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The Story Spinner
The land of the Silures, 382 AD
Elen is a princess promised to a general of Rome. Macsen came to Wales seeking an alliance that would advance his quest for power.
Despite warnings her marriage is destined for heartache, Elen is determined to honour her vows.
But this union will change her destiny forever…
Camp Meadow, 2024
Cadi is a writer who has discovered Elen’s lost story. As she puts pen to paper, she hears the sound of ghostly marching feet.
Opening the gate to the ancient meadow behind her cottage, could the secret behind Elen’s fate lie closer than she thinks?
But someone is desperate to keep the past buried, plotting to destroy the meadow…
Can Cadi uncover Elen’s story before it’s lost to time?
Elen is a princess promised to a general of Rome. Macsen came to Wales seeking an alliance that would advance his quest for power.
Despite warnings her marriage is destined for heartache, Elen is determined to honour her vows.
But this union will change her destiny forever…
Camp Meadow, 2024
Cadi is a writer who has discovered Elen’s lost story. As she puts pen to paper, she hears the sound of ghostly marching feet.
Opening the gate to the ancient meadow behind her cottage, could the secret behind Elen’s fate lie closer than she thinks?
But someone is desperate to keep the past buried, plotting to destroy the meadow…
Can Cadi uncover Elen’s story before it’s lost to time?
503 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
589 people are currently reading
1052 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Erskine
54 books1,278 followersAn historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of six bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus two collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty different languages. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
July 18, 2024
‘There are no reasons we should pick up echoes of the past, except that of course the past is there. On all sorts of levels it is with us’
Cadi, a poet living in Wales, has recently found herself writing a story about Elen - daughter of the Welsh high king - who lived by her house over 1600 years ago when Romans ruled the surrounding lands. Cadi's sure that it's just a novel inspired by her recent Welsh poetry translations however, the information she puts to paper seems to have a basis in fact - it's as though she's a conduit to the past Although history recorded Magnus, the Roman General she was married off to, Elen seemed to disappear. Cadi is determined to find out exactly what happened to her, and in doing so uncovers some of the mystery of the land she lives in.
'The Story Spinner' is an immersive time-slip novel, that easily transists from the present to the waning years of Roman rule. Welsh legends and folklore are mixed with history and Druid mysticism to create a richly detailed novel. Although on the lengthier side, there's plenty of story to keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction lovers, particularly if you enjoy a bit of magic in your reading.
'She was an observer, the unseen diarist, the only witness. The novelist. The story spinner'.
Cadi, a poet living in Wales, has recently found herself writing a story about Elen - daughter of the Welsh high king - who lived by her house over 1600 years ago when Romans ruled the surrounding lands. Cadi's sure that it's just a novel inspired by her recent Welsh poetry translations however, the information she puts to paper seems to have a basis in fact - it's as though she's a conduit to the past Although history recorded Magnus, the Roman General she was married off to, Elen seemed to disappear. Cadi is determined to find out exactly what happened to her, and in doing so uncovers some of the mystery of the land she lives in.
'The Story Spinner' is an immersive time-slip novel, that easily transists from the present to the waning years of Roman rule. Welsh legends and folklore are mixed with history and Druid mysticism to create a richly detailed novel. Although on the lengthier side, there's plenty of story to keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction lovers, particularly if you enjoy a bit of magic in your reading.
'She was an observer, the unseen diarist, the only witness. The novelist. The story spinner'.
October 26, 2024
I have loved this author for nearly 30 years. This is one of the best books she has released in recent years and I love the Welsh setting. I also know next to nothing about the latter Roman Emperors of the West so it was good to not know what was coming next in the story. I kind of wish she would write another horror novel, though, as House of Echoes is perhaps my favourite book of hers. It would be nice to read something a little bit different from her again.
August 7, 2024
5⭐️ of pure escapist fun.
September 21, 2024
Painfully bad. Flat characters, contrived tension, repetitive action, obvious plot arc. I actually feel angry that I wasted reading time on this book. I haven’t written a review before, but hope that this will help some people avoid disappointment.
August 11, 2024
Absolutely 5 stars worth of I am not doing anything else until I have finished this book. I have, in the past, read Barbara Erskines books and thoroughly enjoyed them.
This is the story of Cadi, a poet, who is rewriting the stories of Welsh legend with her cousin. But Cadi is reliving those stories, no surprise as her uncle is some sort of Druid who I think has featured in other books by this author. Cadi lives alone having been through an abusive relationship. This fact is important to the whole story too.
Welsh queens, Druids, kind friends, new love, magic, an abuser who brilliantly gets his come uppance. What’s not to like!
