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The Metal Heart
Orkney, 1940. On a remote island, a prisoner-of-war camp is constructed to house five hundred Italian soldiers. Upon arrival, a freezing Orkney winter and divided community greets them.
Orphaned sisters Dorothy and Constance volunteer to nurse the men. Dot is immediately drawn to Cesare, a young man fighting on the wrong side and broken by war and destruction.
The soldiers spend their days building a secret barricade between the islands. By night, however, they construct a reminder of their native land - an exquisite chapel.
As tensions between the islanders and outsiders grow, the sisters' loyalty is tested. Will Dot choose love, or family?
Orphaned sisters Dorothy and Constance volunteer to nurse the men. Dot is immediately drawn to Cesare, a young man fighting on the wrong side and broken by war and destruction.
The soldiers spend their days building a secret barricade between the islands. By night, however, they construct a reminder of their native land - an exquisite chapel.
As tensions between the islanders and outsiders grow, the sisters' loyalty is tested. Will Dot choose love, or family?
391 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2021
243 people are currently reading
6502 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Lea
5 books323 followersCaroline Lea grew up on the island of Jersey and gained a First from Warwick University. Her fiction and poetry have been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize and the BBC Short Story Prize. Her debut novel, The Glass Woman, a gothic thriller set during the Icelandic witch trials, was shortlisted for the HWA Debut Crown Award. Her next novel, The Metal Heart, was a powerful Second World War love story set on the island of Orkney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
June 20, 2022
When I was sent The Metal Heart this time last year, I also bought the UK version of the lighthouse on the cover! 😍 Not just that, though. I knew I was going to love reading this book, and I somehow delayed reading it for an entire year because of that. 😬 The US cover is equally lovely. It has a shimmer of gold and silver all over. If you haven’t read it, The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea, is also a stunning novel.
The Metal Heart is a work of World War II historical fiction set in the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland. When a German U Boat attacks the harbor, it’s determined that barriers need to be built to protect the islands from attack and siege and that 500 Italian prisoner of war soldiers will be brought to the island with the harsh task of quarrying stone and building the barriers.
Dorothy and her sister, Con, live on the tiny island where they place the soldiers, and it’s there that Dorothy meets Cesare, one of the prisoners, and they fall in love. Their story, their immense love, is the focus of the novel. The historical backdrop is strong, with the rich setting and its people shining bright as well.
Highly recommended for readers looking for a love story (a bit different from straight romance in my mind) with an atmospheric setting and a powerful, but turbulent time in history.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
The Metal Heart is a work of World War II historical fiction set in the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland. When a German U Boat attacks the harbor, it’s determined that barriers need to be built to protect the islands from attack and siege and that 500 Italian prisoner of war soldiers will be brought to the island with the harsh task of quarrying stone and building the barriers.
Dorothy and her sister, Con, live on the tiny island where they place the soldiers, and it’s there that Dorothy meets Cesare, one of the prisoners, and they fall in love. Their story, their immense love, is the focus of the novel. The historical backdrop is strong, with the rich setting and its people shining bright as well.
Highly recommended for readers looking for a love story (a bit different from straight romance in my mind) with an atmospheric setting and a powerful, but turbulent time in history.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 15, 2021
It’s 1941 and Dot (Dorothea) and Con(stance) Reid are twins and are living in a dilapidated bothy on Selkie Holm, an island across from Kirkwall, preferring this isolation to living amongst fellow Orcadians. After a German submarine slips unobserved into Scapa Flow and a ship is destroyed with huge loss of life, Churchill determines that the islands need fortifying. These are known as the Churchill Barriers (a fact!) and are built by Italian POW’s (also a fact) who will be housed on Selkie Holm. The emotional story that follows is told by Dot, Con, Orcadians and Cesare a POW.
This wonderful story largely based on facts (dates and so on have been changed for literary purposes) and I really like the fact/fiction aspect woven in with Orcadian legends. The characterisation is really good, Dot and Con as twins have a tremendous closeness and a bond which means they often act unselfishly to protect the other. Con carries a burden which Dot does all she can to alleviate and help Dot to regain lost trust. The Italian POWs are well depicted especially Cesare, you see their difficulties and how torn they are politically and being far from home in an isolated place where the weather in the Orkneys is often unkind. The weather does provide an atmospheric chill to match the storyline especially the threat of Angus MacLeod to the twins and Cesare. Angus is a vile brute and whenever he’s in the storyline your heart sinks and you know it’s not going to be good. I love how the author shows how the Italian Chapel (a fact, it’s on Lamb Holm) is a symbol of hope, for the Italians who built it, for Orcadians, for the future and I’d love to visit it one day. The premise and plot are good, the novel is well written, the pace is good throughout. There are some colourful descriptions allowing the reader to visualise scenes with ease. There’s everything in the story from warmth and love, there’s tension, fear and at times terror, there’s harshness but also kindness, there’s bravery, trauma and sacrifice. The conclusion is shocking, twisty and unexpected but it feels right.
Overall, a compelling read which I enjoyed very much.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the arc in return for an honest review.
I wanted to read this as my father was in Scapa Flow in 1942 for sea trials and manoeuvres prior to be sent to the Mediterranean. Scapa is a natural harbour in the Orkneys.
https://images.app.goo.gl/vMGLM78yUdx... - link to picture of Italian chapel made from two Nissan huts. The metal heart is inside it on the floor.
This wonderful story largely based on facts (dates and so on have been changed for literary purposes) and I really like the fact/fiction aspect woven in with Orcadian legends. The characterisation is really good, Dot and Con as twins have a tremendous closeness and a bond which means they often act unselfishly to protect the other. Con carries a burden which Dot does all she can to alleviate and help Dot to regain lost trust. The Italian POWs are well depicted especially Cesare, you see their difficulties and how torn they are politically and being far from home in an isolated place where the weather in the Orkneys is often unkind. The weather does provide an atmospheric chill to match the storyline especially the threat of Angus MacLeod to the twins and Cesare. Angus is a vile brute and whenever he’s in the storyline your heart sinks and you know it’s not going to be good. I love how the author shows how the Italian Chapel (a fact, it’s on Lamb Holm) is a symbol of hope, for the Italians who built it, for Orcadians, for the future and I’d love to visit it one day. The premise and plot are good, the novel is well written, the pace is good throughout. There are some colourful descriptions allowing the reader to visualise scenes with ease. There’s everything in the story from warmth and love, there’s tension, fear and at times terror, there’s harshness but also kindness, there’s bravery, trauma and sacrifice. The conclusion is shocking, twisty and unexpected but it feels right.
Overall, a compelling read which I enjoyed very much.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the arc in return for an honest review.
