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Sisters of the Lost Marsh
From award winning author Lucy Strange comes a thrilling story of six sisters who must fight against circumstance and fate, gorgeously told and steeped in history and legend. On a poor farm surrounded by marshlands, six sisters -- Grace, Willa, Freya, and triplets Deedee, Darcy, and Dolly -- live in fear of their father and the superstition that haunts The Curse of the Six Daughters. Their beloved grandmother tries to protect them, but the future seems bleak. When the Full Moon Fayre makes a rare visit to Hollow-in-the-Marsh, the girls slip out to see the famous Shadow Man, an enigmatic puppeteer. Afterwards, oldest sister Grace is missing. Following the Full Moor Fayre into the Lost Marsh, Willa will have to battle her inner doubts and the legends that have haunted her family. Can she save her sister from one fate, and outrun her own? The thrilling new novel from acclaimed author Lucy Strange, author of The Secret of Nightingale Wood , The Ghost of Midnight Lake and the Waterstones Prize-shortlisted Our Castle by the Sea .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2021
About the author
Lucy Strange
19 books442 followersLucy Strange worked as an actor, singer and storyteller before becoming a secondary school English teacher. She now lives and writes in the heart of the Kent countryside with her partner James, their baby boy and a tortoiseshell cat known as Moo.
Our Castle by the Sea is Lucy’s second novel for children, following her critically acclaimed debut, The Secret of Nightingale Wood.
Our Castle by the Sea is Lucy’s second novel for children, following her critically acclaimed debut, The Secret of Nightingale Wood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
March 14, 2022
This was an interesting story of a family of 6 girls living with their father and grandmother on a farm in the Romney Marsh area of England. I felt the author had drawn inspiration from Precious Bane by Mary Webb. Although there is sadness, abuse and loss in the story, there wasn't really enough for this to be completely realistic for this period of history, but I can see that the author can't make it too traumatic for the young people reading this.
Although this story doesn't say when it is set, googling one of the facts for England this date was 1684, so we are guessing it's the late 1600s early 1700s. One downside for me, was that other than the odd word such as 'druv' these characters really spoke as someone would today, although I can see that the author didn't want to put young readers off, I really needed a bit more realistic dialogue.
We enjoyed the mixing in of folklore, old superstitions and stories. The conclusion left us slightly confused
I would have liked some more historical detail than the story had, but we did find it very interesting that villagers were suffering from
This is the fourth Lucy Strange story we have read as a read aloud, they've all been enjoyable 4 star reads for us. I was so glad I knew nothing about this book first, some reviews for this book do give away quite a lot of the plot which I'm glad I didn't see. There are some good twists and turns and parts we thought would be predictable but weren't. We are looking forward to reading some more by this author.
Although this story doesn't say when it is set, googling one of the facts for England this date was 1684, so we are guessing it's the late 1600s early 1700s. One downside for me, was that other than the odd word such as 'druv' these characters really spoke as someone would today, although I can see that the author didn't want to put young readers off, I really needed a bit more realistic dialogue.
We enjoyed the mixing in of folklore, old superstitions and stories. The conclusion left us slightly confused
I would have liked some more historical detail than the story had, but we did find it very interesting that villagers were suffering from
This is the fourth Lucy Strange story we have read as a read aloud, they've all been enjoyable 4 star reads for us. I was so glad I knew nothing about this book first, some reviews for this book do give away quite a lot of the plot which I'm glad I didn't see. There are some good twists and turns and parts we thought would be predictable but weren't. We are looking forward to reading some more by this author.
December 19, 2021
I have to agree with Hilary McKay’s cover quote: this is my book of the year. Not only that, it’s now one of my favourite children’s books of all time, and that’s something I don’t often say. A gothic, eerie, magical tale of sisters and superstition, love and loss; flawlessly written, utterly atmospheric and bewitching. This is a book for the soul.