This is the story of Cadi, a poet, who is rewriting the stories of Welsh legend with her cousin. But Cadi is reliving those stories, no surprise as her uncle is some sort of Druid who I think has featured in other books by this author. Cadi lives alone having been through an abusive relationship. This fact is important to the whole story too.
Welsh queens, Druids, kind friends, new love, magic, an abuser who brilliantly gets his come uppance. What’s not to like!
November 18, 2024
This is a difficult one to review. I loved Elen and Branwyn’s characters but really disliked Cadi’s part of the story.
February 12, 2025
Cadi is a poet working on a new interpretation of the Mabinogion when she finds a shady developer wants to build on the ancient meadow next to her cottage. Meanwhile, in the twilight years of the Roman Empire a Celtic princess is married off to a Roman general. I enjoy a dual timeline novel and this was a cracking read. Erskine is indeed a masterful story spinner.
July 8, 2024
A really interesting dual time-line from this wonderful writer. She really captured the atmosphere of Wales when the Romans settled in a Welsh field. The descriptions were spot on. I loved this book. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 3, 2024
Another great book by this author.
August 17, 2024
Another winner by Barbara Erskine. Her books always make me feel cocooned with feel good vibes 😀.
August 1, 2024
Well Barbara Erskine has done it again. I have loved her books since I was a teenager and read The Lady of Hay. Her novels are what started my obsession with time-slip stories.
Cadi lives in Wales in a cottage that she received in her divorce settlement. She lives on her settlement and the royalties she makes from her poetry that centers around Welsh mythology.. Cadi lives next to an ancient meadow known as Camp Meadow as it was thought to have been a Roman Centurion camp. Then Cadi learns that the meadow has been sold and is scheduled to be the site of a new estate of houses. Cadi is appalled as this will totally destroy the lovely village that she lives in. At night Cadi can hear the ghostly marching of a Roman army so she knows there is more to Camp Meadow than meets the eye.
Elen is a Welsh Princess in the time of Rome’s rule over Britain. She is married to a Roman general Macsen or Maximus Magnus and must navigate all that comes from being the wife of a Roman in Britain during those turbulent times, Then Cadi and Elen’s lives overlap and that is what makes Ms. Erskine’s novels so enjoyable, The historical and supernatural storytelling . I found myself looking up the historical characters to see how their lives turned out.
The back and forth between the present and the past was well done and as a fan of history I enjoyed reading about an unknown to me part of Roman and British history.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Harper Collins UK and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.
Cadi lives in Wales in a cottage that she received in her divorce settlement. She lives on her settlement and the royalties she makes from her poetry that centers around Welsh mythology.. Cadi lives next to an ancient meadow known as Camp Meadow as it was thought to have been a Roman Centurion camp. Then Cadi learns that the meadow has been sold and is scheduled to be the site of a new estate of houses. Cadi is appalled as this will totally destroy the lovely village that she lives in. At night Cadi can hear the ghostly marching of a Roman army so she knows there is more to Camp Meadow than meets the eye.
Elen is a Welsh Princess in the time of Rome’s rule over Britain. She is married to a Roman general Macsen or Maximus Magnus and must navigate all that comes from being the wife of a Roman in Britain during those turbulent times, Then Cadi and Elen’s lives overlap and that is what makes Ms. Erskine’s novels so enjoyable, The historical and supernatural storytelling . I found myself looking up the historical characters to see how their lives turned out.
The back and forth between the present and the past was well done and as a fan of history I enjoyed reading about an unknown to me part of Roman and British history.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Harper Collins UK and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.
June 5, 2024
The Story Spinner is a wonderful engrossing story that segues beautifully from present day back in time to 382 AD. Wales have powerful warlike tribes, the Silures and the Romans are well established in Britain. Roman General Macsen wanting to advance his power forms an alliance with the tribes by marrying their kings daughter Elen.
Back in 2024 historical poet and writer has discovered Elen’s lost story and with some supernatural help from Camp Meadow next to her cottage she finds herself automatically writing It all down.
The writing is atmospheric with a cast of characters past and present that epitomises the good and the downright evil.
Born and living in North Wales this for me was an eye opener into our past history. An exciting and throughly enjoyable well researched read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Back in 2024 historical poet and writer has discovered Elen’s lost story and with some supernatural help from Camp Meadow next to her cottage she finds herself automatically writing It all down.
The writing is atmospheric with a cast of characters past and present that epitomises the good and the downright evil.
Born and living in North Wales this for me was an eye opener into our past history. An exciting and throughly enjoyable well researched read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
September 27, 2024
This is an atmospheric novel that weaves together romance, history, and supernatural elements that will keep you turning pages!
