriguing story. I really liked it a lot. I hope if you decide to read it as well that you will enjoy it too. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers, Harper Collins, and the author, Clare Marchant, for the opportunity to read and review, #TheMapmakersDaughter , with my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 2, 2024
De dochter van de kaartenmaker – Clare Marchant
De twintigjarige Freida Ortelius moet aan het eind van de zestiende eeuw vanwege haar geloof Nederland ontvluchten, maar kan door haar talent om landkaarten te maken opnieuw beginnen in Londen. Al snel trekt haar zeldzame kundigheid de aandacht van koningin Elizabeth I, die de hulp van Freida eist nu ze worden bedreigd door de Spanjaarden. Freida raakt tegen haar wil betrokken bij een dodelijke missie, waarvan de gevolgen door de eeuwen heen zullen weerklinken.
Jaren later ontdekt Robyn Willoughby een prachtige, maar met bloed besmeurde landkaart in de antieke kaartenwinkel van haar vader. Als Robyn op onderzoek uitgaat, raakt ze verstrikt in een eeuwenoud geheim dat haar leven voor altijd zal veranderen.
De mooie cover met de jonge vrouw op de voorgrond die uitkijkt naar een zeilschip op zee, spreekt al meteen tot de verbeelding en maakt nieuwsgierig naar het verhaal erachter. De achterflap zorgt ervoor dat ik zin krijg om dit mysterie te ontrafelen!
Het verhaal kent een dubbele tijdlijn en wordt verteld vanuit twee vrouwen. Het leven van Freida speelt zich af aan het eind van de 16e eeuw en dat van Robyn in het heden. Deze sprongen in de tijd worden goed aangegeven bovenaan elk hoofdstuk. De twee vrouwen leven in heel verschillende tijden en omstandigheden, maar willen beide sterk en onafhankelijk zijn en moeten daarvoor de kracht in zichzelf vinden.
De korte hoofdstukken die vaak afsluiten met een klein cliffhanger zorgen ervoor dat het verhaal prettig leest en blijft boeien. Door de beeldende schrijfstijl proef je de sfeer van het oude Engeland met de straatventers en het geluid van de paardenhoeven op de kasseien. Je ziet de kleding van de koningin en de dames aan het hof, maar ook de schepen op zee met hun bolle zeilen.
Ik vond het vooral erg interessant om tijdens het lezen meer te weten te komen over het proces van het kaarten maken in die tijd en de materialen die daarbij gebruikt werden en zo ook over het navigeren van de zeilboten. De hoofdstukken rondom Freida vond ik dan ook veruit het leukst om te lezen.
Tevens maken we kennis met diverse hooggeplaatste personen tijdens de regeerperiode van koningin Elizabeth I van Engeland. Zo zijn daar Bernardino Mendoza, de Spaanse ambassadeur aan het Engelse hof, en Francis Drake, de piraat en ontdekkingsreiziger die op eigen karakteristieke wijze zorgt voor de verbinding tussen de twee tijdlijnen.
De dochter van de kaartenmaker is een aanrader voor liefhebbers van boeiende historische romans. Van deze auteur verschenen eerder al Het mysterie van Lutton Hall en De geheimen van Saffron Hall.
4 ★
Bedankt HarperCollins voor dit recensie-exemplaar in ruil voor mijn eerlijke mening.
De twintigjarige Freida Ortelius moet aan het eind van de zestiende eeuw vanwege haar geloof Nederland ontvluchten, maar kan door haar talent om landkaarten te maken opnieuw beginnen in Londen. Al snel trekt haar zeldzame kundigheid de aandacht van koningin Elizabeth I, die de hulp van Freida eist nu ze worden bedreigd door de Spanjaarden. Freida raakt tegen haar wil betrokken bij een dodelijke missie, waarvan de gevolgen door de eeuwen heen zullen weerklinken.
Jaren later ontdekt Robyn Willoughby een prachtige, maar met bloed besmeurde landkaart in de antieke kaartenwinkel van haar vader. Als Robyn op onderzoek uitgaat, raakt ze verstrikt in een eeuwenoud geheim dat haar leven voor altijd zal veranderen.
De mooie cover met de jonge vrouw op de voorgrond die uitkijkt naar een zeilschip op zee, spreekt al meteen tot de verbeelding en maakt nieuwsgierig naar het verhaal erachter. De achterflap zorgt ervoor dat ik zin krijg om dit mysterie te ontrafelen!