November 16, 2021
Blog Review
It’s a rare thing, when a book hooks your interest wholly and completely from the very first page, but Sisters of the Lost Marsh really achieved that. I absolutely didn’t want to put it down until I’d devoured every last word. It was atmospheric, slightly spooky at times, with a gentle hint of magic running throughout every page. I adored it with every fibre of my being and didn’t want it to end.
I feel like each of the sisters, all six of them, need a paragraph to themselves. They were all so wonderful in their own individual and special ways. Willa is our main protagonist, their neglectful Dadder has tried to push her to the edge of the family, but of course shes stubbornly rebelled and planted herself firmly in the middle. My favourite though, was sweet, fierce, clever little Darcy. She stole my entire heart, and the way their awful father treated her in particular, made me want to reach through the pages and throttle him. It’s always a joy to read about siblings who are close and look out for each other, and these six really were as tight knit as they come, whilst also bickering in the way that only siblings can.
What I really loved about the book, is the strength of the female characters. From their Grammy down to each of the girls, there is a clear feminist message to be found in the pages. The family choosing to learn to read, and having a secret stash of books was the perfect embodiment of that. There are so many moments in the book that were just wonderful reminders of how strong women and girls truly are, but I don’t want to spoil anything, so I would just urge you to read it.
Could I write a review without mentioning Flint?! The horse who appears in the very first line steals much of the show. I’m a sucker for any animal characters that have human qualities, and Flint is a fine example of that. The way he almost ends up protecting Willa, in the way that her own father really should have, made my heart smile, even whilst raging constantly at their useless, awful father.
The setting is a character in itself, the marshes that surround the family home almost alive. There is a constant eerie air, as Willa travelled through them, and you’re never really sure whether something supernatural is lurking around the corner. The Full Moon Fayre has that same feel, sitting somewhere between mesmerising and creepy, it arrives unannounced and leaves again based on the turn of the moon. Throughout the book, there is the hint of something sinister sat at the edge of Willa’s vision, which is wonderful juxtaposed by the more obvious threat that isn’t hidden at all, Dadder. When the eventual reveal came (or at least one of them), it broke my heart in a way I wasn’t expecting.
It’s fair to say that I’m completely obsessed with this magical, whimsical, slightly spooky, wonder of a book. Whilst the main tale is largely the mystery of what has happened to Grace, there is so, so much more on offer. Despite this being a middle grade read, I feel as though it will certainly appeal to almost all ages. If that isn’t enough to convince you to give it a go, then there probably isn’t much more I can say. This was the first book I have read from Lucy Strange, but as soon as I finished I ordered her other three books from the library, and I can’t wait to get to them soon!
It’s a rare thing, when a book hooks your interest wholly and completely from the very first page, but Sisters of the Lost Marsh really achieved that. I absolutely didn’t want to put it down until I’d devoured every last word. It was atmospheric, slightly spooky at times, with a gentle hint of magic running throughout every page. I adored it with every fibre of my being and didn’t want it to end.
I feel like each of the sisters, all six of them, need a paragraph to themselves. They were all so wonderful in their own individual and special ways. Willa is our main protagonist, their neglectful Dadder has tried to push her to the edge of the family, but of course shes stubbornly rebelled and planted herself firmly in the middle. My favourite though, was sweet, fierce, clever little Darcy. She stole my entire heart, and the way their awful father treated her in particular, made me want to reach through the pages and throttle him. It’s always a joy to read about siblings who are close and look out for each other, and these six really were as tight knit as they come, whilst also bickering in the way that only siblings can.
What I really loved about the book, is the strength of the female characters. From their Grammy down to each of the girls, there is a clear feminist message to be found in the pages. The family choosing to learn to read, and having a secret stash of books was the perfect embodiment of that. There are so many moments in the book that were just wonderful reminders of how strong women and girls truly are, but I don’t want to spoil anything, so I would just urge you to read it.
Could I write a review without mentioning Flint?! The horse who appears in the very first line steals much of the show. I’m a sucker for any animal characters that have human qualities, and Flint is a fine example of that. The way he almost ends up protecting Willa, in the way that her own father really should have, made my heart smile, even whilst raging constantly at their useless, awful father.
