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The Unravelling of Maria
Lovers separated by the Iron Curtain.
Two women whose paths should never have crossed.
A remarkable journey that changes all of their lives.
Maria's history is a lie. Washed up on the shores of Sweden in 1944, with no memory, she was forced to create her own. 43 years later she still has no idea of who she really is.
Jaak fights for Estonia's independence, refusing to accept the death of his fiancée Maarja, whose ship was sunk as she fled across the Baltic Sea to escape the Soviet invasion.
Angie knows exactly who she is. A drug addict, a waste of space. Life is just about getting by. A chance meeting in Edinburgh's Cancer Centre is the catalyst for something very different.
Sometimes all you need is someone who listens.
Two women whose paths should never have crossed.
A remarkable journey that changes all of their lives.
Maria's history is a lie. Washed up on the shores of Sweden in 1944, with no memory, she was forced to create her own. 43 years later she still has no idea of who she really is.
Jaak fights for Estonia's independence, refusing to accept the death of his fiancée Maarja, whose ship was sunk as she fled across the Baltic Sea to escape the Soviet invasion.
Angie knows exactly who she is. A drug addict, a waste of space. Life is just about getting by. A chance meeting in Edinburgh's Cancer Centre is the catalyst for something very different.
Sometimes all you need is someone who listens.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2020
501 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
F.J. Curlew
4 books19 followersWinner of the Federation of Writers (Scotland) short story competition, 2023.
Fiona is a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, she turned to the Open University where she studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. She has since written five books and finds it difficult to be content without a work in progress.
She is now writing in her given name of Fiona Curnow.
Fiona is a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, she turned to the Open University where she studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. She has since written five books and finds it difficult to be content without a work in progress.
She is now writing in her given name of Fiona Curnow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 5, 2024
Who knew?
It was enlightening to see the horrors of Stalin's reign told through the memories of people who lived it. I also liked Angie's Scots' dialogue. It brought back great memories of my 3 years spent in Scotland.
It was enlightening to see the horrors of Stalin's reign told through the memories of people who lived it. I also liked Angie's Scots' dialogue. It brought back great memories of my 3 years spent in Scotland.
December 10, 2020
Maria’s life is about to change.
Given that I usually don’t enjoy stories with multiple perspectives and different time frames I think it speaks volumes for F J Curlew’s The Unravelling of Maria that I loved this book because the beautiful quality of the writing drew me in and held my attention completely. By the end of the book I had been so captivated by the stories of Maria, Angie and Jaak that I was extremely moved.
Those different timeframes and perspectives are elegantly wrought into a beautiful narrative that is part history, part love story, part tale of endurance and suffering and part love letter to Estonia. There’s such a poetic beauty to F J Curlew’s descriptions, even when she is uncovering the less glamorous side to Edinburgh or conflict, that never becomes hyperbole, but rather touches each of the reader’s senses and immerses them in the settings and story. I was incredibly impressed. The Unravelling of Maria also made me feel quite ignorant. Shamefully, I had no real concept of Estonia’s history and in reading The Unravelling of Maria I feel I have been cleverly educated as well as entertained.
The plot is perfectly balanced because The Unravelling of Maria illustrates horror and joy, love and hate, inhumanity and compassion with such finesse that it feels as if the reader is living the lives of the three main characters with them. The structure has an almost Shakespearean quality to it, as if the book is in acts. I found the tension in the narrative almost too great to bear at times, but Angie’s dialect and accent serves as light relief so that I thoroughly enjoyed every word. Indeed, I usually find accents contrived but Angie’s Scottish brogue is perfectly accessible whilst adding depth and colour to her character.
All three main characters are so, so real. They have depth and flaws that bring them alive. My heart went out to Angie who illustrates perfectly how sometimes, all we need is a chance. Jaak had my empathy and my sympathy but it was Maria’s story that touched me most. Her resilience, her bravery and her search for identity both literally and metaphorically is presented by F J Curlew with real humanity.