Cadi, a modern-day poet, stumbles across the ancient story of Elen, a Welsh princess from 382 AD who was married to the Roman general Macsen. But when Cadi starts writing, her pen seems to move on its own, as if Elen’s spirit is guiding her! To make things even weirder, she keeps hearing the marching of soldiers... but no one's there.
Erskine's writing is gorgeous, and I loved the supernatural elements in the story. Along with the eerie sound of invisible marching soldiers and the psychic link between Cadi and Elen through the pen, there’s also a mysterious timeslip or wormhole and ghostly apparitions.
The plot is rich with atmosphere, starting in a small Welsh village where Cadi lives, and spans back to the ancient Roman-British world. I loved Elen's story!
Unfortunately, by the time I was at 60%, Cadi’s storyline—the creepy and obsessive ex-boyfriend, her struggling with writer’s block, and the development project on the land—started to feel tiring. I just wanted to skip-read Elen’s story, which I found far more captivating and exciting.
If you love time-slip novels, historical fiction with strong female leads, or stories with a touch of the paranormal, The Story Spinner is a must-read. It’s perfect for readers who like their history with a side of mystery and a sprinkle of the supernatural.
Cadi, a modern-day poet, stumbles across the ancient story of Elen, a Welsh princess from 382 AD who was married to the Roman general Macsen. But when Cadi starts writing, her pen seems to move on its own, as if Elen’s spirit is guiding her! To make things even weirder, she keeps hearing the marching of soldiers... but no one's there.
Erskine's writing is gorgeous, and I loved the supernatural elements in the story. Along with the eerie sound of invisible marching soldiers and the psychic link between Cadi and Elen through the pen, there’s also a mysterious timeslip or wormhole and ghostly apparitions.
The plot is rich with atmosphere, starting in a small Welsh village where Cadi lives, and spans back to the ancient Roman-British world. I loved Elen's story!
Unfortunately, by the time I was at 60%, Cadi’s storyline—the creepy and obsessive ex-boyfriend, her struggling with writer’s block, and the development project on the land—started to feel tiring. I just wanted to skip-read Elen’s story, which I found far more captivating and exciting.
If you love time-slip novels, historical fiction with strong female leads, or stories with a touch of the paranormal, The Story Spinner is a must-read. It’s perfect for readers who like their history with a side of mystery and a sprinkle of the supernatural.
July 28, 2024
I have long been a fan of Barbara Erskine and her timeslip novels ever since I read The Lady of Hay – and yes I still have my paperback copy! The Story Spinner is set during the last years of the Roman occupation of Britain, and twinned with modern times. Poet Cadi Jones, is currently working on a poetic translation of stories from the Mabinogion - ancient Welsh tales of myth and legend – while her cousin Rachel creates the visuals. She is currently working on the story of Magnus, who became Roman emperor of the West. Feeling his story lacks the enchantment and myth of her previous works, she researches the British princess Elen he married. Soon she is wrapped up in Elen’s story and her writing moves away from poetry and into prose, and as if by magic the story appears to write itself.
Past and present are effortlessly entwined. Each woman's story is a compelling read. Both Elen and Cardi have their challenges, albeit very different ones. They also find themselves in dangerous situations. Elen is powerless against the authority and plans of a husband whose thirst for power and domination becomes his total focus. While in the present, Cadi faces a threat from Ifan Davies, a cold and controlling man from her past.
As with all other Barbara Erskine novels I have read, I was immediately pulled into this story of ghosts and magic and found it difficult to put down. While Magnus became the director of his own downfall, I did wonder what fate was in store for the bullying and malicious Ifan. I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.
Well researched, rich in detail and entertaining, The Story Spinner is an excellent read.
I would like to thank Harper Collins, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Story Spinner in exchange for an honest review.
Past and present are effortlessly entwined. Each woman's story is a compelling read. Both Elen and Cardi have their challenges, albeit very different ones. They also find themselves in dangerous situations. Elen is powerless against the authority and plans of a husband whose thirst for power and domination becomes his total focus. While in the present, Cadi faces a threat from Ifan Davies, a cold and controlling man from her past.
As with all other Barbara Erskine novels I have read, I was immediately pulled into this story of ghosts and magic and found it difficult to put down. While Magnus became the director of his own downfall, I did wonder what fate was in store for the bullying and malicious Ifan. I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.
Well researched, rich in detail and entertaining, The Story Spinner is an excellent read.
I would like to thank Harper Collins, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Story Spinner in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2024
have just finished this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Cadi lives alone in a cottage on the edge of a meadow, she is an author and very successful. She loves the peace and quiet of the village she lives in. That is until she is woken night after night by the sound of soldiers marching past her window. Who are they and where are they going? The end of her road is a dead end, leading to a meadow. When she look out her window no one is around.
