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Miramonde #1
The Girl from Oto
A captivating historical novel of Renaissance Europe.
Two women. Separated by centuries. Linked by a 500-year-old mystery...
1500: Born during a time wracked by war and plague, Renaissance-era artist Mira de Oto grows up in a Pyrenees convent believing she is an orphan. When tragedy strikes, Mira learns the devastating truth about her own origins. But does she have the strength to face those who would destroy her?
2015: Centuries later, art scholar Zari Durrell unearths traces of a mysterious young woman named Mira in two 16th-century portraits. Obsessed, Zari tracks Mira through the great cities of Europe to the pilgrim's route of Camino de Santiago—and is stunned by what she finds. Will her discovery be enough to bring Mira's story to life?
A powerful story and an intriguing mystery, The Girl from Oto is an unforgettable novel of obsession, passion, and human resilience. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and Anthony Doerr.
"Fast-paced, flawless storytelling." —Rose City Reader Reviews
The Girl from Oto is Book 1 of the Miramonde Series, a trilogy of historical mysteries about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern day scholar on her trail. Read it today and embark on a thrilling adventure into the past.
Two women. Separated by centuries. Linked by a 500-year-old mystery...
1500: Born during a time wracked by war and plague, Renaissance-era artist Mira de Oto grows up in a Pyrenees convent believing she is an orphan. When tragedy strikes, Mira learns the devastating truth about her own origins. But does she have the strength to face those who would destroy her?
2015: Centuries later, art scholar Zari Durrell unearths traces of a mysterious young woman named Mira in two 16th-century portraits. Obsessed, Zari tracks Mira through the great cities of Europe to the pilgrim's route of Camino de Santiago—and is stunned by what she finds. Will her discovery be enough to bring Mira's story to life?
A powerful story and an intriguing mystery, The Girl from Oto is an unforgettable novel of obsession, passion, and human resilience. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and Anthony Doerr.
"Fast-paced, flawless storytelling." —Rose City Reader Reviews
The Girl from Oto is Book 1 of the Miramonde Series, a trilogy of historical mysteries about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern day scholar on her trail. Read it today and embark on a thrilling adventure into the past.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2016
466 people are currently reading
1631 people want to read
About the author
Amy Maroney
15 books99 followersAmy Maroney lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. She studied English literature at Boston University and public policy at Portland State University, and spent many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, traveling, dancing, and reading. She is the author of the Miramonde Series and the Sea and Stone Chronicles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 11, 2019
One of my favorite things in life is a good book series. A series that you can immerse yourself in, with characters that fascinate you, and a plot that keeps you rushing through the pages. I am thrilled to report that I have found such a new obsession with Maroney's Miramonde series!
The Girl from Oto is told in a dual timeline format, alternating between the late 1400s and present time. And as with most dual timelines, I enjoyed the past a little better than the present. However, the way Maroney weaves them together, revealing hints as you go, was absolutely brilliant.
In the present timeline, Zari is an art historical tracking down paintings worldwide from a 16th century female painter, and in the past, we are taken back to medieval Spain and Miramonde who was born to a Baron and Baroness but secretly taken to an Abbey to be raised in safety.
There was so many interesting aspects to this story! The details in themselves are impressive and it's apparent that the author did her research. The art history, the wool trade, the insight into life in an Abbey, the Pyrenees, painting...I devoured it all!
The Girl from Oto is perfect for fans of historical fiction and art history. I inhaled it in one sitting and am desperate to get to the second book in the series! Highly recommended!
The Girl from Oto is told in a dual timeline format, alternating between the late 1400s and present time. And as with most dual timelines, I enjoyed the past a little better than the present. However, the way Maroney weaves them together, revealing hints as you go, was absolutely brilliant.
In the present timeline, Zari is an art historical tracking down paintings worldwide from a 16th century female painter, and in the past, we are taken back to medieval Spain and Miramonde who was born to a Baron and Baroness but secretly taken to an Abbey to be raised in safety.
There was so many interesting aspects to this story! The details in themselves are impressive and it's apparent that the author did her research. The art history, the wool trade, the insight into life in an Abbey, the Pyrenees, painting...I devoured it all!
The Girl from Oto is perfect for fans of historical fiction and art history. I inhaled it in one sitting and am desperate to get to the second book in the series! Highly recommended!
December 19, 2016
When I was newly married, my husband and I participated in an annual “progressive dinner” (aka Safari dinner in the UK). The idea of these dinners was to progress from one host’s home to the next, eating one course at each residence. It was a great way to get to know people better, try a different tasty dish in each location, and find some satisfaction (without starving) as you “progressed” along over the course of your meal.
It’s not a perfect analogy, but this is the first thing I thought of when trying to come up with an easy way to describe my interaction with The Girl from Oto. There are elements of mystery in the book, but the mystery aspect does not overpower the telling of the story, and just enough tension is relieved in its telling to make a satisfying “progression” as one tidbit is offered up in mystery then solved. It does leave a few little satisfying threads for the end just to tie everything up.
Zari (the present) is an art historian who has traveled to Europe to research a late medieval painter. As her story unfolds, Zari discovers, then follows, a bread crumb trail of evidence indicating that the painting she has come to research might not be what she originally thought it was. As she continues her research, she slowly unravels this mystery bit by bit.
Simultaneously the story flip-flops back in time to Mira, a girl “secreted away” from her baronial family home by her mother who lives under the daily brutal harshness of her husband the baron. Mira is raised in a nunnery (and in ignorance of who she is), learning much about the world in relative freedom and safety. The unfolding of her story leaves the bread crumbs that our future art historian finds.
The beauty of this book is that the story of each of these two women is unrolled at the perfect speed so that neither story gives too much away too soon. The reader is simply carried along at the perfect pace, with just enough satisfaction doled out at just the right time to keep things interesting. I knew what was going to happen, but I didn’t know exactly how or when and was surprised multiple times over the course of the story.
Another thing that stands out for me with good books, and I recognize this is a subjective thing, is the use of detail. I’m a detail-loving girl, and there is a feast in this book. On one hand, there is the kind of detailed description that allowed me to taste, see, smell, and imagine myself next to the characters as they journeyed through the story. These are the tangible details that create the “movie” in my head as a reader.