The setting is a character in itself, the marshes that surround the family home almost alive. There is a constant eerie air, as Willa travelled through them, and you’re never really sure whether something supernatural is lurking around the corner. The Full Moon Fayre has that same feel, sitting somewhere between mesmerising and creepy, it arrives unannounced and leaves again based on the turn of the moon. Throughout the book, there is the hint of something sinister sat at the edge of Willa’s vision, which is wonderful juxtaposed by the more obvious threat that isn’t hidden at all, Dadder. When the eventual reveal came (or at least one of them), it broke my heart in a way I wasn’t expecting.
It’s fair to say that I’m completely obsessed with this magical, whimsical, slightly spooky, wonder of a book. Whilst the main tale is largely the mystery of what has happened to Grace, there is so, so much more on offer. Despite this being a middle grade read, I feel as though it will certainly appeal to almost all ages. If that isn’t enough to convince you to give it a go, then there probably isn’t much more I can say. This was the first book I have read from Lucy Strange, but as soon as I finished I ordered her other three books from the library, and I can’t wait to get to them soon!
April 29, 2022
Weer zo’n boven verwachting goed boek, wat is dat opeens met de Nederlandse vertalingen?
De samenvatting, het plot, van het boek trok mij al meteen: een mysterieus circus, een verdwijning, give it to me! Het verhaal startte weer heerlijk vlot en bleef lange stukken ook echt spannend. Sommige delen waren zelfs een beetje griezelig… Maar op een goede manier!
Het verhaal gaat op een mooie manier om met ‘angst’… Bepaalde stukken van het boek zijn echt prachtig geschreven (/vertaald). Ik werd ook echt emotioneel bij het eind!
De samenvatting, het plot, van het boek trok mij al meteen: een mysterieus circus, een verdwijning, give it to me! Het verhaal startte weer heerlijk vlot en bleef lange stukken ook echt spannend. Sommige delen waren zelfs een beetje griezelig… Maar op een goede manier!
Het verhaal gaat op een mooie manier om met ‘angst’… Bepaalde stukken van het boek zijn echt prachtig geschreven (/vertaald). Ik werd ook echt emotioneel bij het eind!
September 5, 2023
A beautiful story that feels like a Grimm's fairy tale. Told from the viewpoint of middle daughter Willa, this is a story of six sisters who live on a farm surrounded by spooky marshlands. Their father is a nasty drunkard and grandmother Grammy tries to both protect them and to brighten their lives. She secretly keeps books for the girls, which are forbidden because they can make you dream of other places. I loved this perfect story for fall.
September 30, 2022
Het is wel oké maar het had me niet echt in de ban. Het is mooi, maar het is een te vluchtig verhaal voor mij.
November 7, 2021
Love the way this book combines Gothic, fairytale and folk story tropes to create a very unique adventurous story. Great twists throughout which I did not see coming and some very atmospheric writing too!
October 23, 2023
Looking for witchy, eerie, mystical fast read? You got it! Read this book!
December 29, 2021
I have read and loved all of Lucy Strange’s books up to this one, so it was no surprise when I picked this up as part of a buddy read and ended up finishing early because I was so hooked I couldn’t put it down! It’s the story of Willa, who lives on the marshes with her five sisters, cruel and superstitious Dadder and wonderfully wise Grammy. It follows her as she must go on a journey to find her eldest sister Grace, who disappears after she is betrothed to the town’s richest man in exchange for a horse, and is believed to have become a dancer for the Full Moon Fayre. I think Willa is an incredible heroine, in true Lucy Strange fashion: she is kind and brave and so protective of the people that she loves she often puts them ahead of her own welfare. I also loved the focus on sisterhood and women coming together, and I think that was especially evident in the supporting cast of Willa’s sisters and her grandmother, who were all so strong and capable in their own ways, but my favourites were Grammy and her littlest sister Darcy, who her father believes will kill them all because of the curse of six daughters superstition he lives his life by. The setting is so atmospheric and Lucy really brought it alive, and I love the mystical, speculative magic throughout; something this always excels at in her writing. The discussion of the treatment of women throughout history was so beautifully handled, and there is a scene in here that made me sob! I have no idea when Lucy’s next book is out or what it’s going to be, but I will absolutely be reading it whenever I can.