Then suddenly she and other villagers are made aware that planning permission to build on the meadow is about to be granted. The peaceful location is about to be ruined. When a skeleton turns up in the meadow the plans are put on hold. Is this a recent grave or something from further past. The meadow has Roman links. Can Cadi stop the plans before they start building
While all this is going on Cadi is drawn into the past as she begins to spin the stories of the past
would like to give this more stars but felt the ending let it down.
It just seemed such a shame that was the end. I felt like there was more to come
Cadi lives alone in a cottage on the edge of a meadow, she is an author and very successful. She loves the peace and quiet of the village she lives in. That is until she is woken night after night by the sound of soldiers marching past her window. Who are they and where are they going? The end of her road is a dead end, leading to a meadow. When she look out her window no one is around.
Then suddenly she and other villagers are made aware that planning permission to build on the meadow is about to be granted. The peaceful location is about to be ruined. When a skeleton turns up in the meadow the plans are put on hold. Is this a recent grave or something from further past. The meadow has Roman links. Can Cadi stop the plans before they start building
While all this is going on Cadi is drawn into the past as she begins to spin the stories of the past
would like to give this more stars but felt the ending let it down.
It just seemed such a shame that was the end. I felt like there was more to come
December 21, 2024
Enjoyed this one from Barbara Erskine. It’s another time-slip novel which I do like as a genre as I enjoy the mix of historical and modern. This one is about Elen who lives in Roman times when they occupied England and Wales and is set in Wales. In modern times it’s about Cadi and her fight to keep a meadow outside her cottage from being built on. It delves into automatic writing and ‘thin air’ which is a lovely description for areas where you can slip through into a different time. The characters are good and the story moves along well.
August 22, 2025
4 5 stars
Barbara Erskine never fails to weave intricate and magical stories in a skilful manner - she is the ultimate story spinner. In this novel Cadi a poetry, is our weaver of stories. I present day 2024 in Camp Meadow, she seeks to tell the story of Elen, a heroine from 382 AD , who married a Roman General despite predictions that their story would end tragically. Largely forgotten by time, Cadi wishes to pen her story back into existence. As she writes, she hears the faint tred of marching outside and experiences visions from another time. The land behind Cadi's home is earmarked for building but a discovery changes that and it seems Elen's story lies closer than Cadi believed. Some people are not too thrilled with this discovery and Cadi's writings; danger lurks. #thestoryspinner #barbaraerskine #netgalley
Barbara Erskine never fails to weave intricate and magical stories in a skilful manner - she is the ultimate story spinner. In this novel Cadi a poetry, is our weaver of stories. I present day 2024 in Camp Meadow, she seeks to tell the story of Elen, a heroine from 382 AD , who married a Roman General despite predictions that their story would end tragically. Largely forgotten by time, Cadi wishes to pen her story back into existence. As she writes, she hears the faint tred of marching outside and experiences visions from another time. The land behind Cadi's home is earmarked for building but a discovery changes that and it seems Elen's story lies closer than Cadi believed. Some people are not too thrilled with this discovery and Cadi's writings; danger lurks. #thestoryspinner #barbaraerskine #netgalley
August 1, 2025
loved this book, I have read other books by Barbara Erskine, and they don't tend to disappoint. My only critism was I got a bit annoyed towards the end with the Ifan story line as it went on for a bit too long.
August 27, 2024
One of my favourites 🤩😍
October 14, 2024
This has been one of my favorite books that Barbara Erskine has written in a little while. I always love the books when Meryn is involved. He's become my favorite fictional druid.
June 24, 2025
This was about 500 pages too long. The dialogue nearly sent me to sleep at times. Disappointing after such a strong start.
September 27, 2025
Cosy, escapist, gorgeousness. Don’t know a lot about Welsh history so sort of skimmed the bits where it started reading like an encyclopaedia but thankfully that dropped off pretty quickly. Definitely one for anyone who loves history and the cosy vibes of books like Thursday Murder Club. Really really good!
October 20, 2024
No one writes a time slip novel quite like Barbara Erskine. And this has Meryn in it, which is always a bonus
May 30, 2024
I have read all of Barbara Erskine’s novels and my love of historical fiction and dual timelines began with Lady of Hay, and I always eagerly reserve a hardback of every novel published. Therefore, I was thrilled to receive a review copy of this latest novel from NetGalley.
Immaculately and thoroughly researched, great characters and an excellent plot line, along with the supernatural and magical mystical elements which we all associate with this author’s work.
For me, it wasn’t my favourite novel. I did find the history a little hard going and feel some parts of the book read more like a non-fiction piece of research work, and I did prefer the more magical character driven storytelling parts of the book as seen in earlier works, but that is purely personal preference. This absolutely does not detract that this is another exceptional five ⭐️ story from this author. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the privilege of reviewing this book
Immaculately and thoroughly researched, great characters and an excellent plot line, along with the supernatural and magical mystical elements which we all associate with this author’s work.