I hadn’t really thought much about The Unravelling of Maria before I began reading, so I didn’t really have any expectations. However, I found a meticulously researched, beautifully written saga of identity, people and love in many forms. I really recommend it.
Given that I usually don’t enjoy stories with multiple perspectives and different time frames I think it speaks volumes for F J Curlew’s The Unravelling of Maria that I loved this book because the beautiful quality of the writing drew me in and held my attention completely. By the end of the book I had been so captivated by the stories of Maria, Angie and Jaak that I was extremely moved.
Those different timeframes and perspectives are elegantly wrought into a beautiful narrative that is part history, part love story, part tale of endurance and suffering and part love letter to Estonia. There’s such a poetic beauty to F J Curlew’s descriptions, even when she is uncovering the less glamorous side to Edinburgh or conflict, that never becomes hyperbole, but rather touches each of the reader’s senses and immerses them in the settings and story. I was incredibly impressed. The Unravelling of Maria also made me feel quite ignorant. Shamefully, I had no real concept of Estonia’s history and in reading The Unravelling of Maria I feel I have been cleverly educated as well as entertained.
The plot is perfectly balanced because The Unravelling of Maria illustrates horror and joy, love and hate, inhumanity and compassion with such finesse that it feels as if the reader is living the lives of the three main characters with them. The structure has an almost Shakespearean quality to it, as if the book is in acts. I found the tension in the narrative almost too great to bear at times, but Angie’s dialect and accent serves as light relief so that I thoroughly enjoyed every word. Indeed, I usually find accents contrived but Angie’s Scottish brogue is perfectly accessible whilst adding depth and colour to her character.
All three main characters are so, so real. They have depth and flaws that bring them alive. My heart went out to Angie who illustrates perfectly how sometimes, all we need is a chance. Jaak had my empathy and my sympathy but it was Maria’s story that touched me most. Her resilience, her bravery and her search for identity both literally and metaphorically is presented by F J Curlew with real humanity.
I hadn’t really thought much about The Unravelling of Maria before I began reading, so I didn’t really have any expectations. However, I found a meticulously researched, beautifully written saga of identity, people and love in many forms. I really recommend it.
February 3, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. At times upbeat, at times sad with emotional pain, it’s the perfect blend of adventure and emotion, of harsh life conditions meets fellow-feeling, companionship and security.
Two women randomly sit together in a hospital cancer clinic. They're both anxious about diagnosis and treatment, but they start talking to each other, as people do. And although they're totally different from each other in terms of age and social class, over time these two women bond, gradually overcoming mutual reservations and drawing strengths from each other. And as their relationship develops, we learn their surprising, often shocking back stories and go with them on a phenomenal geographical and emotional adventure to find out what's truly important in life.
FJ Curlew has the reader willing her characters on every step of the way. I found myself earnestly yearning everything would work out for them with each new risk they took, and with each new adversity they encountered.
I blogged about this book during Lockdown, and had a chat with the author. You can read it here -
http://carolmckay.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Two women randomly sit together in a hospital cancer clinic. They're both anxious about diagnosis and treatment, but they start talking to each other, as people do. And although they're totally different from each other in terms of age and social class, over time these two women bond, gradually overcoming mutual reservations and drawing strengths from each other. And as their relationship develops, we learn their surprising, often shocking back stories and go with them on a phenomenal geographical and emotional adventure to find out what's truly important in life.
FJ Curlew has the reader willing her characters on every step of the way. I found myself earnestly yearning everything would work out for them with each new risk they took, and with each new adversity they encountered.
I blogged about this book during Lockdown, and had a chat with the author. You can read it here -
http://carolmckay.blogspot.com/2021/0...
December 7, 2020
It’s always a bonus when a book takes you travelling and The Unravelling of Maria offers much to learn about place and recent history. Two lovers separated by war and mischance provide the emotional theme, and an unlikely friendship adds depth and credibility. The author deals with some tough topics in a realistic manner, neither skimming over nor sensationalising difficult issues. I found myself empathising with Maria and Angie early into the story as they both faced challenging situations. Jaak’s story has a wider sweep, tackling the hardships of war, injustice and deprivation. As the title suggests, it is a slow reveal, but is never less than engaging. Scotland, Estonia and Siberia provide the backdrops to this interesting book. This novel is well researched and the writer has a clear connection with some of the locations. Add to this an eye catching and beautifully fitting cover design. I look forward to reading more by F J Curlew.