November 13, 2021
This book was so breathtakingly and spellbindingly good I can’t even fully form words to tell you! The writing was absolutely gorgeous, described the setting and characters perfectly. I found myself absolutely lost in the world the sisters lived in and didn’t want it to end. A little touch of magic and a lot of girl power made this gothic tale a definite contender for my book of the year.
February 9, 2025
This is absolutely beautiful in every way. Considered Rural Gothic. It is beautifully written all the way through to the extent that this could be used in a “how to build a plot” class. The storytelling is perfect. This is the kind of book that I will buy a copy for myself so I can highlight the beautiful passages, and I will also be buying a copy for a friend who I know will love the “Full Moon Carnival” vibes! Sassy Granny will never get old to me. The Marsh King is truly a creep. This story would be great for fans of Nghi Vo or Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy. The book is a testament to how slow burn/slow build does not mean staying static or still, it is about introducing only the most necessary details and giving us glimpses into the inner world. The inner world of the characters is very well portrayed here.
Being set in a spooky marsh, we also get some delightful set pieces, reminiscent of puddleglum in the Silver Chair, but darker. Our protagonist battles with shame, loss, and the constant ache of “not being enough”, and the like.
The story is based on an Irish fable/folktale about the curse of 6 sisters. I love a retelling, and I think any fans of dark fairy tale retellings would enjoy this. There are some similarities to Erin Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows which is also about the curse of sisters. I can’t wait to read more of this series and more Lucy Strange because it seems like she “gets it”. I wish I had some quotes today to share but I listened on audiobook so I will probably have to return here one day to include the quotables.
Inspired by Romney Marsh in Sussex England, there are some really cool paintings by John Piper fo the Marsh the author mentions in her acknowledgements. The last place in the UK to record cases of Malaria. The author also explains in the closing acknowledgments how she played with Sussex dialects to create new phrasing for the story. Another side note the. music in the audiobook is really good too. I believe the melodies are based on old folk songs and they add to the mood of the story.
Being set in a spooky marsh, we also get some delightful set pieces, reminiscent of puddleglum in the Silver Chair, but darker. Our protagonist battles with shame, loss, and the constant ache of “not being enough”, and the like.
The story is based on an Irish fable/folktale about the curse of 6 sisters. I love a retelling, and I think any fans of dark fairy tale retellings would enjoy this. There are some similarities to Erin Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows which is also about the curse of sisters. I can’t wait to read more of this series and more Lucy Strange because it seems like she “gets it”. I wish I had some quotes today to share but I listened on audiobook so I will probably have to return here one day to include the quotables.
Inspired by Romney Marsh in Sussex England, there are some really cool paintings by John Piper fo the Marsh the author mentions in her acknowledgements. The last place in the UK to record cases of Malaria. The author also explains in the closing acknowledgments how she played with Sussex dialects to create new phrasing for the story. Another side note the. music in the audiobook is really good too. I believe the melodies are based on old folk songs and they add to the mood of the story.
September 16, 2024
Prachtig✨
July 30, 2022
4.5 en bovendien schitterend vertaald door Aleid van Eekeken-Benders!
September 20, 2024
Wat fijn dat mijn lieve collega dit boek op mijn bureau legde om Lucy Strange een tweede kans te geven. Eerder las ik een ander verhaal van haar, waarvan ik totaal niet onder de indruk was. Dit verhaal vond ik wel mooi! Het was lang geleden dat ik mezelf in een mythisch verhaal las en ik leefde fijn mee met de zusjes en opoe. De omschrijving van tijd en natuur deden me naar een ander moment en andere plek verplaatsen, met verrassende, prachtige zinnen. I.t.t. sommige andere lezers was ik niet emotioneel geraakt door het verhaal. Het deel met de moeraskoning vond ik minder. Maar toch genoten van dit boek!