I was also impressed by the way Maroney went about describing aspects of the crafts of the day, and of daily life in that time and place. Painting methods, for instance -- what was involved in the making of the various pigments, preparing the brushes, “canvases”, etc. I never knew I wanted to know so much about the sheep market in those mountains before reading this book! The story was never weighed down by these details, but enough was given to give a fascinating glimpse at all of it. I knew little about life in the Pyrenees in any era, never mind this century, but Maroney made the history and culture very accessible.
A friend of mine, Ken John, happened to be reading the book simultaneously, and his summary of the book seems an apt way to end my review: “Amy has a masterful command of writing. Her descriptive passages of people, places, weather, flora and fauna, the stink of the post plague 15th century, but also its wonders; the start of the Renaissance; the human spirit, has me captivated.”
I very much look forward to Ms. Maroney's next book.
It’s not a perfect analogy, but this is the first thing I thought of when trying to come up with an easy way to describe my interaction with The Girl from Oto. There are elements of mystery in the book, but the mystery aspect does not overpower the telling of the story, and just enough tension is relieved in its telling to make a satisfying “progression” as one tidbit is offered up in mystery then solved. It does leave a few little satisfying threads for the end just to tie everything up.
Zari (the present) is an art historian who has traveled to Europe to research a late medieval painter. As her story unfolds, Zari discovers, then follows, a bread crumb trail of evidence indicating that the painting she has come to research might not be what she originally thought it was. As she continues her research, she slowly unravels this mystery bit by bit.
Simultaneously the story flip-flops back in time to Mira, a girl “secreted away” from her baronial family home by her mother who lives under the daily brutal harshness of her husband the baron. Mira is raised in a nunnery (and in ignorance of who she is), learning much about the world in relative freedom and safety. The unfolding of her story leaves the bread crumbs that our future art historian finds.
The beauty of this book is that the story of each of these two women is unrolled at the perfect speed so that neither story gives too much away too soon. The reader is simply carried along at the perfect pace, with just enough satisfaction doled out at just the right time to keep things interesting. I knew what was going to happen, but I didn’t know exactly how or when and was surprised multiple times over the course of the story.
Another thing that stands out for me with good books, and I recognize this is a subjective thing, is the use of detail. I’m a detail-loving girl, and there is a feast in this book. On one hand, there is the kind of detailed description that allowed me to taste, see, smell, and imagine myself next to the characters as they journeyed through the story. These are the tangible details that create the “movie” in my head as a reader.
I was also impressed by the way Maroney went about describing aspects of the crafts of the day, and of daily life in that time and place. Painting methods, for instance -- what was involved in the making of the various pigments, preparing the brushes, “canvases”, etc. I never knew I wanted to know so much about the sheep market in those mountains before reading this book! The story was never weighed down by these details, but enough was given to give a fascinating glimpse at all of it. I knew little about life in the Pyrenees in any era, never mind this century, but Maroney made the history and culture very accessible.
A friend of mine, Ken John, happened to be reading the book simultaneously, and his summary of the book seems an apt way to end my review: “Amy has a masterful command of writing. Her descriptive passages of people, places, weather, flora and fauna, the stink of the post plague 15th century, but also its wonders; the start of the Renaissance; the human spirit, has me captivated.”
I very much look forward to Ms. Maroney's next book.
May 2, 2020
This is a truly entertaining and lively story set in 2 timelines: 1500s and 2015. I should add that I enjoy a story with old painting and the search for a truth that can be found in symbolism and hidden icons within a painting. That added to the fun of this story.
I enjoyed the story of Mira and am glad that her story continues in another book. I will be searching for this book.
I wasn't quite as enamored with the 2015 story, although it worked well for this book. These sections were sprinkled with snippets (half page or so) of actions that were not part of the story and were never referred to again because of the mundaneness of them (ie: washing socks and underwear after a day of hiking). However, remove these snippets and the story flows well and blends well with Mira's story.
The characters are real, their situation is real. I had to slow my reading down at the end because I was so anxious for these characters that I wanted to speed read to find out their fates.
A good, entertaining, well written story.
I enjoyed the story of Mira and am glad that her story continues in another book. I will be searching for this book.
I wasn't quite as enamored with the 2015 story, although it worked well for this book. These sections were sprinkled with snippets (half page or so) of actions that were not part of the story and were never referred to again because of the mundaneness of them (ie: washing socks and underwear after a day of hiking). However, remove these snippets and the story flows well and blends well with Mira's story.
The characters are real, their situation is real. I had to slow my reading down at the end because I was so anxious for these characters that I wanted to speed read to find out their fates.
A good, entertaining, well written story.
March 4, 2025
One woman's quest to verify the identity of an obscure woman classical artist turns into an entirely different mystery she hadn't prepared for. In the 15th century an girl is tucked away into a monastery at birth to avoid the fate her father would see her have on virtue of being a daughter. "The Girl from Oto" explores the connections between these two journeys.
While this was a good enough read, I wasn't as blown away as I had hoped. Art history and highlighting forgotten persons will always make my ears perk up. The book had a good narrator and the writing itself didn't strike me a bad, even lovely in some of its descriptions. It just stuttered here and there too much to keep it from soaring.
There is always a bit of a risk in dual timeline narratives. it is not uncommon for a reader to be drawn more to one side of the story than the other. For me, I was much more invested in young Mira's journey in the renaissance, the way of life, social elements, business, and politics of the time. Zari's story was one of any academic sleuth's mixed in with lots of the tokens of women's fiction I weren't quite as persistent. IN this case a romance that felt like more of a detour to all out distraction. To most readers it was handled in a fine manner and there are no doe eyed, ridiculous, instant lust and act moments that can sometimes hop into a story. It's just my personal hang up of going into a different genre expecting it to probably be a side element but not a major focus. In a book that in some ways felt a little dragged out in spots at least in the modern day I just didn't have the patience for it.
I think this work would have been stronger if it picked one timeline and rolled with it. Have Mira's story with an intro and coda from present day. Or, keep it with Zari's journey and keep it more of a mystery. But I appreciate the research that was done in this and despite my griping, the romance element did have adults acting like adults. I have to admit I was truly charmed by Mira's time.
While this was a good enough read, I wasn't as blown away as I had hoped. Art history and highlighting forgotten persons will always make my ears perk up. The book had a good narrator and the writing itself didn't strike me a bad, even lovely in some of its descriptions. It just stuttered here and there too much to keep it from soaring.