Het verhaal kent een dubbele tijdlijn en wordt verteld vanuit twee vrouwen. Het leven van Freida speelt zich af aan het eind van de 16e eeuw en dat van Robyn in het heden. Deze sprongen in de tijd worden goed aangegeven bovenaan elk hoofdstuk. De twee vrouwen leven in heel verschillende tijden en omstandigheden, maar willen beide sterk en onafhankelijk zijn en moeten daarvoor de kracht in zichzelf vinden.
De korte hoofdstukken die vaak afsluiten met een klein cliffhanger zorgen ervoor dat het verhaal prettig leest en blijft boeien. Door de beeldende schrijfstijl proef je de sfeer van het oude Engeland met de straatventers en het geluid van de paardenhoeven op de kasseien. Je ziet de kleding van de koningin en de dames aan het hof, maar ook de schepen op zee met hun bolle zeilen.
Ik vond het vooral erg interessant om tijdens het lezen meer te weten te komen over het proces van het kaarten maken in die tijd en de materialen die daarbij gebruikt werden en zo ook over het navigeren van de zeilboten. De hoofdstukken rondom Freida vond ik dan ook veruit het leukst om te lezen.
Tevens maken we kennis met diverse hooggeplaatste personen tijdens de regeerperiode van koningin Elizabeth I van Engeland. Zo zijn daar Bernardino Mendoza, de Spaanse ambassadeur aan het Engelse hof, en Francis Drake, de piraat en ontdekkingsreiziger die op eigen karakteristieke wijze zorgt voor de verbinding tussen de twee tijdlijnen.
De dochter van de kaartenmaker is een aanrader voor liefhebbers van boeiende historische romans. Van deze auteur verschenen eerder al Het mysterie van Lutton Hall en De geheimen van Saffron Hall.
4 ★
Bedankt HarperCollins voor dit recensie-exemplaar in ruil voor mijn eerlijke mening.
July 26, 2025
Nie nadarmo sa hovorí, že z h***a bič neupletieš. Myslím, že ústredným pilierom knihy mala byť “silná žena” a príbeh okolo nej bol vykonštruovaný, len aby bol. Pátranie po pôvode “záhadnej” mapy bolo také napínavé, ako rešerš stredoškolského referátu a jedinú záhadu celej knihy by som zhrnula do otázky: “Kedy to začne byť napínavé?”
Spoiler alert: určite nie na prvých 240 stranách a ďalej neviem - nedočítala som ju.
Ešte som sa niekde v prvej tretine knihy upokojovala tým, že možno v knihe nájdem iné hodnoty a pozitíva - napr. umelecké prostriedky, sympatické postavy, ✨niečo✨. Namiesto toho ma čakali prehnane neprirodzené dialógy, v ktorých si postavy s obľubou vyliali srdce kedykoľvek a komukoľvek. Moje najobľúbenejšie časti boli tie, kedy autorka nevedela zakončiť rozhovor (alebo v ňom pokračovať), a tak nechala tú či onú postavu jednoducho odísť. (Napr. (parafrázované) “Mala by si vyriešiť závet svojho mŕtveho muža. Ja už musím ísť.”)
Vzhľadom na vydavatelstvo, ktoré knihu vydalo, som mala veľké očakávania. Dokonca aj recenzie, ktoré som si prečítala, boli priaznivé. Ale viac ako 2 hviezdičky si to u mňa nezískali (jedna je minimum, druhá za peknú obálku).
Spoiler alert: určite nie na prvých 240 stranách a ďalej neviem - nedočítala som ju.
Ešte som sa niekde v prvej tretine knihy upokojovala tým, že možno v knihe nájdem iné hodnoty a pozitíva - napr. umelecké prostriedky, sympatické postavy, ✨niečo✨. Namiesto toho ma čakali prehnane neprirodzené dialógy, v ktorých si postavy s obľubou vyliali srdce kedykoľvek a komukoľvek. Moje najobľúbenejšie časti boli tie, kedy autorka nevedela zakončiť rozhovor (alebo v ňom pokračovať), a tak nechala tú či onú postavu jednoducho odísť. (Napr. (parafrázované) “Mala by si vyriešiť závet svojho mŕtveho muža. Ja už musím ísť.”)
Vzhľadom na vydavatelstvo, ktoré knihu vydalo, som mala veľké očakávania. Dokonca aj recenzie, ktoré som si prečítala, boli priaznivé. Ale viac ako 2 hviezdičky si to u mňa nezískali (jedna je minimum, druhá za peknú obálku).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
The Mapmaker’s Daughter is a beautiful story told in two timelines, the present of an antique map seller’s daughter and the past of a mapmaker’s daughter in 1600. The story intertwines with similarities between the two women.