I wanted to read this as my father was in Scapa Flow in 1942 for sea trials and manoeuvres prior to be sent to the Mediterranean. Scapa is a natural harbour in the Orkneys.
https://images.app.goo.gl/vMGLM78yUdx... - link to picture of Italian chapel made from two Nissan huts. The metal heart is inside it on the floor.
January 16, 2021
I visited the Italian Chapel on Orkney many years ago and it is a remarkable sight. I was interested to learn more about the background to it and the building of the Churchill barriers and so I was pleased when I was offered a review copy of this book by the publisher. It is fairly well written. I enjoyed the movement between the voices of the main characters - identical twins Con and Dorothy and Cesare, the Italian POW who paints the interior of the chapel and with whom Dorothy falls in love. Much of the story is well paced and exciting at times, particularly towards the end, and the main characters are fairly believable.
It was disappointing to read in the Afterword that so much of the story was pure fiction rather than fictionalised history, however. I expected the love story to be fictional but cannot understand why actual historical facts needed to be changed, including the name of the bombed ship from Royal Oak to Royal Elm. The artist who actually painted the chapel interior is ousted in favour of Cesare. If I were him, I’d be most irked by this! I now find myself wondering just how much of it is based on fact. I expect changes to be made for dramatic purposes but some of the changes seem quite unnecessary.
Pedant’s Corner: the author spent some time on Orkney researching for this book but it was clear to me it had been written by an Englishwoman rather than a Scot. The Orcadian accent is very different but it is still Scottish. Dorothy is called Dorothea by Cesare. She hears this sounding like ‘door’ at the beginning and ‘tear’ at the end. Scots pronounce their Rs so ‘tear’ is very wrong and we pronounce ‘door’ differently also. Secondly, she has the twins’ parents calling them ‘bampots’ from the 1920s onwards. I strongly doubt that word was in use then. Its first appearance in literature isn’t until the 1960s. It’s also a word more associated with Glasgow and Edinburgh so I cannot imagine an Orcadian man and a woman brought up on Fair Isle in the early 20th century using it. Lastly, there is a comment that Beltane fires were not lit that summer due to the war. I cannot confirm this but I doubt they were still being lit on Orkney at that time as the Shetlanders apparently stopped lighting them in the 1870s. Beltane has been revived in more recent times but it had largely fallen away from being celebrated by the late 19th century, as far as I can gather. As always, I will be delighted to be proved wrong on any of these points as I’m really interested to know the facts.
Overall, this is a good read as long as you don’t expect to learn a great deal of the real history of the events. Fortunately, most people are not as pedantic as me!
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for a review copy.
It was disappointing to read in the Afterword that so much of the story was pure fiction rather than fictionalised history, however. I expected the love story to be fictional but cannot understand why actual historical facts needed to be changed, including the name of the bombed ship from Royal Oak to Royal Elm. The artist who actually painted the chapel interior is ousted in favour of Cesare. If I were him, I’d be most irked by this! I now find myself wondering just how much of it is based on fact. I expect changes to be made for dramatic purposes but some of the changes seem quite unnecessary.
Pedant’s Corner: the author spent some time on Orkney researching for this book but it was clear to me it had been written by an Englishwoman rather than a Scot. The Orcadian accent is very different but it is still Scottish. Dorothy is called Dorothea by Cesare. She hears this sounding like ‘door’ at the beginning and ‘tear’ at the end. Scots pronounce their Rs so ‘tear’ is very wrong and we pronounce ‘door’ differently also. Secondly, she has the twins’ parents calling them ‘bampots’ from the 1920s onwards. I strongly doubt that word was in use then. Its first appearance in literature isn’t until the 1960s. It’s also a word more associated with Glasgow and Edinburgh so I cannot imagine an Orcadian man and a woman brought up on Fair Isle in the early 20th century using it. Lastly, there is a comment that Beltane fires were not lit that summer due to the war. I cannot confirm this but I doubt they were still being lit on Orkney at that time as the Shetlanders apparently stopped lighting them in the 1870s. Beltane has been revived in more recent times but it had largely fallen away from being celebrated by the late 19th century, as far as I can gather. As always, I will be delighted to be proved wrong on any of these points as I’m really interested to know the facts.
Overall, this is a good read as long as you don’t expect to learn a great deal of the real history of the events. Fortunately, most people are not as pedantic as me!
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for a review copy.
April 28, 2021
Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK for an ARC copy of this beautiful story. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
A heart-wrenching and mesmerizing tale of love and kindness amidst the II World War, Caroline Lea’s The Metal Heart left me with a lump in my throat. Hopeful, at the same time, heart-breaking, the author takes us to Orkney in the 1940s thru a sweeping tale of two sisters and their struggles and their hope and the love that is found in unexpected circumstances offering freedom and future.
Selkie Holm, an island in Orkney is home to the orphaned twins Dorothy and Constance. Bound by superstitious beliefs and folklore about the island Orcadians tend to leave the girls to their own choices. As the island is chosen as the POW camp for Italian prisoners, Dot and Con have no option but to allow the encroachment to their peace. Con’s struggle to overcome the trauma is haunting. The powerful writing by the author allows the reader to understand the deep-rooted fear that Con has to endure to move on and forward, to overcome her terror, and accept the strangers in their midst. But the war does bring strange bedfellows as Dot discovers love with Cesare, a prisoner in the camp whose pure soul offers a soothing balm to Dot’s heart.
Cesare’s character is utterly captivating, you can’t help but fall in love with the goodness of his heart and his delight in creating something out of the scraps of bits and pieces from shipwrecks. The Metal Heart reinforces belief in love and humanity, as the islanders accept these prisoners to their land and instead of ill-treating them allow them the leeway to build the chapel for their prayers. The characterization of Major Bates and John O’Farrell and even some of the villagers felt touchingly real.
Fans of historical fiction are gonna devour this novel, the evocative tale so compelling and utterly moving. With a suspense-filled ending, that I couldn’t help but read with dread in my heart, The METAL HEART is surely gonna leave you holding your heart in your hands!
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Meduim.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
Oh, my heart, there is another way to love. Do not love the gift for what the gift is. Love the gift for Who it came from.
Yasmin Mogahed
A heart-wrenching and mesmerizing tale of love and kindness amidst the II World War, Caroline Lea’s The Metal Heart left me with a lump in my throat. Hopeful, at the same time, heart-breaking, the author takes us to Orkney in the 1940s thru a sweeping tale of two sisters and their struggles and their hope and the love that is found in unexpected circumstances offering freedom and future.
Selkie Holm, an island in Orkney is home to the orphaned twins Dorothy and Constance. Bound by superstitious beliefs and folklore about the island Orcadians tend to leave the girls to their own choices. As the island is chosen as the POW camp for Italian prisoners, Dot and Con have no option but to allow the encroachment to their peace. Con’s struggle to overcome the trauma is haunting. The powerful writing by the author allows the reader to understand the deep-rooted fear that Con has to endure to move on and forward, to overcome her terror, and accept the strangers in their midst. But the war does bring strange bedfellows as Dot discovers love with Cesare, a prisoner in the camp whose pure soul offers a soothing balm to Dot’s heart.