There is always a bit of a risk in dual timeline narratives. it is not uncommon for a reader to be drawn more to one side of the story than the other. For me, I was much more invested in young Mira's journey in the renaissance, the way of life, social elements, business, and politics of the time. Zari's story was one of any academic sleuth's mixed in with lots of the tokens of women's fiction I weren't quite as persistent. IN this case a romance that felt like more of a detour to all out distraction. To most readers it was handled in a fine manner and there are no doe eyed, ridiculous, instant lust and act moments that can sometimes hop into a story. It's just my personal hang up of going into a different genre expecting it to probably be a side element but not a major focus. In a book that in some ways felt a little dragged out in spots at least in the modern day I just didn't have the patience for it.
I think this work would have been stronger if it picked one timeline and rolled with it. Have Mira's story with an intro and coda from present day. Or, keep it with Zari's journey and keep it more of a mystery. But I appreciate the research that was done in this and despite my griping, the romance element did have adults acting like adults. I have to admit I was truly charmed by Mira's time.
May 4, 2020
There is a haunting quality of well-written historical fiction when you are so intertwined with the narrative you know not your own time or place. And so it is for me in The Girl from Oto. In Amy Maroney’s brilliantly constructed dual narrative novel, Mira, a lost Renaissance artist, and Zari, a modern-day historian on her trail, weave their tales through time and place, each defying destiny and fueled by the courage of their own convictions. A beautifully written novel, the stories are so immersive, so exquisitely crafted that I was completely absorbed in past and present, and willingly gave myself up to Ms. Maroney’s skillful storytelling. Absorbed but never lost, for throughout both narratives, the majestic and beautifully observed presence of the countryside, mountains and forests of the Pyrenees kept us grounded in both women’s lives, and the clever introduction of the Camino de Santiago encouraged me to let Ms Maroney guide the way. And, just as Zari finds herself retracing the pilgrim’s route, so Mira walks ahead of her, just out of sight, around the next corner, beckoning her forward with tantalising breadcrumbs of her hidden artistic signature.
The level of historical research is fascinating, for Ms Maroney takes us deep into the craft of Renaissance art, the lives of the nuns of the Benedictine abbey, and the crucial role of the wool trade in those distant times to bring Mira to life. Her counterpart Zari is equally interesting, set in the cutthroat world of modern academia, where careers are made and broken on the strength of discovery.
The first in a series, by nature of its structure The Girl from Oto flows at pace that encourages a slow read, savouring the beautiful descriptions and fascinating details. Knowing this story is a pilgrimage to the past in its own right, settle down and enjoy every scene and nuance, reread those you will inevitably love, and walk with the Girl from Oto on her compelling journey. Highly recommend.
The level of historical research is fascinating, for Ms Maroney takes us deep into the craft of Renaissance art, the lives of the nuns of the Benedictine abbey, and the crucial role of the wool trade in those distant times to bring Mira to life. Her counterpart Zari is equally interesting, set in the cutthroat world of modern academia, where careers are made and broken on the strength of discovery.
The first in a series, by nature of its structure The Girl from Oto flows at pace that encourages a slow read, savouring the beautiful descriptions and fascinating details. Knowing this story is a pilgrimage to the past in its own right, settle down and enjoy every scene and nuance, reread those you will inevitably love, and walk with the Girl from Oto on her compelling journey. Highly recommend.
December 3, 2019
“Fortune favours the bold…”
The House of Oto bears only sons. However, there were whispers of daughters, left in the woods for the wolves to feast on. The night Pelegrín was born, Ramón de Oto, Baron of Oto in Aragón, celebrated his good fortune. However, unbeknownst to Ramón, another baby had been delivered of Marguerite de Oto, Baroness of Oto’s womb. Marguerite is determined that her husband would be forever ignorant of the daughter she had conceived. Locked away in a Pyrenees Abbey, Miramonde (Mira) must never know who she is or where she came from.
Sister Beátrice, the Abbess of Belarac Abbey, has been charged with Mira’s keeping and education. She is determined that Mira will, when she is old enough, take her vows and spend her life in quiet contemplation. However, the life of a nun is not for the likes of Mira. Mira has a gift. She can draw, and with the guidance of a master, Mira could become a great artist. And yet, Sister Beátrice cannot help but fear for the child. If the Baron of Oto discovered that he had fathered a daughter, then Mira’s life would be forfeit.
It was the summer of 2015 when art historian, Zari Durrell, arrived in Oxford to attend The Renaissance Art Conference, in a bid to continue her research into the life and work of Cornelia van der Zee. However, underneath the paintwork of what was presumed to be painted by van der Zee is another name — Mira. In her search for Mira, Zari will travel to all the great cities in Europe. Unfortunately, the more Zari learns about Mira, the more questions she has. Who was this woman? And more importantly, what happened to her?
From 15th Century Aragón to the 21st Century, The Girl From Oto (The Miramonde Series Book 1) by Amy Maroney is the shamelessly compelling story of an accomplished artist and the woman who hopes to discover the truth.
From the opening sentence, I was utterly enchanted. Maroney has painted a dazzling portrait of two very different times in history — the 15th Century and modern day. I did wonder, to begin with, how the two very contrasting eras would rub along, especially when I was so intrigued by Mira’s story. However, I soon became thoroughly enamoured in Zari’s tale as well.
I adored the characterisation of Mira. When we first meet Mira, she is a defenceless baby, but through the course of the book she grows up into a very determined young woman. Running alongside Mira’s story is that of her family — the infamous Oto’s. Ramón de Oto is a cruel and often violent man. His treatment of his wife is absolutely deplorable. In comparison, Marguerite is a wonderful, courageous lady who is resolved to protect her daughter from her vile and dangerous father. Marguerite has a quiet strength which made her a very compelling secondary character.
Mira longs for the world outside of the Abbey’s walls. She is totally unaware of how unsafe such a life is for her. Growing up, her only solace is the time she spends with the Nomadic healer, Elena de Arazas, but even then, Mira does not understand why Elena is so determined to teach her how to defend herself. All Mira wants is the freedom to travel and see the sea, along with an all-consuming desire to make her living as a painter. Mira’s naivety and her longing for adventure really helps to drive the story forward and keeps the reader engaged.