December 1, 2020
Three people, all with different lives; this is their stories.
Maria was washed up on the shores of Sweden in 1944 and has no memory of who she was - or where she came from - prior to that date. Angie, on the other hand, knows exact who and what she is. Living in Edinburgh, she's a drug addict who is happy to survive day to day as long as she gets her fix. Jaak is fighting for Estonia's independence, having lost his fiancee Maarja when the she fled the Soviet invasion along with her family and their ship was sunk.
This is a beautifully told story of three lost souls making the best of the life they have. Told in differing timescales, we learn of their lives then and their lives now. None of them have had it easy and it makes for riveting reading. It doesn't look like a long read, but this is tightly woven and skilfully plotted and takes a fair bit of time to reach the end. Very much a saga-type read, and one I enjoyed. The author's observations of Edinburgh are spot-on and, since she has spent time there, I assume she has Estonia well mapped out too. A rewarding read, and one I'm happy to give 4.5*.
Maria was washed up on the shores of Sweden in 1944 and has no memory of who she was - or where she came from - prior to that date. Angie, on the other hand, knows exact who and what she is. Living in Edinburgh, she's a drug addict who is happy to survive day to day as long as she gets her fix. Jaak is fighting for Estonia's independence, having lost his fiancee Maarja when the she fled the Soviet invasion along with her family and their ship was sunk.
This is a beautifully told story of three lost souls making the best of the life they have. Told in differing timescales, we learn of their lives then and their lives now. None of them have had it easy and it makes for riveting reading. It doesn't look like a long read, but this is tightly woven and skilfully plotted and takes a fair bit of time to reach the end. Very much a saga-type read, and one I enjoyed. The author's observations of Edinburgh are spot-on and, since she has spent time there, I assume she has Estonia well mapped out too. A rewarding read, and one I'm happy to give 4.5*.
June 8, 2025
Absolutely Brilliant
Awwwww Fiona
What a beautiful story. A love letter to true honest friendship, love, courage, determination.
I loved the characters and descriptions so real you can imagine being there. I could not put this book down. Can't wait to read more from Fiona Curlew
Awwwww Fiona
What a beautiful story. A love letter to true honest friendship, love, courage, determination.
I loved the characters and descriptions so real you can imagine being there. I could not put this book down. Can't wait to read more from Fiona Curlew
December 29, 2024
A View of Estonia and Love
I felt the difficulty of ridding one's self of drug addiction was realistic. I enjoyed the combination of characters: a junky, an amnesiac older lady, and the people in their lives. Getting a peek at Estonian history and the peaceful beauty there was an.unexpected treat. The love story was amazing.
I felt the difficulty of ridding one's self of drug addiction was realistic. I enjoyed the combination of characters: a junky, an amnesiac older lady, and the people in their lives. Getting a peek at Estonian history and the peaceful beauty there was an.unexpected treat. The love story was amazing.
March 23, 2025
I wasn't sure I was going to really get into this book at the beginning, but having read Before the Swallows Come, I was sure I'd get it straight in my head as to what was happening and how everything would make sense, and I'm so glad I kept going! This book was not just a great read, but I learned so much about things I should have know before. I was born in 44, and I discovered just how little I truly know of so much history.
It kept me reading and reading, and thank goodness, I was spot on about a lot of it! Do read it!
It kept me reading and reading, and thank goodness, I was spot on about a lot of it! Do read it!
November 4, 2025
The Unravelling of Maria
I wasn’t sure, at first, if this was a story that would hold me, but I kept reading and was drawn into what turned out to be a poignant story of love, friendship, hardship and redemption. Well worth a read
I wasn’t sure, at first, if this was a story that would hold me, but I kept reading and was drawn into what turned out to be a poignant story of love, friendship, hardship and redemption. Well worth a read
March 2, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable book. Interesting to learn more about Estonia’s history. The main characters - Marie, Jaak and Angie were all very believable and interesting in their own right.