For me, it wasn’t my favourite novel. I did find the history a little hard going and feel some parts of the book read more like a non-fiction piece of research work, and I did prefer the more magical character driven storytelling parts of the book as seen in earlier works, but that is purely personal preference. This absolutely does not detract that this is another exceptional five ⭐️ story from this author. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the privilege of reviewing this book
September 1, 2024
Barabra Erskine is one of my comfort authors. And her newest novel, The Story Spinner, did not disappoint,
Erskine’s stories follow the same structure; a modern day protagonist who has ties with a person of the past and seeks to unravel their story. Thrown in some villains, obstacles and romance, and you have a very entertaining story. Although this structure is repeated across all her books, it works. You know exactly what to expect from Erskine, and she delivers every time.
This was a fascinating story of the vague and mysterious historical figure Elen, as mentioned in the author’s footnotes. Erskine has reimagined her story and taken the reader back into Dark Age Britain, where the relationship between the native Britons and The Roman Empire has been established and is a fine political tightrope. Erskine pulls us into a Britain of myths, differing beliefs and identity and effectively and realistically creates a world of the past.
I was especially delighted to see Erskine incorporating the beginnings of Arthurian legend, and placing it firmly in Welsh heritage and the landscape. Many Arthurian symbols, places and characters are introduced, such as Caledfwlch (Excalibur), Vortigen and Avalon.
The Story Spinner was another book I devoured from a trusty and go-to author.
Erskine’s stories follow the same structure; a modern day protagonist who has ties with a person of the past and seeks to unravel their story. Thrown in some villains, obstacles and romance, and you have a very entertaining story. Although this structure is repeated across all her books, it works. You know exactly what to expect from Erskine, and she delivers every time.
This was a fascinating story of the vague and mysterious historical figure Elen, as mentioned in the author’s footnotes. Erskine has reimagined her story and taken the reader back into Dark Age Britain, where the relationship between the native Britons and The Roman Empire has been established and is a fine political tightrope. Erskine pulls us into a Britain of myths, differing beliefs and identity and effectively and realistically creates a world of the past.
I was especially delighted to see Erskine incorporating the beginnings of Arthurian legend, and placing it firmly in Welsh heritage and the landscape. Many Arthurian symbols, places and characters are introduced, such as Caledfwlch (Excalibur), Vortigen and Avalon.
The Story Spinner was another book I devoured from a trusty and go-to author.
September 7, 2024
It’s a good read - however the present day and past don’t seem to flow as seamlessly as they could. Also the past story could have more emotion written into it - it’s more factual than emotive which makes it a bit of a dry read. Not the best book I’ve read but still interesting enough to see it through to the end.
October 28, 2024
Barbara Erskine has been my favourite author for years. I didn’t even manage to get through half of this book. It seemed badly written, and flat and uninteresting. Not for me this one, a waste of £20.
October 31, 2024
No climax, boring throughout
October 22, 2024
The Story Spinner is a piece of mildly diverting Celtic fantasy tosh.
Cadi is a youngish middle aged divorcee in a rural village in Wales, living off the settlement from her ex-husband (with whom she is on surprisingly good terms) and from the income gleaned from writing poetic reimaginings of chapters from the welsh folk history the Mabinogion. She is on less good terms with her ex-lover, Ifan, having escaped from a controlling borderline violent relationship with him. Cadi’s cosy world of working with her cousin Rachel (an illustrator) on the books, dog walks with her friend Sally and visits to the village’s artisan bakery and cafe is thrown into doubt by news of plans for a housing development on the land next to her cottage. She is also disturbed by the nightly sound of ghostly marching soldiers
In parallel we have the story of Elen, a Welsh princess living at the tail end of the Roman occupation. The Mabinogion has fragments of her life as she is married off to Macsen, an ambitious Roman general.Her story is one of passion, motherhood and of the life of a member of the entourage of a mobile army. It interweaves themes of early Christianity and its competition against the Mithraic cult, with Arthurian legend (presented here as historical fact).
The two stories don’t run separately, as Cadi grows Elen’s tale beyond the constraints of the Mabinogion, so their stories grow closer to each other.
The Story Spinner isn’t a terrible book, if you disengage the higher brain functions and just go with the flow, it can be viewed as a moderately entertaining historical romp with a science fantasy tinge to it.
I can’t describe it as a good book though, it is one with more faults than virtues. It is not particularly well written. The dialogue is pretty clunky with long expository sections as characters bring each other up to speed with the plot, and the whole thing is just too long and repetitive. Elen and Macsen row about what should happen to their children, Elen and Macsen find each other enormously attractive and do a bit of horizontal jogging, Cadi hears ghostly soldiers, Cadi hides in her cottage afraid that Ifan will visit. Repeat those sections a few times, and bingo, that’s a couple of hundred pages of the contractual target knocked off.