The historical detail has to be commended. It was as if I was peering through a looking glass — a magical portal through time. I thought Maroney really captured the era that her book is set in. The Girl from Oto is not only luxuriantly detailed, but the story itself is addictive to the extreme. It has enough heroes and villains to keep the reader engaged throughout. The pages practically turned themselves.
I loved this book so much. It had such an authentic feel to it, and the characters were highly appealing. I can’t wait to read Book 2!
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
March 22, 2019
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"This is skilful story-telling at its very best. There are so many strands to the tale, with many hints carefully dropped in along the way."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"This is skilful story-telling at its very best. There are so many strands to the tale, with many hints carefully dropped in along the way."
October 22, 2020
I had heard good things about this book, but I wasn't prepared for the intensive and complete research with which Maroney crafted her tale. She is a gifted storyteller who offers great depth and consistency in each character.
Mira's story is a precision-tuned masterpiece from the get-go. Maroney's usage of split-timelines is a trendy tool helping to capture the modern reader, as well. Art history oozes from each page in a compelling stream of information that is balanced and guides the reader through the tale. And if Maroney hasn't hiked "The Way", then she faked me out!
I had never read anything about the Pyrenees region before, and this story certainly whetted my appetite. From the darker characters such as Ramon to the tragic ones like Marguerite, the story is full of unexpected turns and casts light on the late Middle Ages/Renaissance and how women were perceived in those periods. Contrasting that is the storyline about Zari and her dogged determination to turn a summer in Europe into a longer tenure to further her career. In her fascination with Mira's world, Zari becomes what any historical fiction reader is--hooked, mesmerized, and eager to cast light on all that time has erased.
A FABULOUS read!!!
Mira's story is a precision-tuned masterpiece from the get-go. Maroney's usage of split-timelines is a trendy tool helping to capture the modern reader, as well. Art history oozes from each page in a compelling stream of information that is balanced and guides the reader through the tale. And if Maroney hasn't hiked "The Way", then she faked me out!
I had never read anything about the Pyrenees region before, and this story certainly whetted my appetite. From the darker characters such as Ramon to the tragic ones like Marguerite, the story is full of unexpected turns and casts light on the late Middle Ages/Renaissance and how women were perceived in those periods. Contrasting that is the storyline about Zari and her dogged determination to turn a summer in Europe into a longer tenure to further her career. In her fascination with Mira's world, Zari becomes what any historical fiction reader is--hooked, mesmerized, and eager to cast light on all that time has erased.
A FABULOUS read!!!
June 7, 2021
This excellent novel is an art history mystery about a postdoc’s search for an elusive 16th century female artist whose paintings have been erroneously attributed to others (usually a male contemporary) despite stylistic differences. Organized along two timelines (present day academic and on-the-ground research plus past events surrounding the creation of the Renaissance masterpieces at issue), the action/storyline development is impossible to resist. I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it highly. CAVEAT: It is the first of a trilogy.
March 23, 2019
This splendid, multi-timeline novel is engrossing and had me in tears at the conclusion. I can only hope Zari is going to keep on with her search for more details about Mira and Arnaud and the life they shared, and we’ll be a part of it.
My favorite things--art, the mortuary roll, the Way, the landscape, the secret child, and the mountain woman Elena. The masterful weave of the stories, the immersion into the artist Mira’s process as she learns to paint, learns to trust herself.
In the present, art historian Zari is on the trail of an artist believed to be someone else, and she wants to find this artist and reveal her and her life to the world.
Mira is secreted away, the only female Oto to survive in generations, to a convent where she is much loved. Friends outside the convent, Elena and Arnaud, come and go in her life with the seasons, but she learns much from them also. So much so, she wants to leave the convent life, to see the world beyond the walls.
Meanwhile, her evil father and his equally evil faithful retainer are teaching darker skills to Mira’s twin brother, keeping her mother hostage, and terrifying both the servants and their enemies in battle. When Ramon learns his daughter still lives, his anger and revenge sweep through the story like a wildfire.
The story takes place in sun-drenched valleys and winter-whipped mountains, with the star-filled sky pointing toward the Way and to the sea. The story is far more complicated than I can reveal. Brilliant writing and seamless research—I’ve been walking around with this story in my head for a few days now. I’m very much looking forward to the sequel!!
My favorite things--art, the mortuary roll, the Way, the landscape, the secret child, and the mountain woman Elena. The masterful weave of the stories, the immersion into the artist Mira’s process as she learns to paint, learns to trust herself.
In the present, art historian Zari is on the trail of an artist believed to be someone else, and she wants to find this artist and reveal her and her life to the world.
Mira is secreted away, the only female Oto to survive in generations, to a convent where she is much loved. Friends outside the convent, Elena and Arnaud, come and go in her life with the seasons, but she learns much from them also. So much so, she wants to leave the convent life, to see the world beyond the walls.
Meanwhile, her evil father and his equally evil faithful retainer are teaching darker skills to Mira’s twin brother, keeping her mother hostage, and terrifying both the servants and their enemies in battle. When Ramon learns his daughter still lives, his anger and revenge sweep through the story like a wildfire.
The story takes place in sun-drenched valleys and winter-whipped mountains, with the star-filled sky pointing toward the Way and to the sea. The story is far more complicated than I can reveal. Brilliant writing and seamless research—I’ve been walking around with this story in my head for a few days now. I’m very much looking forward to the sequel!!
January 9, 2017
An intriguing story that transports the reader across time
Amy Maroney sets her dual story in wildly different eras, the Renaissance period and contemporary times, while introducing numerous parallels in regards to both themes and characters. Having amassed a tremendous amount of research, Maroney uses detail to express her diverse cast of characters --- from their mannerisms to the clothes they wear, from to the food they eat to how they eat it, and from their thoughts about life to how they go about their daily activities --- there’s always much to learn as her novel unfolds. As the two stories develop, the lead characters converge in the same location, a region within the Pyrenees filled with rugged beauty and history. And while time does separate them, the author uses suspense to provide the reader with more information than the characters have, so that we’re able to see many of the characters come to realizations that we’ve already begun to suspect, making this novel that much more enjoyable and engaging. If you like historical fiction, travel fiction, and a lot of detail, then read The Girl From Oto. I am curious to see what Maroney writes next.