April 25, 2025
Nice change of central characters. Flawed, but essentially good people. Stayed with them as they journed through tough choices.
January 6, 2026
I enjoyed the book. Great descriptions and I liked the characters. A little bit predictable ending but a lovely tale. I want to go to Tallin and Parnu now and learn more about Estonia’s history.
January 3, 2025
the unravelling of Maria
I loved, loved, loved this book. Heartbreak and happiness all wrapped up in history and geography lessons! It’s every bit as good as before the swallows come back
I loved, loved, loved this book. Heartbreak and happiness all wrapped up in history and geography lessons! It’s every bit as good as before the swallows come back
September 1, 2024
Great story keeping you inspired to figure out who Maria is and was.
March 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well written characters Marjaa, Angie and Jaak the tale spans two timetimes (I liked the change in font) interesting historical references to Estonias struggles with the Russians and their fight for independence.
The building of the relation ship between the two woman so different in so many ways and how their bond was a lifeline to them both gripped me.
The building of the relation ship between the two woman so different in so many ways and how their bond was a lifeline to them both gripped me.
June 30, 2024
Captivating story
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and you were eager to keep reading. Loved the happy ending!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and you were eager to keep reading. Loved the happy ending!
March 16, 2025
Unique love story
Beautiful writing and unique story. Really loved this book and the 3 main characters, quite realistic too.
Would definitely recommend.
Beautiful writing and unique story. Really loved this book and the 3 main characters, quite realistic too.
Would definitely recommend.
October 18, 2024
loved this book,
Wonderful! My second book by this author and I loved it even more than the first. A beautiful story about two women from very different worlds who join together on a journey of discovery and lost love.
Wonderful! My second book by this author and I loved it even more than the first. A beautiful story about two women from very different worlds who join together on a journey of discovery and lost love.
September 16, 2025
The unravelling of Maria
I loved this book F J Curlew is becoming one of my best authors.
The back and forth in history makes this book so interesting and the characters feel like friends.
I loved this book F J Curlew is becoming one of my best authors.
The back and forth in history makes this book so interesting and the characters feel like friends.
November 14, 2024
Great story!
A women with no memory and a young girl abandoned not only find a true friendship,but help each other find the truth of their lives. A young man defends his country and loses everyone and everything important in his life. During a span of 50 years all the characters merge and find what each is looking for.
A women with no memory and a young girl abandoned not only find a true friendship,but help each other find the truth of their lives. A young man defends his country and loses everyone and everything important in his life. During a span of 50 years all the characters merge and find what each is looking for.
July 14, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book liked the story line and it kept me enthralled to see how it would end. This is my second read by this author about to start another book
From the same author.
From the same author.
January 27, 2025
A lovely book
One of the best stories I have read for a while. Needs a bit of concentration as it twists a bit here and there but it's great and has a very satisfying conclusion.
One of the best stories I have read for a while. Needs a bit of concentration as it twists a bit here and there but it's great and has a very satisfying conclusion.
December 12, 2025
Love lost and found
People change through the years, but some things never change.
Maria is forced to change due to amnesia and other factors. Angie changes from drug addict to a solid citizen. Jaak never changes, just waits for the past to catch up to him. What a lovely story. A sweet ending.
People change through the years, but some things never change.
Maria is forced to change due to amnesia and other factors. Angie changes from drug addict to a solid citizen. Jaak never changes, just waits for the past to catch up to him. What a lovely story. A sweet ending.
January 16, 2025
good read
Really interesting book. I enjoyed learning about what the country went through in the war.
And what life was like in the 50’s-70’s
Really interesting book. I enjoyed learning about what the country went through in the war.
And what life was like in the 50’s-70’s
July 30, 2025
Review
Remarkably lovely and inspiring story, causing the reader to think about their own early life and bring back many fond memories.