Give away your love, freely and without expectation. Give it away, and soon your life will be filled with love, and you will have set others on the path of love and peace.
John Robbins
Cesare’s character is utterly captivating, you can’t help but fall in love with the goodness of his heart and his delight in creating something out of the scraps of bits and pieces from shipwrecks. The Metal Heart reinforces belief in love and humanity, as the islanders accept these prisoners to their land and instead of ill-treating them allow them the leeway to build the chapel for their prayers. The characterization of Major Bates and John O’Farrell and even some of the villagers felt touchingly real.
Find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light, and dark which that thing provides.
Junichiro Tanizaki
Fans of historical fiction are gonna devour this novel, the evocative tale so compelling and utterly moving. With a suspense-filled ending, that I couldn’t help but read with dread in my heart, The METAL HEART is surely gonna leave you holding your heart in your hands!
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Meduim.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
April 29, 2021
The Metal Heart is a captivating, historically accurate and exquisitely written epic set in Bonny Scotland and telling the story of all the innocent people caught up in the machinations of a brutal war. In the dark days of World War II, an unlikely romance blossoms between a Scottish woman and an Italian prisoner of war in this haunting novel with the emotional complexity of The Boat Runner and All the Light We Cannot See—a powerful and atmospheric story of love, jealousy, and conscience that illuminates the beauty of the human spirit from the author of The Glass Woman. In the wake of the Allies’ victory in North Africa, 500 Italian soldiers have been sent to a remote island off the Scottish coast to wait out the war. Their arrival has divided the island’s community. Nerves frayed from three years of war and the constant threat of invasion, many locals fear the enemy prisoners and do not want them there. Where their neighbours see bloodthirsty enemies, however, orphaned sisters Dorothy and Constance see sick and wounded men unused to the freezing cold of an Orkney winter, and volunteer to nurse them. While doing so Dorothy finds herself immediately drawn to Cesare, a young man broken by the horrors of battle. But as the war drags on, tensions between the islanders and the outsiders deepen, and Dorothy’s connection to Cesare threatens the bond she shares with Constance. Since the loss of their parents, the sisters have relied on each other. Now, their loyalty will be tested, each forced to weigh duty against desire until, one fateful evening, a choice must be made, one that that will have devastating consequences.
This is a richly told tale that pulled me in from the first few pages and refused to let me go. Set in the wild, remote, stunning Orkney Isles at the height of World War II, Dorothy and Constance are beautifully developed characters and the narrative between Constance and Italian POW Cesare is a love story to end all love stories. It's a complex, emotional and visceral read with intelligence and a real warmth that means you cannot stop reading and you take the bulk of these fantastic, relatable characters into your heart. A story packed with heart and soul, charm, wit and peopled with an unforgettable cast. Darkly atmospheric and sometimes unsettling, Based on the true story of the building of the Orkney Wedding Chapel during the Second World War and set in a vanishing world of myth and superstition, The Metal Heart is an astonishing novel about an island community torn apart by the arrival of outsiders. Heartbreaking and thrilling in equal measure, Caroline has created a fascinating love story. I was very much swept up in the lives of these damaged yet hopeful characters, to experience the exquisite beauty of art in war, and to be as moved by these extraordinary real-life events as I have been. The novel really comes to life with the introduction to the Italian Chapel in Orkney: it is a breathtaking testimony to the hope that exists, even in the darkest of times. In the current, fractured climate, beautiful creations like the chapel act as reminders. Highly recommended.
This is a richly told tale that pulled me in from the first few pages and refused to let me go. Set in the wild, remote, stunning Orkney Isles at the height of World War II, Dorothy and Constance are beautifully developed characters and the narrative between Constance and Italian POW Cesare is a love story to end all love stories. It's a complex, emotional and visceral read with intelligence and a real warmth that means you cannot stop reading and you take the bulk of these fantastic, relatable characters into your heart. A story packed with heart and soul, charm, wit and peopled with an unforgettable cast. Darkly atmospheric and sometimes unsettling, Based on the true story of the building of the Orkney Wedding Chapel during the Second World War and set in a vanishing world of myth and superstition, The Metal Heart is an astonishing novel about an island community torn apart by the arrival of outsiders. Heartbreaking and thrilling in equal measure, Caroline has created a fascinating love story. I was very much swept up in the lives of these damaged yet hopeful characters, to experience the exquisite beauty of art in war, and to be as moved by these extraordinary real-life events as I have been. The novel really comes to life with the introduction to the Italian Chapel in Orkney: it is a breathtaking testimony to the hope that exists, even in the darkest of times. In the current, fractured climate, beautiful creations like the chapel act as reminders. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2021
Orkney 1941. Twins Dorothy and Constance live alone in a dilapidated bothy (small hut) on Selkie Holm, a remote island. They are mourning the loss of their parents and have no wish to return to the safety of the mainland, despite war raging.
But their solace is disturbed with the arrival of a thousand Italian prisoners of war, who have been sent to fortify the islands. They try to keep their distance, but when Dot ends up working in the infirmary she invariably comes into contact with them and feelings develop between herself and one of the prisoners.
This is much, much more than a love story though, it’s a beautiful thought provoking tale about the horrors of war, the evil of men and the strength of love. This book was a joy to read; the descriptions of Orkney were incredibly vivid, so much so that I could almost see the bothy in front of me, and then there was the Chapel, again described in vivid and breathtaking detail. The developing relationship between Dorothy and Cesare contrasted dynamically with the brutality and unpleasantness from some of the guards.
It’s a while since I’ve read a historical novel and this was definitely worth the wait. It was particularly interesting to read about a prisoner of war story where the prisoners were held by the British. And what I loved most is that this book is inspired by fact - based on the true story of the Orkney Wedding Chapel during the Second World War. The author has used artistic license to merge fact and fiction, creating a wonderfully meaningful and compelling story.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC of this book. All views my own. Published 29th April 2021.
But their solace is disturbed with the arrival of a thousand Italian prisoners of war, who have been sent to fortify the islands. They try to keep their distance, but when Dot ends up working in the infirmary she invariably comes into contact with them and feelings develop between herself and one of the prisoners.
This is much, much more than a love story though, it’s a beautiful thought provoking tale about the horrors of war, the evil of men and the strength of love. This book was a joy to read; the descriptions of Orkney were incredibly vivid, so much so that I could almost see the bothy in front of me, and then there was the Chapel, again described in vivid and breathtaking detail. The developing relationship between Dorothy and Cesare contrasted dynamically with the brutality and unpleasantness from some of the guards.