Amy Maroney sets her dual story in wildly different eras, the Renaissance period and contemporary times, while introducing numerous parallels in regards to both themes and characters. Having amassed a tremendous amount of research, Maroney uses detail to express her diverse cast of characters --- from their mannerisms to the clothes they wear, from to the food they eat to how they eat it, and from their thoughts about life to how they go about their daily activities --- there’s always much to learn as her novel unfolds. As the two stories develop, the lead characters converge in the same location, a region within the Pyrenees filled with rugged beauty and history. And while time does separate them, the author uses suspense to provide the reader with more information than the characters have, so that we’re able to see many of the characters come to realizations that we’ve already begun to suspect, making this novel that much more enjoyable and engaging. If you like historical fiction, travel fiction, and a lot of detail, then read The Girl From Oto. I am curious to see what Maroney writes next.
April 2, 2021
I'm not sure what to think about this book. The story is good, but there were things about it that bothered me. I think I've come to the conclusion that I don't like two time line stories. Mostly I found the fast shifting POVs distracting and hard to settle into. No sooner had I gotten involved in a setting and character than I was yanked out and thrown somewhere else. I found it too easy to put down as I kept stopping at the end of the tiny short chapters. There are so many unresolved loose ends, characters who seem like pointless additions, random back story asides that don't add anything. I don't know how many of these will be addressed in the other books of the series. And I'm not sure I'm going to stick around and find out.
July 28, 2018
I loved both stories . . . the orphan Mira and her search for identity and place in the world outside the convent in which she was raised (the early 1500s) and Zari's search in 2014-15 for the true identity of a painter. Great characters and beautiful descriptions of the Pyrenees and old architecture in Spain, England and along the Santiago de Compostela. I've been in the Pyrenees and Ms Maroney captures the sense of danger (treacherous switch-backs, steep mountains and deep gullies) and quiet beauty and isolation.
There is a budding romance for each woman but no graphic sex.
There is a budding romance for each woman but no graphic sex.
January 5, 2023
I'm afraid this never engaged me. In the first half, it felt like the author kept introducing characters without explaining how they related to the previous ones. Perhaps I was distracted and it's easier to follow in text. The audiobook narrator's default accent didn't help. I found it annoying and it sounded vaguely Eastern European, when the story takes place on the border between France and Spain.
February 22, 2025
To be honest I could give this another half star. It was an engaging story if a bit predictable. I listened to the audio version and it kept jumping around with the chapters which was very distracting. The double timeline worked well, but somehow I got the impression that there was a familial connection between the two women that wasn’t ever confirmed in the end. Might have been an assumption on my part.
July 24, 2017
Very well researched . A story that depicts life in medieval Spain and France. The culture and ways of the people. It also contains vivid descriptions of the weather and natural lands in the Uk . the Netherlands, France and Spain. A poignant story which thoughtfully describes a young girl and her artistic talent as well as her on her world.
January 16, 2017
Well, it had potential starting out in 1400's and geographically interesting - but then it suddenly moved to present day with ditsy people doing ditsy things. No thanks. Should have stuck with 1400's.
October 18, 2020
DNF - bored halfway through reading
March 12, 2023
Two independent women separated by time but united over two compelling portraits and the secrets hidden behind the paint. Mira (Miramonde) is a nun from a Renaissance convent in the Pyrenees who believes she is an orphan who wants to escape her small community and explore the world. Five hundred years later, Zari, an art scholar, begins the journey to discover who Mira is by using the clues she left behind in her works of art that will take her on a journey that will change her life forever. These two tales are woven together in the first book of the Miramonde series, “The Girl From Oto” by Amy Maroney.
I have seen this novel on social media, and it was an intriguing premise. I always look for books that present a fresh new look into the 16th century.
Our story begins with the birth of twins to Marguerite, the baroness of Oto, a boy and a girl. Unfortunately, in the house of Oto, daughters are not allowed to live, so Marguerite gives her daughter named, Miramonde, or Mira for short, to Elena, a mountain woman. Elena decides to make the journey to Belarac Abbey under the supervision of the Abbess Beatrice of Belarac. They make a plan that Mira will never know the truth about who she is and will be raised in the abbey until she is old enough to choose her path, which is her mother’s desire.
Jumping 500 years into the future, we meet Zari Durrell, a young art scholar on the hunt for paintings by a female Renaissance artist, Cornelia van der Zee, the topic of her dissertation. Her topic is well known, but while examining a portrait she believes was painted by Cornelia van der Zee, she discovers that the painting was painted by another artist named Mira. Zari’s journey to discover who Mira is will take her all over Europe as she follows the clues to the truth.
There is just something about a good history mystery mixed with a dual-timeline story that is so much fun to read. Maroney has done extensive research, not just for Mira’s story in the world of the Pyrenees, the wool trade, and life in a convent, but Zari’s adventures in academia and her journey along the Camino de Santiago.
Maroney created a colorful cast of characters, from the Renaissance to the modern day, that will grip the readers with the mysteries they must uncover. I cannot wait to see what other adventures Mira and Zari will go on. If you want a delightfully engaging and thrilling dual-timeline novel about 16th-century Spain, I highly recommend reading “The Girl From Oto” by Amy Maroney.
I have seen this novel on social media, and it was an intriguing premise. I always look for books that present a fresh new look into the 16th century.
Our story begins with the birth of twins to Marguerite, the baroness of Oto, a boy and a girl. Unfortunately, in the house of Oto, daughters are not allowed to live, so Marguerite gives her daughter named, Miramonde, or Mira for short, to Elena, a mountain woman. Elena decides to make the journey to Belarac Abbey under the supervision of the Abbess Beatrice of Belarac. They make a plan that Mira will never know the truth about who she is and will be raised in the abbey until she is old enough to choose her path, which is her mother’s desire.
Jumping 500 years into the future, we meet Zari Durrell, a young art scholar on the hunt for paintings by a female Renaissance artist, Cornelia van der Zee, the topic of her dissertation. Her topic is well known, but while examining a portrait she believes was painted by Cornelia van der Zee, she discovers that the painting was painted by another artist named Mira. Zari’s journey to discover who Mira is will take her all over Europe as she follows the clues to the truth.