Remarkably lovely and inspiring story, causing the reader to think about their own early life and bring back many fond memories.
October 8, 2021
See the full review at https://goodbookscometothosewhoread.b...
The Unravelling of Maria reads at a very slow Pace and is based on three characters, Maria, Jaak and Angie. The story of their lives is told, as it switches between each character and jumps back and forth in time. To start with I found this difficult and wondered if I was going to enjoy it, but after about 20 chapters it had me hooked. The story of their lives unfolded slowly and I was drawn in, felt like I was apart of their journey. Leaving me in a whirlwind of emotions, crossing my fingers that things would work out and not wanting to put the book down.
At the beginning I found Angie’s Scottish accent a problem, I found it hard to read, sometimes I was having to re read bits, but, as time passed it became easier and I became accustomed to her, I feel that it actually gave more depth to her character.
Throughout the book, the writer covers some difficult subjects, but all is done in a very knowledgeable easy to read way. Reading this book not only gave me a story of survival, love and friendship, it gave me an insight to Estonia’s history which I knew nothing about but, I have found very interesting.
I feel the story came to quite a natural and satisfying end which I enjoy, I don’t like to be left with questions, so would I recommend, yes it was certainly a very enjoyable read. I’m certainly intrigued as to what else this author has written.
The Unravelling of Maria reads at a very slow Pace and is based on three characters, Maria, Jaak and Angie. The story of their lives is told, as it switches between each character and jumps back and forth in time. To start with I found this difficult and wondered if I was going to enjoy it, but after about 20 chapters it had me hooked. The story of their lives unfolded slowly and I was drawn in, felt like I was apart of their journey. Leaving me in a whirlwind of emotions, crossing my fingers that things would work out and not wanting to put the book down.
At the beginning I found Angie’s Scottish accent a problem, I found it hard to read, sometimes I was having to re read bits, but, as time passed it became easier and I became accustomed to her, I feel that it actually gave more depth to her character.
Throughout the book, the writer covers some difficult subjects, but all is done in a very knowledgeable easy to read way. Reading this book not only gave me a story of survival, love and friendship, it gave me an insight to Estonia’s history which I knew nothing about but, I have found very interesting.
I feel the story came to quite a natural and satisfying end which I enjoy, I don’t like to be left with questions, so would I recommend, yes it was certainly a very enjoyable read. I’m certainly intrigued as to what else this author has written.
December 14, 2020
I adored this book and the characters of Maria, Angie and Jaak. This is a sweeping love story that takes us from the end of the Second World War to present day in both Scotland and Estonia. It so well plotted and the historical aspects of the book are completely on point. The pacing of the book is a slow walk through these peoples lives, with aspects being teased out slowly but towards the end of the book I couldn’t wait for the final resolution.
The narrative of this book is completely up my street. I studied Soviet and Baltic history at university and I forgot how much I enjoyed learning about the Singing Revolution and the line of people holding hands throughout the whole length of the Baltic states. It has certainly made me want to visit Estonia after the pandemic is over. I have always wanted to see it. I would have liked to have seen more of Jaak journey after the camp but that’s just probably me being a history geek! I had forgotten all about the Forest Brothers and their role in fighting for an independent Estonia. I felt that the book portrayed the excitement and hope with came about with Glasnost and perestroika and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Estonia in fact paved the way for its collapse as it was the first country to declare independence and have it informally acknowledged by Western states. It must have been an inspiring time to live through, the feeling of hope. Anyway I could babble on about this for ages so I will stop now….
The character of Maria was complex and mysterious at times. The development of her self-confidence was great to see after the death of her husband. It must be terrible to lose your memories and then have it jolted in such a way. The idea of Maria and Angie forming a bond at the local cancer centre was definitely unique and I am glad they found each other. There were many parallels in their lives but from first appearances you would never realise that. Angie and Maria both had a sadness to them at the start of the book and it was incredible to see how this developed throughout the book. Also special shout out to Albie - I was reading this whilst my own border terrier was on my lap!