It’s a while since I’ve read a historical novel and this was definitely worth the wait. It was particularly interesting to read about a prisoner of war story where the prisoners were held by the British. And what I loved most is that this book is inspired by fact - based on the true story of the Orkney Wedding Chapel during the Second World War. The author has used artistic license to merge fact and fiction, creating a wonderfully meaningful and compelling story.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC of this book. All views my own. Published 29th April 2021.
May 1, 2021
Orkney 1941. Twins Dorothy and Constance live alone in a dilapidated bothy (small hut) on Selkie Holm, a remote island. They are mourning the loss of their parents and have no wish to return to the safety of the mainland, despite war raging.
But their solace is disturbed with the arrival of a thousand Italian prisoners of war, who have been sent to fortify the islands. They try to keep their distance, but when Dot ends up working in the infirmary she invariably comes into contact with them and feelings develop between herself and one of the prisoners.
This is much, much more than a love story though, it’s a beautiful thought provoking tale about the horrors of war, the evil of men and the strength of love. This book was a joy to read; the descriptions of Orkney were incredibly vivid, so much so that I could almost see the bothy in front of me, and then there was the Chapel, again described in vivid and breathtaking detail. The developing relationship between Dorothy and Cesare contrasted dynamically with the brutality and unpleasantness from some of the guards.
It’s a while since I’ve read a historical novel and this was definitely worth the wait. It was particularly interesting to read about a prisoner of war story where the prisoners were held by the British. And what I loved most is that this book is inspired by fact - based on the true story of the Orkney Wedding Chapel during the Second World War. The author has used artistic license to merge fact and fiction, creating a wonderfully meaningful and compelling story.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC of this book. All views my own. Published 29th April 2021.
But their solace is disturbed with the arrival of a thousand Italian prisoners of war, who have been sent to fortify the islands. They try to keep their distance, but when Dot ends up working in the infirmary she invariably comes into contact with them and feelings develop between herself and one of the prisoners.
This is much, much more than a love story though, it’s a beautiful thought provoking tale about the horrors of war, the evil of men and the strength of love. This book was a joy to read; the descriptions of Orkney were incredibly vivid, so much so that I could almost see the bothy in front of me, and then there was the Chapel, again described in vivid and breathtaking detail. The developing relationship between Dorothy and Cesare contrasted dynamically with the brutality and unpleasantness from some of the guards.
It’s a while since I’ve read a historical novel and this was definitely worth the wait. It was particularly interesting to read about a prisoner of war story where the prisoners were held by the British. And what I loved most is that this book is inspired by fact - based on the true story of the Orkney Wedding Chapel during the Second World War. The author has used artistic license to merge fact and fiction, creating a wonderfully meaningful and compelling story.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC of this book. All views my own. Published 29th April 2021.
May 3, 2021
I took me a long time to fully understand and sort out this book to be honest😭
But it was amazing and heartbreaking🥲
I loved the writing and I found the story to be very unique.
It’s not the usual type of book i read, but I m so glad I gave it a try!
But it was amazing and heartbreaking🥲
I loved the writing and I found the story to be very unique.
It’s not the usual type of book i read, but I m so glad I gave it a try!
April 19, 2022
Never did understand why the guard Angus could go around sexually assaulting Con, as well as trying to choke her to death, and she just had to accept it! After all he had a commanding officer, why didn't she report him? Wasn't there any law enforcement anywhere? Couldn't she have reported him to the mayor or other men of standing in the community? After all she and her sister were on their own with no family to which they could turn. This goes for the POW abuse also. I know that exists, but it was so open. And don't twins usually tell each other everything? But she couldn't tell her twin, this oaf tried to rape her? And I don't think Dot and Cesare could have hung out all day in a cave either. This book was just too unbelievable, although the love story might have been interesting. And some of it went on and on and on, getting nowhere. Why would they try to escape in a ROWBOAT in a stormy sea on the same day her parents died while doing the same thing? This plot seemed childish!
April 16, 2022
Never say never. I had sworn off WWII books because the world is so saturated with them but every once in awhile one comes my way and I can't resist it. If you love escapism and a good quick read, this is the book for you. Set on the Orkney Islands during WWII, this little drama has villainous villains and heroic heroes. Loved it!
January 25, 2023
I’m sorry but so much of this story seemed implausible. Also the writing didn’t capture Orkney at all. It could have been set anywhere.
April 29, 2021
After reading The Glass Woman with the wonderful #HFBookClub last month I jumped at the chance to read Caroline Lea's newest novel, and Oh My Word... I LOVED it!
Set in Orkney 1940 I already knew I was going to love the setting of this one, and Lea did what she does best; she promised us a story with lots of heart in a wild and windswept setting with buckets of atmosphere, and boy does she deliver!
This one tells the tale of twin sisters who have removed themselves from society and live outcast and alone, until that is, five hundred Italian prisoners of war arrive to fortify the island. The story that unfolds from there is both beautiful and heart-aching in equal measure.
This was a total delight to read, I reveled in every page and absolutely flew through it. The beginning packs a real punch and sets the tone for what is to come, with secrets and mystery, love and betrayal, this tale draws you in and holds your interest until the very last page.
If you enjoyed The Glass Woman then there is no question, you are going to love The Metal Heart too. The writing here is instantly familiar and truly beautiful. For all lovers of Historical Fiction, do yourself a favour and pick up these books - Caroline Lea is now an auto-buy author for me and I cannot wait to see what's next!
5 glorious stars.
Thank you so much to Penguin Michael Joseph for sending me a copy of this gorgeous book in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Orkney 1940 I already knew I was going to love the setting of this one, and Lea did what she does best; she promised us a story with lots of heart in a wild and windswept setting with buckets of atmosphere, and boy does she deliver!
This one tells the tale of twin sisters who have removed themselves from society and live outcast and alone, until that is, five hundred Italian prisoners of war arrive to fortify the island. The story that unfolds from there is both beautiful and heart-aching in equal measure.
This was a total delight to read, I reveled in every page and absolutely flew through it. The beginning packs a real punch and sets the tone for what is to come, with secrets and mystery, love and betrayal, this tale draws you in and holds your interest until the very last page.
If you enjoyed The Glass Woman then there is no question, you are going to love The Metal Heart too. The writing here is instantly familiar and truly beautiful. For all lovers of Historical Fiction, do yourself a favour and pick up these books - Caroline Lea is now an auto-buy author for me and I cannot wait to see what's next!
5 glorious stars.
Thank you so much to Penguin Michael Joseph for sending me a copy of this gorgeous book in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2021
Interesting love story, not as much WWII resistance activity. Was it just me, or did parts get really confusing???
August 21, 2023
Read for #buzzwordchallenge 2023- body part-heart
March 29, 2021
This novel is beautiful in every way. The Orkney setting is magical, the characters have real depth and the story was perfect.