There is just something about a good history mystery mixed with a dual-timeline story that is so much fun to read. Maroney has done extensive research, not just for Mira’s story in the world of the Pyrenees, the wool trade, and life in a convent, but Zari’s adventures in academia and her journey along the Camino de Santiago.
Maroney created a colorful cast of characters, from the Renaissance to the modern day, that will grip the readers with the mysteries they must uncover. I cannot wait to see what other adventures Mira and Zari will go on. If you want a delightfully engaging and thrilling dual-timeline novel about 16th-century Spain, I highly recommend reading “The Girl From Oto” by Amy Maroney.
October 28, 2019
The Girl from Oto is a beautifully-written novel set in two time periods: the late 1400s-early 1500s and the present day. Both timelines are engaging, even though I think the historical timeline is the stronger of the two. The contemporary story concerns Zari, an art historian researching a Flemish woman artist of the Renaissance. In Oxford, she examines a painting which has been attributed to the artist she's researching, but some details of the style don't match. Zari gradually comes to realize that this painting, and one in a private collection in southern France, may be the work of a women artist named Mira. Almost nothing is known about Mira, and Zari seeks to discover the truth about her life. Meanwhile, a pompous colleague wants the paintings to be attributed to a famous male artist, and Zari wants to prove him wrong.
The historical part of the story is about Mira's life in the Pyrenees region of southern France and northern Spain, along the Camino de Santiago. Mira (Miramonde) is born to a noble family of Aragon--a family with a dark secret. Her mother, with the help of the midwife and healer Elena, who is my favorite character in the book, has her spirited away to an abbey, where she grows up knowing nothing of her noble birth, and believing she's an orphan. The nuns give her a better education than any of the other girls at the convent, and she learns to draw and paint and discovers she's very talented. Elena teaches her about survival skills and herbal remedies. Mira also makes friends with Arnaud, a shepherd boy who is a skilled woodworker. As she grows up, Mira hates the constricted life of the abbey, and desires to leave and become an artist. But she is in great danger when her evil father and his evil steward discover that she is still alive.
Amy Maroney gives us rich details of the landscapes of the Pyrenees, both in the Renaissance and today. The Girl from Oto is a wonderfully detailed novel, with descriptions of the wool trade, the life of the mountain people of the Pyrenees, and Renaissance art techniques. I am glad there are two sequels, and I am looking forward to reading them. Also, if you'd like to read more about Elena, there is a prequel novella, The Promise.
The historical part of the story is about Mira's life in the Pyrenees region of southern France and northern Spain, along the Camino de Santiago. Mira (Miramonde) is born to a noble family of Aragon--a family with a dark secret. Her mother, with the help of the midwife and healer Elena, who is my favorite character in the book, has her spirited away to an abbey, where she grows up knowing nothing of her noble birth, and believing she's an orphan. The nuns give her a better education than any of the other girls at the convent, and she learns to draw and paint and discovers she's very talented. Elena teaches her about survival skills and herbal remedies. Mira also makes friends with Arnaud, a shepherd boy who is a skilled woodworker. As she grows up, Mira hates the constricted life of the abbey, and desires to leave and become an artist. But she is in great danger when her evil father and his evil steward discover that she is still alive.
Amy Maroney gives us rich details of the landscapes of the Pyrenees, both in the Renaissance and today. The Girl from Oto is a wonderfully detailed novel, with descriptions of the wool trade, the life of the mountain people of the Pyrenees, and Renaissance art techniques. I am glad there are two sequels, and I am looking forward to reading them. Also, if you'd like to read more about Elena, there is a prequel novella, The Promise.
January 24, 2020
For generations, the powerful Oto family of Aragon only produces male heirs: warriors beget warriors. And yet there are rumours in the mountains that at times, newborn girls are left in the forest to perish.
The Baroness of Oto knows these are not just rumours. After giving birth to twins, a girl and a boy, she seizes on her husband’s absence and entrusts her daughter to a nomadic mountain woman, Elena, charging the woman to secretly take the child to the safety of mountains and be her guide and teacher as she grows to womanhood.
Elena takes the child to Belarac Abbey and promises the Abbess annual payments of gold for her care. Mira grows to be a quick student, though strong-willed. She is taught to read and write and the healing arts from Elena. It is in this capacity that she meets a master artist who teaches her his art. Eventually, Mira carves an independent life for herself by painting portraits of wealthy merchant families.
This is a dual-timeline story, and in the present day, Zara is an art historian specializing in female artists during the Renaissance and an expert on the artist Cornelia van der Zee. Zara has been called to examine a painting that was previously attributed to van der Zee. Soon it becomes clear that the painting was not by the artist, raising the question, who painted this masterpiece? Zara links the painting to the unknown Mira and seeks to bring her out of obscurity. Along the way, Zara has to deal with the ruthless politics of academia and prevent a male colleague from muddying the waters for his own glory.
In both timelines, there are strong women with a voice and a drive to succeed. The abbess is an astute business woman who works to increase the wealth and power of her abbey. Elena is an independent mountain woman who teaches Mira the skills to survive and thrive. And the Baroness, Mira’s mother, is willing to sacrifice herself to protect her daughter. A theme that links both timelines is how women’s accomplishments could be overshadowed by men, but through their intelligence and hard work they prevail. It’s ironic, but in many aspects, the Renaissance is shown as more enlightened than today.
The Girl from Oto is fantastically researched with rich, historical details that is expertly woven into the fabric of the story. I felt I was there, experiencing the fir scented mountain air. I learned about a time and place that I knew very little about, including the merino wool trade that was the source of wealth for the people in the Pyrennes. I found the art restoration and history equally fascinating. Often with dual timelines, there is one timeline that is weaker than the other, but no so with this book. I enjoyed every moment of both timelines and loved all the characters throughout the story. Maroney has a gift for bringing characters to life.
Very highly recommended!
The Baroness of Oto knows these are not just rumours. After giving birth to twins, a girl and a boy, she seizes on her husband’s absence and entrusts her daughter to a nomadic mountain woman, Elena, charging the woman to secretly take the child to the safety of mountains and be her guide and teacher as she grows to womanhood.
Elena takes the child to Belarac Abbey and promises the Abbess annual payments of gold for her care. Mira grows to be a quick student, though strong-willed. She is taught to read and write and the healing arts from Elena. It is in this capacity that she meets a master artist who teaches her his art. Eventually, Mira carves an independent life for herself by painting portraits of wealthy merchant families.