I found myself comparing the Story Spinner with two other works, Sally Magnusson’s Seal Woman’s Gift and Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London novels. The former comparison comes from the theme of story telling common to both. The difference is that Magnusson’s book has an emotional depth to it, whereas Erskine’s characters feel thin and superficial. That superficiality extends to the setting, the Sealwoman’s Gift has a real sense of place, whereas despite diligently using Welsh place names, the Story Spinner could have been set in any middle class, artisan, small town - Hebden Bridge for example. This just doesn't feel like the real Wales.
Aaronovich’s world shares the device of having magic as part of the modern world. Both are fantastical, but where Aaronovitch’s characters behave credibly in an incredible world, I just don’t buy the motivation of Erskine’s. Ifan is too pantomimic, a swiss army villain with an array of different tools to fit whatever scenario the author wishes. Cadi herself I found to be unsympathetic, a massively self absorbed nimby, but with the ability to draw people into her orbit to run to her aid at the drop of a hat. Local clergy, police, university academics are all devoted to her. And where there is a healthy (and greatly entertaining) scepticism about magic in Aaronovitch’s world, here ordinary people accept it with out a second thought.
That brings me to my main difficulty with the book. I earlier described it as science fantasy because it tries to use science to explain the fantastical elements. However it does so in a way which breaks, or certainly did for this reader, the suspension of disbelief, necessary for any form of speculative fiction. Erskine uses a wormhole to explain some of the magical elements of the book, going on to effectively say “ Magic is weird and difficult to understand, so is quantum mechanics, therefore quantum mechanics explains magic”. So rather than introducing a fantastical element and asking the reader to go with it, she simply makes it too easy for the reader, or this reader, to say “no it doesn’t”. My disbelief came ultimately crashing to the floor with the following “I aim to prove something I have already accepted with my heart and soul but a scientist heads out into the wild blue yonder with no preconceived ideas and hopes to find incontrovertible truth”. What we have here is one of the main sympathetic characters of the book saying “I have no understanding of science so instead I employ the methods of the self deluded, the charlatan, the conspiracy theorist”.
So, this book isn’t terrible, it is mildly diverting, it just isn’t very good.
Cadi is a youngish middle aged divorcee in a rural village in Wales, living off the settlement from her ex-husband (with whom she is on surprisingly good terms) and from the income gleaned from writing poetic reimaginings of chapters from the welsh folk history the Mabinogion. She is on less good terms with her ex-lover, Ifan, having escaped from a controlling borderline violent relationship with him. Cadi’s cosy world of working with her cousin Rachel (an illustrator) on the books, dog walks with her friend Sally and visits to the village’s artisan bakery and cafe is thrown into doubt by news of plans for a housing development on the land next to her cottage. She is also disturbed by the nightly sound of ghostly marching soldiers
In parallel we have the story of Elen, a Welsh princess living at the tail end of the Roman occupation. The Mabinogion has fragments of her life as she is married off to Macsen, an ambitious Roman general.Her story is one of passion, motherhood and of the life of a member of the entourage of a mobile army. It interweaves themes of early Christianity and its competition against the Mithraic cult, with Arthurian legend (presented here as historical fact).
The two stories don’t run separately, as Cadi grows Elen’s tale beyond the constraints of the Mabinogion, so their stories grow closer to each other.
The Story Spinner isn’t a terrible book, if you disengage the higher brain functions and just go with the flow, it can be viewed as a moderately entertaining historical romp with a science fantasy tinge to it.
I can’t describe it as a good book though, it is one with more faults than virtues. It is not particularly well written. The dialogue is pretty clunky with long expository sections as characters bring each other up to speed with the plot, and the whole thing is just too long and repetitive. Elen and Macsen row about what should happen to their children, Elen and Macsen find each other enormously attractive and do a bit of horizontal jogging, Cadi hears ghostly soldiers, Cadi hides in her cottage afraid that Ifan will visit. Repeat those sections a few times, and bingo, that’s a couple of hundred pages of the contractual target knocked off.
I found myself comparing the Story Spinner with two other works, Sally Magnusson’s Seal Woman’s Gift and Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London novels. The former comparison comes from the theme of story telling common to both. The difference is that Magnusson’s book has an emotional depth to it, whereas Erskine’s characters feel thin and superficial. That superficiality extends to the setting, the Sealwoman’s Gift has a real sense of place, whereas despite diligently using Welsh place names, the Story Spinner could have been set in any middle class, artisan, small town - Hebden Bridge for example. This just doesn't feel like the real Wales.