❤︎
Twins Dorothy and Con live apart from the community in a bothy, making a simple life for themselves in often harsh conditions. Then everything is turned upside down when a POW camp is built on their island. With secrets, love and betrayals, this novel evokes every emotion, and the climax does not disappoint!
❤︎
I loved this book. 4 BIG stars from me, and a new found desire to visit Orkney and the Italian chapel which the story is based upon. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this e-arc.
❤︎
Twins Dorothy and Con live apart from the community in a bothy, making a simple life for themselves in often harsh conditions. Then everything is turned upside down when a POW camp is built on their island. With secrets, love and betrayals, this novel evokes every emotion, and the climax does not disappoint!
❤︎
I loved this book. 4 BIG stars from me, and a new found desire to visit Orkney and the Italian chapel which the story is based upon. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this e-arc.
April 17, 2021
I loved Caroline Lea’s first book, The Glass Woman, so I was delighted when I learned she had a new novel on the way. Set in the Orkney islands during World War 2, The Metal Heart is inspired by the true story of how Italian soldiers constructed a chapel on the island of Lamb Holm (Selkie Holm in the book) during the period it was used as a prisoner-of-war camp. You can find photographs of the chapel, the island and the surrounding landscape on Caroline’s Instagram feed.
Alongside the building of the chapel, the author has created a wonderful story involving twin sisters, Dorothy (known as Dot) and Constance (known as Con). Although identical in appearance, as the reader learns from the sections written from each sister’s point of view, they possess a very different outlook on life. For Constance, haunted by an experience that has made her distrustful of others, the dilapidated bothy on Selkie Holm which has become the sisters’ home is a refuge, a place she can feel safe. So the arrival of hundreds of male prisoners along with the often brutal men who guard them, reawakens disturbing memories. These, and feelings of guilt about her role in the fate of their father and mother, makes Con determined to protect her sister from experiencing anything like the trauma she has undergone. In contrast, for Dorothy, bolder in spirit than her sister, the arrival of the prisoners to the island opens up the possibility of a different future.
The arrival of the prisoners is initially greeted with suspicion by the Orcadians, the inhabitants of the Orkney islands. Fiercely independent, for them ‘mainland’ does not refer to Scotland but to the largest island in the group and the location of the centre of the community, Kirkwall. Their reservations partly ease when some of the prisoners are deployed as much-needed labour on local farms. The rest of the prisoners remain employed on Selkie Holm quarrying rocks in order to build barriers that will prevent German U-boats attacking the British fleet anchored in Scapa Flow. In one of the many interesting contradictions the book explores, the barriers eventually form causeways, making access between some of the islands easier than before for the local people.
I loved the way the author exposed the natural beauty of what could be viewed as a harsh, even bleak environment in some wonderful descriptive writing. ‘The sky is clear, star-stamped and silvered by the waxing gibbous moon.’ The signs of earlier inhabitants of the island – barrows and caves – combined with the myths associated with the island create a wonderful atmosphere. (While reading The Metal Heart, I was reminded of Amy Liptrot’s book The Outrun also set on Orkney and was delighted to see it mentioned in the author’s bibliography.)
The sections of the book describing the construction of the Catholic chapel are absolutely fascinating, with the prisoners making ingenious use of everyday objects and materials reclaimed from the damaged hulks of ships that surround the island. For the prisoners, and Cesare in particular, the building of the chapel is both a connection with home and a way of distracting themselves from the daily hardships of life in the camp: the gruelling, dangerous work; the brutality of the guards; the cold; the sickness that sweeps through the prisoners. ‘He is, for a moment, no longer a prisoner. His muscles do not ache, his stomach does not gripe. He is a free man, standing in a church in his own country. War and death are things that happen to other people, in other places. The chapel will be a place of peace.’
The chapel may be a place of peace but there is danger on other fronts, forcing each sister to make a heartbreaking choice and risk everything to do what they believe is right. A fascinating blend of fact and fiction, The Metal Heart is a touching love story and a message of hope that beauty can emerge from unexpected places, even in time of war.
Alongside the building of the chapel, the author has created a wonderful story involving twin sisters, Dorothy (known as Dot) and Constance (known as Con). Although identical in appearance, as the reader learns from the sections written from each sister’s point of view, they possess a very different outlook on life. For Constance, haunted by an experience that has made her distrustful of others, the dilapidated bothy on Selkie Holm which has become the sisters’ home is a refuge, a place she can feel safe. So the arrival of hundreds of male prisoners along with the often brutal men who guard them, reawakens disturbing memories. These, and feelings of guilt about her role in the fate of their father and mother, makes Con determined to protect her sister from experiencing anything like the trauma she has undergone. In contrast, for Dorothy, bolder in spirit than her sister, the arrival of the prisoners to the island opens up the possibility of a different future.
The arrival of the prisoners is initially greeted with suspicion by the Orcadians, the inhabitants of the Orkney islands. Fiercely independent, for them ‘mainland’ does not refer to Scotland but to the largest island in the group and the location of the centre of the community, Kirkwall. Their reservations partly ease when some of the prisoners are deployed as much-needed labour on local farms. The rest of the prisoners remain employed on Selkie Holm quarrying rocks in order to build barriers that will prevent German U-boats attacking the British fleet anchored in Scapa Flow. In one of the many interesting contradictions the book explores, the barriers eventually form causeways, making access between some of the islands easier than before for the local people.
I loved the way the author exposed the natural beauty of what could be viewed as a harsh, even bleak environment in some wonderful descriptive writing. ‘The sky is clear, star-stamped and silvered by the waxing gibbous moon.’ The signs of earlier inhabitants of the island – barrows and caves – combined with the myths associated with the island create a wonderful atmosphere. (While reading The Metal Heart, I was reminded of Amy Liptrot’s book The Outrun also set on Orkney and was delighted to see it mentioned in the author’s bibliography.)
The sections of the book describing the construction of the Catholic chapel are absolutely fascinating, with the prisoners making ingenious use of everyday objects and materials reclaimed from the damaged hulks of ships that surround the island. For the prisoners, and Cesare in particular, the building of the chapel is both a connection with home and a way of distracting themselves from the daily hardships of life in the camp: the gruelling, dangerous work; the brutality of the guards; the cold; the sickness that sweeps through the prisoners. ‘He is, for a moment, no longer a prisoner. His muscles do not ache, his stomach does not gripe. He is a free man, standing in a church in his own country. War and death are things that happen to other people, in other places. The chapel will be a place of peace.’
The chapel may be a place of peace but there is danger on other fronts, forcing each sister to make a heartbreaking choice and risk everything to do what they believe is right. A fascinating blend of fact and fiction, The Metal Heart is a touching love story and a message of hope that beauty can emerge from unexpected places, even in time of war.