This is a dual-timeline story, and in the present day, Zara is an art historian specializing in female artists during the Renaissance and an expert on the artist Cornelia van der Zee. Zara has been called to examine a painting that was previously attributed to van der Zee. Soon it becomes clear that the painting was not by the artist, raising the question, who painted this masterpiece? Zara links the painting to the unknown Mira and seeks to bring her out of obscurity. Along the way, Zara has to deal with the ruthless politics of academia and prevent a male colleague from muddying the waters for his own glory.
In both timelines, there are strong women with a voice and a drive to succeed. The abbess is an astute business woman who works to increase the wealth and power of her abbey. Elena is an independent mountain woman who teaches Mira the skills to survive and thrive. And the Baroness, Mira’s mother, is willing to sacrifice herself to protect her daughter. A theme that links both timelines is how women’s accomplishments could be overshadowed by men, but through their intelligence and hard work they prevail. It’s ironic, but in many aspects, the Renaissance is shown as more enlightened than today.
The Girl from Oto is fantastically researched with rich, historical details that is expertly woven into the fabric of the story. I felt I was there, experiencing the fir scented mountain air. I learned about a time and place that I knew very little about, including the merino wool trade that was the source of wealth for the people in the Pyrennes. I found the art restoration and history equally fascinating. Often with dual timelines, there is one timeline that is weaker than the other, but no so with this book. I enjoyed every moment of both timelines and loved all the characters throughout the story. Maroney has a gift for bringing characters to life.
Very highly recommended!
September 18, 2020
This is one of those rare books that you never want to end. Luckily, it’s what you could describe as a big fat read! And there’s Books Two and Three waiting in the wings.
Set in the dual setting of late fifteenth century Aragon and modern day England, ‘The Girl from Oto’ is a multi-layered, very fast-paced novel following the lives of the two main female protagonists: Mira and Zari. In the course of her research of a medieval female painter, Cornelia van der Zee, Zari ends up pursuing Mira across the centuries, trying to unpick the past using the precision of her skills as an art historian. This makes for some fascinating reading about the methods used to trace the painter of a work of art, its age and provenance.
The novel draws on many different themes in both time zones: the need of an ancient family for a male heir; the competitive world of modern academia; the surprisingly similar struggle of women to have their voices heard over five hundred years ago and now; the choices women had then and have today; the nuances of love.
Getting a balance between the two time frames requires an awful lot of talent but Amy Maroney has it in bucket loads. Never once did I feel I was being dragged away from one to the other; what made it even more exciting were the multiple character perspectives which kept it fresh and moved the novel along at a cracking pace.
Then there is the humour! Plenty of it as Maroney, an American, describes what happens when Americans meet Brits abroad. Trust me, neither side comes out squeaky clean and these encounters make for hilarious reading. Sue, an overly chatty American walking the ancient Way of Santiago de Compostela is a match for a smug British couple who are convinced of their own superiority.
All in all, a novel guaranteeing a thrilling adventure to another world.
March 26, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Girl from Oto
Author: Amy Maroney
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers:
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 17 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A very enjoyable historical novel. This author is most comfortable when working in the past. The characters were well-drawn and interesting; the twisting plot and the strong element of mystery was intriguing. The modern day element was not quite so strong. Slow here and there but, all in all, a very enjoyable book.’ Male reader, aged 44
‘The central premise was very clever. I also liked the way the story was woven into two different moments in history. The ending was not so strong; I’m guessing setting it up for a sequel. Well, I for one will be reading it. Well done!’ Female reader, aged 42
‘The author shows excellent understanding of the time the story is set in. The romantic parts were not for me, almost distracting, but the rest of the novel was wonderfully written. I would expect this author to get better and better. One to watch!’ Female reader, aged 68
To Sum It Up:
‘A powerful story and an intriguing mystery. A Red Ribbon winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Girl from Oto
Author: Amy Maroney
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers:
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 17 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A very enjoyable historical novel. This author is most comfortable when working in the past. The characters were well-drawn and interesting; the twisting plot and the strong element of mystery was intriguing. The modern day element was not quite so strong. Slow here and there but, all in all, a very enjoyable book.’ Male reader, aged 44
‘The central premise was very clever. I also liked the way the story was woven into two different moments in history. The ending was not so strong; I’m guessing setting it up for a sequel. Well, I for one will be reading it. Well done!’ Female reader, aged 42
‘The author shows excellent understanding of the time the story is set in. The romantic parts were not for me, almost distracting, but the rest of the novel was wonderfully written. I would expect this author to get better and better. One to watch!’ Female reader, aged 68
To Sum It Up:
‘A powerful story and an intriguing mystery. A Red Ribbon winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
July 18, 2022
Mira would not be alive if her mother had not sent her away on the night of her birth as the Oto family is supposed to only have boys. Her twin brother is accepted by their father and all is well.
In the year 1500 Mira is taken to a convent where she grows up privileged because her mother pays for it. Yet, she does not know that her parents are alive. When Mira takes up painting her identity is discovered though she does not know it. Because she is a woman artist she is not acknowledged by anyone because only men are allowed to paint. It is through her own self-portrait that she is found.
In the year 2015 art scholar Zari is looking to find out anything she can about Mira as it has been discovered that she had written her name on the sketching that is under the painting. Mira was not allowed to put her name on any of her finished paintings so she hid it away. Zari is researching Mira because no one in the art world seems to believe she existed.
Ultimately it was an interesting story but it starts out a little slow and I really don't care for stories that go back and forth in time.
In the year 1500 Mira is taken to a convent where she grows up privileged because her mother pays for it. Yet, she does not know that her parents are alive. When Mira takes up painting her identity is discovered though she does not know it. Because she is a woman artist she is not acknowledged by anyone because only men are allowed to paint. It is through her own self-portrait that she is found.
In the year 2015 art scholar Zari is looking to find out anything she can about Mira as it has been discovered that she had written her name on the sketching that is under the painting. Mira was not allowed to put her name on any of her finished paintings so she hid it away. Zari is researching Mira because no one in the art world seems to believe she existed.
Ultimately it was an interesting story but it starts out a little slow and I really don't care for stories that go back and forth in time.