Aaronovich’s world shares the device of having magic as part of the modern world. Both are fantastical, but where Aaronovitch’s characters behave credibly in an incredible world, I just don’t buy the motivation of Erskine’s. Ifan is too pantomimic, a swiss army villain with an array of different tools to fit whatever scenario the author wishes. Cadi herself I found to be unsympathetic, a massively self absorbed nimby, but with the ability to draw people into her orbit to run to her aid at the drop of a hat. Local clergy, police, university academics are all devoted to her. And where there is a healthy (and greatly entertaining) scepticism about magic in Aaronovitch’s world, here ordinary people accept it with out a second thought.
That brings me to my main difficulty with the book. I earlier described it as science fantasy because it tries to use science to explain the fantastical elements. However it does so in a way which breaks, or certainly did for this reader, the suspension of disbelief, necessary for any form of speculative fiction. Erskine uses a wormhole to explain some of the magical elements of the book, going on to effectively say “ Magic is weird and difficult to understand, so is quantum mechanics, therefore quantum mechanics explains magic”. So rather than introducing a fantastical element and asking the reader to go with it, she simply makes it too easy for the reader, or this reader, to say “no it doesn’t”. My disbelief came ultimately crashing to the floor with the following “I aim to prove something I have already accepted with my heart and soul but a scientist heads out into the wild blue yonder with no preconceived ideas and hopes to find incontrovertible truth”. What we have here is one of the main sympathetic characters of the book saying “I have no understanding of science so instead I employ the methods of the self deluded, the charlatan, the conspiracy theorist”.
So, this book isn’t terrible, it is mildly diverting, it just isn’t very good.
July 20, 2025
The book intricately weaves together two narratives - one set in contemporary Wales and the other in the waning days of the Roman Empire. These timelines are connected through folklore, poetry, and a mysterious, sacred site known as Camp Meadow, where time bends and the past bleeds into the present.
At the heart of the modern storyline is Cadi, a sensitive and intuitive Welsh poet who retreats to a cottage bordering Camp Meadow after escaping a toxic relationship. She immerses herself in reinterpreting the Mabinogion, particularly the story of Magnus Maximus (Macsen Wledig), a Roman general, and Elen, a Welsh noblewoman said to have married him and become Empress. Cadi’s poetry, however, becomes more than a creative hobby and job — it feels as though she is channeling Elen through an otherworldly connection anchored in the meadow. The prologue describes the physical connection between Cadi and Elen so beautifully in the Meadow, although Cadi never interacts with Elen for the rest of the book, only Meryn does with Branwen.
Through the wormhole-like phenomenon located at Camp Meadow, Cadi begins experiencing echoes of another time - marching, ancient voices, and sudden moments of insight that seem dictated rather than imagined. As she writes Elen’s story, it simultaneously unfolds in the Roman timeline, almost as though Cadi is not just a poet, but a conduit or even a creator of fate.
In the Roman past, Elen and Magnus undergo an arranged marriage that evolves into a political and emotional partnership. Magnus is eventually killed in battle, leaving Elen a widow to navigate the crumbling empire with her sons and daughters. The figure of Branwen, Elen’s mysterious seer-companion, emerges as one of the most compelling characters. Branwen appears to understand the wormhole and the continuity of time - she interacts with the modern world in cryptic, often supernatural ways. Most memorably, she summons a bolt of lightning to strike Ifan, Cadi’s abusive ex, when he arrives at the meadow intending to harm her. Cadi’s friend Sally loses her dogs near the meadow, only for them to return later with hints they had crossed into the Roman era, even having spent time with Elen before reappearing in the present. This extraordinary moment reinforces the porous boundaries between the timelines and adds to the sense of magic and mystery that permeates the novel.
The modern threat to Camp Meadow comes in the form of a development scheme, orchestrated in part by Ifan, Cadi’s ex-partner. As the novel progresses, Ifan becomes more dangerous and unhinged. Ifan’s role deepens when he is eventually pulled into the Roman timeline through the wormhole, pursued by the police. There, he comes face to face with Branwen and Elen — a fitting confrontation. His fate is sealed not through violence or law, but through the ancient story itself. It is further both ironic and fitting that Ifan ridiculed Cadi for her writing, yet his destiny is sealed by it.
Meanwhile, Cadi’s alliances in the present grow stronger. She befriends Charles Ford - there are constant hints at a romance but it never comes to light - and Meryn, two dowsers convinced that a Roman fort lies beneath Camp Meadow. Their explorations lead to the discovery of a burial site with potential Roman origins, but the exact details of this are not revealed.