I would really encourage you to read this book - you learn a lot about Baltic history but presented in an entertaining way. It is such a heart-warming book for something that dwells on quite dark periods of history, drug addiction, abuse both physical and mental. Easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
The narrative of this book is completely up my street. I studied Soviet and Baltic history at university and I forgot how much I enjoyed learning about the Singing Revolution and the line of people holding hands throughout the whole length of the Baltic states. It has certainly made me want to visit Estonia after the pandemic is over. I have always wanted to see it. I would have liked to have seen more of Jaak journey after the camp but that’s just probably me being a history geek! I had forgotten all about the Forest Brothers and their role in fighting for an independent Estonia. I felt that the book portrayed the excitement and hope with came about with Glasnost and perestroika and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Estonia in fact paved the way for its collapse as it was the first country to declare independence and have it informally acknowledged by Western states. It must have been an inspiring time to live through, the feeling of hope. Anyway I could babble on about this for ages so I will stop now….
The character of Maria was complex and mysterious at times. The development of her self-confidence was great to see after the death of her husband. It must be terrible to lose your memories and then have it jolted in such a way. The idea of Maria and Angie forming a bond at the local cancer centre was definitely unique and I am glad they found each other. There were many parallels in their lives but from first appearances you would never realise that. Angie and Maria both had a sadness to them at the start of the book and it was incredible to see how this developed throughout the book. Also special shout out to Albie - I was reading this whilst my own border terrier was on my lap!
I would really encourage you to read this book - you learn a lot about Baltic history but presented in an entertaining way. It is such a heart-warming book for something that dwells on quite dark periods of history, drug addiction, abuse both physical and mental. Easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
January 7, 2021
I have to admit, it took me a little bit of time to get used to shifting between the three very different narratives of Maria, Angie and Jaak. In some ways, it feels like three separate stories, completely different in tone and style. However, as the book progressed, I began to enjoy the variety, and the really quite original sensation of moving between ‘modes’. Maria is a delightful character, and her first person narrative is full of charming understatement and wonderfully formal language and expressions which, it becomes clear, are a result of her having to learn an entirely new ‘first language,’ her own native tongue lost to her along with her memories. It’s very clever, and contrasts brilliantly with Angie’s Scots dialect in the sections she narrates. Jaak’s chapters are told in the third person, which has an appropriately distancing effect as we watch history unfold and Estonia move slowly towards independence.
There is a lot happening in this novel, but Curlew balances the many strands with skill, and it was refreshing to read a story with such a wide scope. It feels unfettered, imaginatively daring, boldly taking in grand themes of war, loss, memory and illness as well as the smaller, everyday moments of connection that build up a friendship. I also have to give a shout-out to Albie the dog, whose presence in the novel is like a ray of light – I loved his silliness and stubbornness, and it definitely made me think about how rarely the absolutely central role pets can play in our lives is actually explored in fiction! I also very much appreciated learning more about Estonia’s journey to independence, and I found the sections set in that country fascinating.
This is a novel that grew on me as I read, with Angie in particular making her way into my heart. I love the bond that she forms with Maria, and the way that Maria’s kindness and lack of judgement brings out the best in her new friend. The story is very well-paced; it doesn’t rush towards resolution but takes its time to allow the characters to develop and change: it feels organic and realistic, despite the dramatic events that occur in the book. The ending feels truly earned, sincere and moving and real, and I finished this book feeling very satisfied indeed.
There is a lot happening in this novel, but Curlew balances the many strands with skill, and it was refreshing to read a story with such a wide scope. It feels unfettered, imaginatively daring, boldly taking in grand themes of war, loss, memory and illness as well as the smaller, everyday moments of connection that build up a friendship. I also have to give a shout-out to Albie the dog, whose presence in the novel is like a ray of light – I loved his silliness and stubbornness, and it definitely made me think about how rarely the absolutely central role pets can play in our lives is actually explored in fiction! I also very much appreciated learning more about Estonia’s journey to independence, and I found the sections set in that country fascinating.