December 1, 2021
loved the war story. wonderful
February 16, 2021
An atmospheric tale of twin sisters scratching a life on an isolated island in the Orkneys in the middle of WW2. Life changes when plans are made to house 1000 Italian pow's and the island is no longer deserted. Many complex themes, creating beauty in middle of war, a love story, grief, dealing with traumatic events and having a healthy fear for the ocean. Lots of twists and turns lead to a satisfying but bittersweet ending.
October 10, 2021
Appreciation to the author, Caroline Lea for tackling the WW2 Italian prisoner of war history of this remote Scottish Island. For the subject matter and writing a Historical Novel, I award 5 stars. As a history buff who is always seeking historical fiction I hate to award less than 5 stars but I found the story line lacking. Authors must find a way to blend historical fact and to entertain their consumer which can be tricky.
The author used alternating voices in order to tell her story and in this her second book uses two young women who are living on this remote island. Using split voice lacked the impact that one narrator might have lent to the story. The way the novel was written lacked depth considering the events that unfolded. Last (and it may be my lack) I spent a great deal of time flipping back and forth trying to figure out if I had missed something.
The romance between Dot and Cesare felt flat and I struggled to become interested in it. This happened with other scenes throughout the novel where happenings just seemed to come out of no where and end abruptly.
Fairy tales are legend in this remote Island and it could be that the author used vagueness intentionally perhaps to create the feel that this story was part fantasy BUT this is supposed to be historical fiction is it not? I was disappointed. I wanted more of a feel for this part of the world. Had I not read about this Island elsewhere, I likely wouldn't have finished the book.
The author used alternating voices in order to tell her story and in this her second book uses two young women who are living on this remote island. Using split voice lacked the impact that one narrator might have lent to the story. The way the novel was written lacked depth considering the events that unfolded. Last (and it may be my lack) I spent a great deal of time flipping back and forth trying to figure out if I had missed something.
The romance between Dot and Cesare felt flat and I struggled to become interested in it. This happened with other scenes throughout the novel where happenings just seemed to come out of no where and end abruptly.
Fairy tales are legend in this remote Island and it could be that the author used vagueness intentionally perhaps to create the feel that this story was part fantasy BUT this is supposed to be historical fiction is it not? I was disappointed. I wanted more of a feel for this part of the world. Had I not read about this Island elsewhere, I likely wouldn't have finished the book.
March 23, 2021
The Metal Heart - Caroline Lea
.
An atmospheric tale of twin sisters scratching together a life in the midst of WWII on a deserted Orkney Isle.
When plans are made to house a thousand Italian prisoners of war on the island, life will soon be very different for these sisters.
.
A historical fiction tale based on real events but heavily fictionalised.
The characters are so likeable you cannot help but root for them and the imagery is so beautifully written throughout.
Knowing a little about the Islands I could visualise it perfectly and was instantly transported to this remote place. You can feel the wind on your face and the cold in your bones when it is the night whilst reading.
.
The writing is lyrical and flows with such ease. It drew me in and kept me awake long into the night needing resolution to the story. The twist at the end was a real surprise and left me reeling.
.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and another I want a physical copy to keep for my shelves.
Thank you @michaeljbooks and @netgalley for this copy to read and review.
.
An atmospheric tale of twin sisters scratching together a life in the midst of WWII on a deserted Orkney Isle.
When plans are made to house a thousand Italian prisoners of war on the island, life will soon be very different for these sisters.
.
A historical fiction tale based on real events but heavily fictionalised.
The characters are so likeable you cannot help but root for them and the imagery is so beautifully written throughout.
Knowing a little about the Islands I could visualise it perfectly and was instantly transported to this remote place. You can feel the wind on your face and the cold in your bones when it is the night whilst reading.
.
The writing is lyrical and flows with such ease. It drew me in and kept me awake long into the night needing resolution to the story. The twist at the end was a real surprise and left me reeling.
.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and another I want a physical copy to keep for my shelves.
Thank you @michaeljbooks and @netgalley for this copy to read and review.
May 1, 2021
Another 5* read for 2021. Beautifully written story with the dramatic coastlines of the Orkney Islands as a backdrop, a world away from the current situation we are experiencing. Exactly the kind of escapist reading I needed. Two islands, two sisters escaping their past and an Italian prisoner of war camp, makes for a dark and haunting novel filled with moments of love, romance and a desire to protect ones family from harm. Initial false impressions of the prisoners of war are replaced with a love for a fellow human being miles from family and friends. As the war continues tensions with the islanders increase and the desire to escape the strain of the sisters relationship and imprisonment becomes apparent..
Thanks to Netgalley the author and publishers Michael Joseph for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley the author and publishers Michael Joseph for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
June 10, 2021
Author Caroline Lea does a fantastic job creating an atmospheric setting in Scotland. This is a story about how war, trauma, and death can affect people, but also how hope and love can save you. It started off with a bang in the prologue that hooked me immediately. Unfortunately, the rest of the book couldn't hold my attention. It was more character driven and slower paced than what I like. I enjoyed learning about the chapel in Orkney that the Italian prisoners of war built, but I was hoping for more historical events to be woven in. I didn't really find myself invested in the characters as it jumped around between 3 main characters and the townspeople of Orkney.
If you don't mind a slow-paced, character driven novel, then you might like this one.
If you don't mind a slow-paced, character driven novel, then you might like this one.
June 18, 2021
Before I begin with my review, I would like to put out that, historical fiction as a genre is really special to me. I am really picky with what I eventually pick up as I don't want one mediocre book to ruin the experience of the genre for me. For me, getting lost in the realities mixed with fictionalized stories of the past is an unparalleled experience and no other genre gives me the same amount of serotonin. And with, Metal Heart, I could feel the contentment of reading a story that brings grief and little moments of unbounded joy at equal measure.
The Metal Heart by Caroline Lea, is a poignant tale of two identical sisters set in an isolated island of Orkneys at the backdrop of World War II.
Dorothy and Constance, twins who have never known separation from each other since birth has to face the fate-altering choice between holding on or letting go of the ones they hold dear. The lyricism of Lea's prose keeps you on your feet as you immerse yourself in the mundane affairs of life at Selkie Holm where on one side Italian prisoners-of-war are at work building a barricade between the islands and on the other siblings Dot and Con live in harmony with nature away from the community at Kirkwall, after an incident that initiates them to separate from the mainland. With the arrival of the Italian war captives, changes slowly begin to transpire and what the readers experience is an unravelling of a story imbued with the strength of love, the fragility of a human life and a tale of colossal heartbreak.
Historical fictions usually tread with soft edges that burrows into your soul but with Metal Heart the twists I admit are rather unpredictable till the very end, it enthralls you like the last sip of caffeine. I was honestly not expecting to be so deeply engaged by a love story but I couldn't stop praying for Dot, Con and Cesare and their well-being!