The novel ends with a beautiful sense of poetic ambiguity. The future of Camp Meadow is left unresolved — we never find out whether the development is halted. However, Ifan’s disappearance into the past and Cadi’s decision to stop writing serve as the emotional and narrative closure the story needs. By ceasing to write, Cadi symbolically closes the portal, finalizing the fates of Elen, Branwen, and Ifan. Although, their stories likely carry on without Cadi's influence. My main take away from the book: the power of stories to impact the lives of myself and others and the importance of respecting and saving historically / culturally important places to keep their stories alive in the present.
I lied this book overall but I can't say it made me feel particularly immersed or connected with the characters. I thought that certain adjectives like rueful were used more than Ramsay swears. I did like the two stories though and the genuine connections Cadi had with an area of land and with the people around her. Charles and Meryn were also really likeable characters which served as the antithesis to Ifan, and the dog getting lost through the worm hole was surprisingly emotional! Poor Gemma! I also laughed at the thought of Branwen and Elen watching Ifan run across the meadow with the police at chase - Ifan deserved what he got.
At the heart of the modern storyline is Cadi, a sensitive and intuitive Welsh poet who retreats to a cottage bordering Camp Meadow after escaping a toxic relationship. She immerses herself in reinterpreting the Mabinogion, particularly the story of Magnus Maximus (Macsen Wledig), a Roman general, and Elen, a Welsh noblewoman said to have married him and become Empress. Cadi’s poetry, however, becomes more than a creative hobby and job — it feels as though she is channeling Elen through an otherworldly connection anchored in the meadow. The prologue describes the physical connection between Cadi and Elen so beautifully in the Meadow, although Cadi never interacts with Elen for the rest of the book, only Meryn does with Branwen.
Through the wormhole-like phenomenon located at Camp Meadow, Cadi begins experiencing echoes of another time - marching, ancient voices, and sudden moments of insight that seem dictated rather than imagined. As she writes Elen’s story, it simultaneously unfolds in the Roman timeline, almost as though Cadi is not just a poet, but a conduit or even a creator of fate.
In the Roman past, Elen and Magnus undergo an arranged marriage that evolves into a political and emotional partnership. Magnus is eventually killed in battle, leaving Elen a widow to navigate the crumbling empire with her sons and daughters. The figure of Branwen, Elen’s mysterious seer-companion, emerges as one of the most compelling characters. Branwen appears to understand the wormhole and the continuity of time - she interacts with the modern world in cryptic, often supernatural ways. Most memorably, she summons a bolt of lightning to strike Ifan, Cadi’s abusive ex, when he arrives at the meadow intending to harm her. Cadi’s friend Sally loses her dogs near the meadow, only for them to return later with hints they had crossed into the Roman era, even having spent time with Elen before reappearing in the present. This extraordinary moment reinforces the porous boundaries between the timelines and adds to the sense of magic and mystery that permeates the novel.
The modern threat to Camp Meadow comes in the form of a development scheme, orchestrated in part by Ifan, Cadi’s ex-partner. As the novel progresses, Ifan becomes more dangerous and unhinged. Ifan’s role deepens when he is eventually pulled into the Roman timeline through the wormhole, pursued by the police. There, he comes face to face with Branwen and Elen — a fitting confrontation. His fate is sealed not through violence or law, but through the ancient story itself. It is further both ironic and fitting that Ifan ridiculed Cadi for her writing, yet his destiny is sealed by it.
Meanwhile, Cadi’s alliances in the present grow stronger. She befriends Charles Ford - there are constant hints at a romance but it never comes to light - and Meryn, two dowsers convinced that a Roman fort lies beneath Camp Meadow. Their explorations lead to the discovery of a burial site with potential Roman origins, but the exact details of this are not revealed.
The novel ends with a beautiful sense of poetic ambiguity. The future of Camp Meadow is left unresolved — we never find out whether the development is halted. However, Ifan’s disappearance into the past and Cadi’s decision to stop writing serve as the emotional and narrative closure the story needs. By ceasing to write, Cadi symbolically closes the portal, finalizing the fates of Elen, Branwen, and Ifan. Although, their stories likely carry on without Cadi's influence. My main take away from the book: the power of stories to impact the lives of myself and others and the importance of respecting and saving historically / culturally important places to keep their stories alive in the present.
I lied this book overall but I can't say it made me feel particularly immersed or connected with the characters. I thought that certain adjectives like rueful were used more than Ramsay swears. I did like the two stories though and the genuine connections Cadi had with an area of land and with the people around her. Charles and Meryn were also really likeable characters which served as the antithesis to Ifan, and the dog getting lost through the worm hole was surprisingly emotional! Poor Gemma! I also laughed at the thought of Branwen and Elen watching Ifan run across the meadow with the police at chase - Ifan deserved what he got.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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