July 3, 2020
I liked this book very much. I wasn't sure that I liked the switching back and forth from Mira's story in the late 15th century to Zari in 2015 who is researching a Dutch female artist and discovers another unknown female artist - Mira. I became annoyed when it would switch from Mira's time, which I really liked to Zari whose story I found to be much less interesting. But eventually I did like Zari's story, but still wonder if the story could have been equally as enjoyable if the author had just told the story wholly during Mira's time. There were some holes in the story that could have been filled in if the author had decided to just concentrate on Mira's story, in my opinion, but perhaps this is resolved in the next 2 books in the series. Even though this book is the first of a series, I think it works well as a stand-alone novel. The author did succeed in making me care about all of the main characters in the novel - Mira and the people in her time as well as Zari and her relationships. So overall this novel was pretty well done.
February 9, 2019
This historic mystery tracks a 16th-century female artist from an unidentified portrait in Oxford to her origins Spain. The story moves between Mira, the Renaissance artist, to her modern-day counterpart, art historian Zari Durrell. Most of the action of Mira’s story takes place in the Pyrenees, in the small towns, abbeys, and castles along the pilgrim’s route of Camino de Santiago.
The Girl from Oto is a story to get lost in. There is plenty of action, intelligent characters, an enticing setting, and the interesting notion of women artists forgotten to history. Maroney did her homework about the wool trade in the late 15th Century and art restoration in the early 21st, which gives the story complexity. She has a clear, confident style of writing that doesn't get in the way of her story.
The second book in Maroney's Miramonde Series, Mira's Way, and a prequel novella, The Promise, are also available. Book Three, which will conclude the series, comes out next year.
The Girl from Oto is a story to get lost in. There is plenty of action, intelligent characters, an enticing setting, and the interesting notion of women artists forgotten to history. Maroney did her homework about the wool trade in the late 15th Century and art restoration in the early 21st, which gives the story complexity. She has a clear, confident style of writing that doesn't get in the way of her story.
The second book in Maroney's Miramonde Series, Mira's Way, and a prequel novella, The Promise, are also available. Book Three, which will conclude the series, comes out next year.
November 26, 2020
Truly unique!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Unique, to me, location and history...Spain, Basque. Marguerite marries into a family that can produce only warriors...only me, no daughters are allowed. In an effort to save a daughter who was born a twin to a male child, Miramonde is supposed to be left in the forest to die, but Marguerite sends Elena (a woman of the mountains) to a convent where the Abbess Beatrice is handsomely paid to raise and educate this daughter. Mira becomes an artist though and believes her oath is away from a religious life. Will her talent at painting the portraits of wealthy families lead her and her mother into danger? If the family of “only male children” learns of Mira’s fate will they all survive?
Thanks to “This History Quill” newsletter for pointing out this excellent book! Best thing? There are two more books to enjoy in this series!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Unique, to me, location and history...Spain, Basque. Marguerite marries into a family that can produce only warriors...only me, no daughters are allowed. In an effort to save a daughter who was born a twin to a male child, Miramonde is supposed to be left in the forest to die, but Marguerite sends Elena (a woman of the mountains) to a convent where the Abbess Beatrice is handsomely paid to raise and educate this daughter. Mira becomes an artist though and believes her oath is away from a religious life. Will her talent at painting the portraits of wealthy families lead her and her mother into danger? If the family of “only male children” learns of Mira’s fate will they all survive?
Thanks to “This History Quill” newsletter for pointing out this excellent book! Best thing? There are two more books to enjoy in this series!!
April 6, 2025
What an interesting premise, and what a huge undertaking! The first novel in a series of 3, interwoven stories centuries apart bring a woman from present day to research a female artist from long ago. The resulting separate casts of characters on two different continents clearly demonstrate how times have changed, opinions have changed, yet some aspects of life remain much the same. The author extensively researched settings, art history, and techniques, managing to paint her own canvass and weave her own tapestry without unduly burdening the reader with information for the sake of using it. This is a very big book at 507 pages, and the cast of historical characters is longer than that of the present day. On more than one occasion, I had to refer to the list at the back of the book to refamiliarize myself with who was who, but having that resource relocated them. Intriguing, and an excellent set-up for the next book in the series.
October 19, 2020
I have trouble with time travel in novels - well, two stories, apart by hundreds of years, but connected. I didn't here.
I have trouble with too many characters - perhaps my own memory issue, but I didn't here.
I have trouble with too much detail, too many story lines, too many possibilities, but I didn't here.
I found the two stories to compliment each other, a discovery 'today' and how it came about back 'then.' Not a whole lot of mystery, presumably some excellent historical perspective on 'life' in that part of the world way back then, and some inside looks at the art world and its 'experts' today.
I loved the main characters, found myself reaching for the book when I should be doing other things, probably even knew how it was going to end, but the journey was great fun.
Got book two on order.....
I have trouble with too many characters - perhaps my own memory issue, but I didn't here.
I have trouble with too much detail, too many story lines, too many possibilities, but I didn't here.
I found the two stories to compliment each other, a discovery 'today' and how it came about back 'then.' Not a whole lot of mystery, presumably some excellent historical perspective on 'life' in that part of the world way back then, and some inside looks at the art world and its 'experts' today.
I loved the main characters, found myself reaching for the book when I should be doing other things, probably even knew how it was going to end, but the journey was great fun.
Got book two on order.....
August 21, 2025
I recently finished The Girl from Oto by Amy Maroney, and I really enjoyed it. What stood out to me most was how the book opened up a part of history I wasn’t very familiar with. Through its storytelling, I got a vivid sense of what life was like for women during that time—both the everyday struggles and the darker realities, including the horrors of practices like infanticide.
What I appreciated was how the story didn’t just dwell on the hardships but also highlighted the resilience of women who found ways to step outside the roles society forced on them. It was inspiring to see characters who carved their own paths and sought out success in unconventional ways. The combination of historical detail and a compelling narrative made this a memorable read for me, and I found myself thinking about it even after I turned the last page.
What I appreciated was how the story didn’t just dwell on the hardships but also highlighted the resilience of women who found ways to step outside the roles society forced on them. It was inspiring to see characters who carved their own paths and sought out success in unconventional ways. The combination of historical detail and a compelling narrative made this a memorable read for me, and I found myself thinking about it even after I turned the last page.
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