What a wonderful and mesmerizing book! It perfectly justifies that stunning cover!
The Metal Heart by Caroline Lea, is a poignant tale of two identical sisters set in an isolated island of Orkneys at the backdrop of World War II.
Dorothy and Constance, twins who have never known separation from each other since birth has to face the fate-altering choice between holding on or letting go of the ones they hold dear. The lyricism of Lea's prose keeps you on your feet as you immerse yourself in the mundane affairs of life at Selkie Holm where on one side Italian prisoners-of-war are at work building a barricade between the islands and on the other siblings Dot and Con live in harmony with nature away from the community at Kirkwall, after an incident that initiates them to separate from the mainland. With the arrival of the Italian war captives, changes slowly begin to transpire and what the readers experience is an unravelling of a story imbued with the strength of love, the fragility of a human life and a tale of colossal heartbreak.
Historical fictions usually tread with soft edges that burrows into your soul but with Metal Heart the twists I admit are rather unpredictable till the very end, it enthralls you like the last sip of caffeine. I was honestly not expecting to be so deeply engaged by a love story but I couldn't stop praying for Dot, Con and Cesare and their well-being!
What a wonderful and mesmerizing book! It perfectly justifies that stunning cover!
July 6, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
The Metal Heart is a unique blend of war, art, history, action, and romance. Set in Scotland’s lesser-known Orkney Islands during World War II, the novel captivated me with its exploration of the Italian Chapel, a fascinating historical site. Among the POWs was Domenico Chiocchetti an artist who was tasked with transforming two Nissen huts into a chapel (you can learn more about the chapel at https://www.orkney.com/listings/the-i...).
While the book’s pacing was slow in parts because of excessive philosophizing, overall, it was an engaging read. Some UK reviewers claim the book is historically inaccurate, but in my case, ignorance is bliss. Overall, The Metal Heart is a poignant novel of love, jealousy, and conscience, and I enjoyed it.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary review copy of the novel. The opinions are my own.
The Metal Heart is a unique blend of war, art, history, action, and romance. Set in Scotland’s lesser-known Orkney Islands during World War II, the novel captivated me with its exploration of the Italian Chapel, a fascinating historical site. Among the POWs was Domenico Chiocchetti an artist who was tasked with transforming two Nissen huts into a chapel (you can learn more about the chapel at https://www.orkney.com/listings/the-i...).
While the book’s pacing was slow in parts because of excessive philosophizing, overall, it was an engaging read. Some UK reviewers claim the book is historically inaccurate, but in my case, ignorance is bliss. Overall, The Metal Heart is a poignant novel of love, jealousy, and conscience, and I enjoyed it.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary review copy of the novel. The opinions are my own.
March 10, 2022
It was alright!
October 20, 2024
this was such a beautiful book, honestly any book set in ww2 is always amazing but this was a bit different because it was set in orkney. i love reading books about things i don’t know about, i rlly wanna visit the italian chapel now!!!
ngl i was kinda confused at the ending but all i know is that i love dot and cesare so much, i absolutely lived for their story
ngl i was kinda confused at the ending but all i know is that i love dot and cesare so much, i absolutely lived for their story
June 6, 2021
To be honest I first chose the book because of it's beautiful cover. I was surprised to discover a beautiful and haunting story.
April 29, 2021
Oh, my heart. This book is something truly beautiful. From the moment I read the chilling, tense and gripping prologue, I knew this was going to be something special, that this was going to be one of the best books I’ve read this year. But I was unprepared for just how magnificent it would be. I was mesmerised, lost in the pages, breathing the author’s words in like I needed them for my own survival. This book has reached into my soul and taken up residence there.
This is a story of love, sacrifice, fear and survival set against the backdrop of war. It explores how joy and hope can be found in the most unexpected and darkest of places, and how those who should be our enemies might turn out to be a friend. It is a story of star-crossed lovers, perfectly capturing the heady feeling of falling in love, the power of passion, and the hopefulness new romance brings. She has taken the true story of the building of the Orkney Cathedral and crafted a spellbinding story and compelling, richly drawn cast of characters that feel completely real. It is exquisitely written, with a cinematic quality that made me feel like I was watching everything happen in vivid technicolour. It was like I was right there, living every moment alongisde the characters.
Another theme that ran through this book was prisons. Selkie Holm is a prison twice over; an enforced one for the POWs and a chosen one for the sisters. There are also emotional and mental prisons, such as the ones Con’s trauma has put her in, and the prison that Dot has made for herself in order to help protect her sister. We also see how Dot, Con and Cesare all have a desire to escape their prisons; to live, be free, and find happiness. But they are all bound by their shackles, be they metal or mental, and don’t know how to break themselves free.
I loved the trio of narrators and the different perspectives they brought to the story. I was totally invested in Dorothy and Cesare’s love story and was rooting for them to have their happy-ever-after, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. I liked how different they were yet how they fit together so perfectly, overcoming language barriers and hailing from countries that are sworn enemies. While their feelings for each other are immediate, I liked that the author wrote their story slowly as it made it believable.
I admit, at first I did wonder why Constance had been given as much of a voice as Dorothy and Cesare, seeing as this was their story. But it soon became clear that she had a vital perspective and role to play in what transpired. I liked how her perspective, experience and relationship with her sister tempered the joy and excitement of the lovebirds, adding a layer of tension and unease that seems partly an overreaction, but is also understandable given the trauma she’s experienced. I also liked how it showed us a real selflessness to Dot’s character as she weighed up her loyalty to her sister against her own desires.
But it isn’t just the narrators who make this story what it is. The background cast are as important to propelling the story forward, and the backdrop is a character in itself; the vivid imagery of this bleak, unwelcoming place, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where there is no escape, only helplessness and despair.
Hauntingly atmospheric, addictive and breathtaking, this novel reminds of the best and worst of humankind, shattering your heart and then giving you hope again. I can’t recommend this enough and even after days of agonising over this review, I worry I haven’t done justice to this phenomenal novel.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
This is a story of love, sacrifice, fear and survival set against the backdrop of war. It explores how joy and hope can be found in the most unexpected and darkest of places, and how those who should be our enemies might turn out to be a friend. It is a story of star-crossed lovers, perfectly capturing the heady feeling of falling in love, the power of passion, and the hopefulness new romance brings. She has taken the true story of the building of the Orkney Cathedral and crafted a spellbinding story and compelling, richly drawn cast of characters that feel completely real. It is exquisitely written, with a cinematic quality that made me feel like I was watching everything happen in vivid technicolour. It was like I was right there, living every moment alongisde the characters.