Robyn is the daughter in the present century who had suffered a loss when her husband was lost at sea while Frieda in the past has also suffered from loss of her parents by warring factions. These two women meet through the discovery of a map drawn by Frieda.
When Robyn researches the history of this old map she uncovers not only Frieda’s struggles but also her own. Robyn discovers that she is stronger than she ever imagined.
This was a beautiful and unforgettable story rich in history and detail of these two women. It was an extraordinary read that I highly recommend.
Robyn is the daughter in the present century who had suffered a loss when her husband was lost at sea while Frieda in the past has also suffered from loss of her parents by warring factions. These two women meet through the discovery of a map drawn by Frieda.
When Robyn researches the history of this old map she uncovers not only Frieda’s struggles but also her own. Robyn discovers that she is stronger than she ever imagined.
This was a beautiful and unforgettable story rich in history and detail of these two women. It was an extraordinary read that I highly recommend.
November 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The setting in the late 1500s was fascinating. I loved the details about the clothing, customs, and technology. I enjoyed the female main characters who have to find new strength along the way. The dual timeline worked better than I expected however the 2022 timeline was not nearly as great as the 1500s timeframe. The 1500s timeline seemed to have more chapters which I was grateful for. The book slowly built suspense and ended with a high stakes climax that I had to stay up late to finish reading. Overall a great read I’d recommend!
February 24, 2023
Another brilliant duel timeline story that really captured my imagination. It was so interesting reading about Freida and her mapmaking skills. Such a thrilling read that had really intense moments thought out the stories. The modern timeline was also intriguing, wondering about Robyn and her own heartbreaking journey.
It was so fascinating to see both women overcome their difficulties and to find their places in the world.
Absolutely incredible book that was jam packed with historical stories and human emotions.
It was so fascinating to see both women overcome their difficulties and to find their places in the world.
Absolutely incredible book that was jam packed with historical stories and human emotions.
June 9, 2024
I had purchased this ebook a year ago. This past week I was able to truly dive into this delightful work of historical fiction. Clare Marchant deftly weaves together the stories of two women who lived centuries apart and yet shared a common connection through a map. The story of life, tragedy, hope, and restoration is truly inspiring. Thank you, Clare, for the incredible journey you took me on as the stories of Robyn and Freida captured my imagination and my heart.
June 13, 2024
I was fascinated by this historical fiction. It was so well researched and I loved learning seeing how the story unfolded while learning about a period of time I didn’t know too much about. I connected to each of the characters and appreciated their unique motives and growth. Lastly, I really appreciated how clean it is. A couple of English swear words and that was it- aside from some violence that was an important part of the historical setting.
February 15, 2023
I found the description of mapmaking and the history very interesting. However, I don't think I've ever read a book in which the main characters, for whom we are supposed to have empathy, come across as so incredibly irritating.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, because it is a good story, but prepare to end up disliking the two main characters, and that's okay. We can't like everyone.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, because it is a good story, but prepare to end up disliking the two main characters, and that's okay. We can't like everyone.
July 8, 2024
Despite its shocking beginning, this dual timeline novel moved rather slowly for me until I became hooked by the story of Frieda Ortelius, a female cartographer during the 16th century, who was commissioned by Elizabeth I to make a map for Sir Francis Drake. I also learned a bit more about the persecution of the Dutch Huguenots by the Spanish.
November 14, 2025
Le premesse c’erano, ma la fine mi ha deluso un po’. Sono riuscita a entrare effettivamente dentro la storia solo dopo qualche capitolo, poi mi ha preso molto di più. Scritto bene; la suddivisione nei due archi temporali rende il tutto più interessante.
Pensavo alla fine ci sarebbe stato un colpo di scena, invece è rimasto tutto molto lineare….. non so, mi è mancato qualcosa.
Pensavo alla fine ci sarebbe stato un colpo di scena, invece è rimasto tutto molto lineare….. non so, mi è mancato qualcosa.
January 21, 2024
The Mapmaker’s Daughter
I love this book!
With every Historical Fiction Book I learn more & more of the past.
reading about Frieda her love of family, her work in making maps.
Robyn who life was on hold for seven years from the loss of her husband who disappeared at sea racing his boat doing what he loved in life.
I love this book!
With every Historical Fiction Book I learn more & more of the past.
reading about Frieda her love of family, her work in making maps.
Robyn who life was on hold for seven years from the loss of her husband who disappeared at sea racing his boat doing what he loved in life.
July 14, 2024
I liked the story line between 2 different eras 1500’s and 2000’s and the different cultures of that time, but the character development was flowery and too unrealistic especially for Roblyn who you can’t help but feel sorry for throughout the story.
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