This is a novel that grew on me as I read, with Angie in particular making her way into my heart. I love the bond that she forms with Maria, and the way that Maria’s kindness and lack of judgement brings out the best in her new friend. The story is very well-paced; it doesn’t rush towards resolution but takes its time to allow the characters to develop and change: it feels organic and realistic, despite the dramatic events that occur in the book. The ending feels truly earned, sincere and moving and real, and I finished this book feeling very satisfied indeed.
December 20, 2020
Told through multiple perspectives and across several timelines, The Unravelling of Maria is a beautiful written story of entwined characters across time. The writing is spellbinding and beautiful and each character is extremely well developed. There is romance, history, drama and it’s all told in a wonderful flowing narrative.
With each timeframe or character perspective the reading experience is completely immersive. Wherever and whenever the characters were – so was I. Estonia is a country I shamefully know nothing about and I found the historical aspect fascinating. I adored how Edinburgh (a place I love) was explored to include warts and all. It’s a city of contrast and this was clearly shown in the rich and vivid description.
All three main characters are developed beautifully, with flaws and relatable personalities. Each of then face their own heartbreak and struggles throughout the timeline which are written with sensitivity but honesty. Difficult things are not shied away from and they are not glamourised in any way. The characters’ struggles are raw and as a I reader I felt every pain they did.
I adored this book and I am so happy I was given the chance to read an arc copy for review. Sometimes you can feel, through the writing style, how an author has put so much of themselves into their work. This is definitely the case here. Strong research and knowledge combined with characters written from then heart make this an absolute gem of a book.
With each timeframe or character perspective the reading experience is completely immersive. Wherever and whenever the characters were – so was I. Estonia is a country I shamefully know nothing about and I found the historical aspect fascinating. I adored how Edinburgh (a place I love) was explored to include warts and all. It’s a city of contrast and this was clearly shown in the rich and vivid description.
All three main characters are developed beautifully, with flaws and relatable personalities. Each of then face their own heartbreak and struggles throughout the timeline which are written with sensitivity but honesty. Difficult things are not shied away from and they are not glamourised in any way. The characters’ struggles are raw and as a I reader I felt every pain they did.
I adored this book and I am so happy I was given the chance to read an arc copy for review. Sometimes you can feel, through the writing style, how an author has put so much of themselves into their work. This is definitely the case here. Strong research and knowledge combined with characters written from then heart make this an absolute gem of a book.
January 17, 2021
The Unravelling of Maria is like a love letter in some ways to Estonia, but is more complex than this. It is set over different time periods and with multiple perspectives, so some concentration is a must. In saying that, it is elegantly written and holds interest. It is immersive as she touches on conflict and also some of the more salubrious sides of Edinburgh, away from the glam of the city within this saga of almost epic proportions.
The book delves in to the history of Estonia, which is fascinating and makes this book feel rather original in many ways. It isn't overly heavy as there are so many universal themes throughout as well of humanity and identiy. Maria, Angie and Jaak are terrific characters who show bravery and show that sometimes people just need to be given a chance in life. The tension throughout is however immense at times with a huge intensity, but in someways this keeps that feeling of it having a hold on you, going. The descriptions are quite panoramic in quality, which really suits this style of book.
There is a humanity that appears through the book and it feels like it has been researched well and a great deal of care over it has been taken to take people through quite a journey through time and countries in a way that isn't sensationalised, in the way that some pretty hard times and challenges that have to be faced are revealed.
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The book delves in to the history of Estonia, which is fascinating and makes this book feel rather original in many ways. It isn't overly heavy as there are so many universal themes throughout as well of humanity and identiy. Maria, Angie and Jaak are terrific characters who show bravery and show that sometimes people just need to be given a chance in life. The tension throughout is however immense at times with a huge intensity, but in someways this keeps that feeling of it having a hold on you, going. The descriptions are quite panoramic in quality, which really suits this style of book.
There is a humanity that appears through the book and it feels like it has been researched well and a great deal of care over it has been taken to take people through quite a journey through time and countries in a way that isn't sensationalised, in the way that some pretty hard times and challenges that have to be faced are revealed.
https://BookmarksandStages.home.blog
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