Another theme that ran through this book was prisons. Selkie Holm is a prison twice over; an enforced one for the POWs and a chosen one for the sisters. There are also emotional and mental prisons, such as the ones Con’s trauma has put her in, and the prison that Dot has made for herself in order to help protect her sister. We also see how Dot, Con and Cesare all have a desire to escape their prisons; to live, be free, and find happiness. But they are all bound by their shackles, be they metal or mental, and don’t know how to break themselves free.
I loved the trio of narrators and the different perspectives they brought to the story. I was totally invested in Dorothy and Cesare’s love story and was rooting for them to have their happy-ever-after, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. I liked how different they were yet how they fit together so perfectly, overcoming language barriers and hailing from countries that are sworn enemies. While their feelings for each other are immediate, I liked that the author wrote their story slowly as it made it believable.
I admit, at first I did wonder why Constance had been given as much of a voice as Dorothy and Cesare, seeing as this was their story. But it soon became clear that she had a vital perspective and role to play in what transpired. I liked how her perspective, experience and relationship with her sister tempered the joy and excitement of the lovebirds, adding a layer of tension and unease that seems partly an overreaction, but is also understandable given the trauma she’s experienced. I also liked how it showed us a real selflessness to Dot’s character as she weighed up her loyalty to her sister against her own desires.
But it isn’t just the narrators who make this story what it is. The background cast are as important to propelling the story forward, and the backdrop is a character in itself; the vivid imagery of this bleak, unwelcoming place, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where there is no escape, only helplessness and despair.
Hauntingly atmospheric, addictive and breathtaking, this novel reminds of the best and worst of humankind, shattering your heart and then giving you hope again. I can’t recommend this enough and even after days of agonising over this review, I worry I haven’t done justice to this phenomenal novel.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
April 21, 2021
Oh, my heart. This book is something truly beautiful. From the moment I read the chilling, tense and gripping prologue, I knew this was going to be something special, that this was going to be one of the best books I’ve read this year. But I was unprepared for just how magnificent it would be. I was mesmerised, lost in the pages, breathing the author’s words in like I needed them for my own survival. This book has reached into my soul and taken up residence there.
This is a story of love, sacrifice, fear and survival set against the backdrop of war. It explores how joy and hope can be found in the most unexpected and darkest of places, and how those who should be our enemies might turn out to be a friend. It is a story of star-crossed lovers, perfectly capturing the heady feeling of falling in love, the power of passion, and the hopefulness new romance brings. She has taken the true story of the building of the Orkney Cathedral and crafted a spellbinding story and compelling, richly drawn cast of characters that feel completely real. It is exquisitely written, with a cinematic quality that made me feel like I was watching everything happen in vivid technicolour. It was like I was right there, living every moment alongisde the characters.
Another theme that ran through this book was prisons. Selkie Holm is a prison twice over; an enforced one for the POWs and a chosen one for the sisters. There are also emotional and mental prisons, such as the ones Con’s trauma has put her in, and the prison that Dot has made for herself in order to help protect her sister. We also see how Dot, Con and Cesare all have a desire to escape their prisons; to live, be free, and find happiness. But they are all bound by their shackles, be they metal or mental, and don’t know how to break themselves free.
I loved the trio of narrators and the different perspectives they brought to the story. I was totally invested in Dorothy and Cesare’s love story and was rooting for them to have their happy-ever-after, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. I liked how different they were yet how they fit together so perfectly, overcoming language barriers and hailing from countries that are sworn enemies. While their feelings for each other are immediate, I liked that the author wrote their story slowly as it made it believable.
I admit, at first I did wonder why Constance had been given as much of a voice as Dorothy and Cesare, seeing as this was their story. But it soon became clear that she had a vital perspective and role to play in what transpired. I liked how her perspective, experience and relationship with her sister tempered the joy and excitement of the lovebirds, adding a layer of tension and unease that seems partly an overreaction, but is also understandable given the trauma she’s experienced. I also liked how it showed us a real selflessness to Dot’s character as she weighed up her loyalty to her sister against her own desires.
But it isn’t just the narrators who make this story what it is. The background cast are as important to propelling the story forward, and the backdrop is a character in itself; the vivid imagery of this bleak, unwelcoming place, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where there is no escape, only helplessness and despair.
Hauntingly atmospheric, addictive and breathtaking, this novel reminds of the best and worst of humankind, shattering your heart and then giving you hope again. I can’t recommend this enough and even after days of agonising over this review, I worry I haven’t done justice to this phenomenal novel.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
This is a story of love, sacrifice, fear and survival set against the backdrop of war. It explores how joy and hope can be found in the most unexpected and darkest of places, and how those who should be our enemies might turn out to be a friend. It is a story of star-crossed lovers, perfectly capturing the heady feeling of falling in love, the power of passion, and the hopefulness new romance brings. She has taken the true story of the building of the Orkney Cathedral and crafted a spellbinding story and compelling, richly drawn cast of characters that feel completely real. It is exquisitely written, with a cinematic quality that made me feel like I was watching everything happen in vivid technicolour. It was like I was right there, living every moment alongisde the characters.
Another theme that ran through this book was prisons. Selkie Holm is a prison twice over; an enforced one for the POWs and a chosen one for the sisters. There are also emotional and mental prisons, such as the ones Con’s trauma has put her in, and the prison that Dot has made for herself in order to help protect her sister. We also see how Dot, Con and Cesare all have a desire to escape their prisons; to live, be free, and find happiness. But they are all bound by their shackles, be they metal or mental, and don’t know how to break themselves free.
I loved the trio of narrators and the different perspectives they brought to the story. I was totally invested in Dorothy and Cesare’s love story and was rooting for them to have their happy-ever-after, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. I liked how different they were yet how they fit together so perfectly, overcoming language barriers and hailing from countries that are sworn enemies. While their feelings for each other are immediate, I liked that the author wrote their story slowly as it made it believable.
I admit, at first I did wonder why Constance had been given as much of a voice as Dorothy and Cesare, seeing as this was their story. But it soon became clear that she had a vital perspective and role to play in what transpired. I liked how her perspective, experience and relationship with her sister tempered the joy and excitement of the lovebirds, adding a layer of tension and unease that seems partly an overreaction, but is also understandable given the trauma she’s experienced. I also liked how it showed us a real selflessness to Dot’s character as she weighed up her loyalty to her sister against her own desires.
But it isn’t just the narrators who make this story what it is. The background cast are as important to propelling the story forward, and the backdrop is a character in itself; the vivid imagery of this bleak, unwelcoming place, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where there is no escape, only helplessness and despair.
Hauntingly atmospheric, addictive and breathtaking, this novel reminds of the best and worst of humankind, shattering your heart and then giving you hope again. I can’t recommend this enough and even after days of agonising over this review, I worry I haven’t done justice to this phenomenal novel.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
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