Reflectieve dimensie - Bovenbouw PO/Onderbouw VO
Reflectieve dimensie - Bovenbouw PO/Onderbouw VO
April 18, 2022
Was this book perfect, no.
Did it feel a bit dragged at some points, yes.
Did the last like make me cry, and thus falls into the category “automatic five starts.” Hell yess.
Lucy Strange has done it again.
Did it feel a bit dragged at some points, yes.
Did the last like make me cry, and thus falls into the category “automatic five starts.” Hell yess.
Lucy Strange has done it again.
May 3, 2022
Akárcsak előző regénye A kastély szelleme ez is egy gótikus mese, ahol a családon, testvéreken és a nőkön van a hangsúly. Bár a környezetet valós helyszínek inspirálták (pl. Romney-mocsár) és a könyvben emlegetett babonák egy része is az angol folklórban gyökerezik, azért a legtöbb bűbájos dolog egyértelműen Lucy Strange képzeletét dicséri. Nagyszerűen és egyáltalán nem unalmasan van ábrázolva a táj, tényleg olyan sokszor, mintha ott lennénk az ingoványban és együtt keresnénk az utat Willával, vagy a Telihold Vásár forgatagában sodródnánk árustól mutatványosig, a legnagyobb hatást rám a Dicső domb és a temetkezési, emlékezési szertartások tették. Egyáltalán a sok hagyomány, ami ebben a kis könyvben feltűnik mind a szerző hihetetlen tehetségét mutatja, hogy a gyerekkönyvek keretein belül is rengeteg emlékezetes motívumot tud megmutatni és néhány bekezdéssel lenyűgöző világot épít fel.
Az atmoszféra mellett imádtam a karaktereket is: a hat lánytestvér mindegyike külön egyéniség, még a hármasikrek se teljesen egyformák, mindegyiknek megvan a maga egyedi jellemvonása. Persze főhősünk és narrátorunk, Willa van a központban, róla tudunk meg a legtöbbet, a jelleméről, hogy mennyire határozott de ugyanakkor akaratos és lobbanékony is de a végletekig szereti a családját. S bármennyi gondot is okozott neki Apus az évek során, nem adja fel és őt is segíti, ahol tudja. Jó volt látni, hogy ő például az, aki szereti igazából az életet ami neki jutott: a farmot, az állatokat a törődést. Egyáltalán a Fernsby nők nagyon határozott és leleményes alakok voltak mindig is, már a Nagyi is az aki a könyveket megőrizte és megtanította olvasni a lányát, az unokáit az értő gondolkodásra nevelte őket. A regénynek rengeteg olyan pillanata van, ami kiemeli hogy mennyire találékonyak és erősek ezek a lányok s micsoda tartalékaik vannak.
Bár a regény fő szála a Grace eltűnése körüli rejtély megfejtése és megoldása, rengeteg más is ott található a lapok között. Csak ajánlani tudom a regényt minden korosztálynak 10 éves kortól, s mint legutóbb is, most is azt mondom, igazi kapudrog lehet Lucy Strange története a klasszikus angol női írók világához.
Részletesen: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
Az atmoszféra mellett imádtam a karaktereket is: a hat lánytestvér mindegyike külön egyéniség, még a hármasikrek se teljesen egyformák, mindegyiknek megvan a maga egyedi jellemvonása. Persze főhősünk és narrátorunk, Willa van a központban, róla tudunk meg a legtöbbet, a jelleméről, hogy mennyire határozott de ugyanakkor akaratos és lobbanékony is de a végletekig szereti a családját. S bármennyi gondot is okozott neki Apus az évek során, nem adja fel és őt is segíti, ahol tudja. Jó volt látni, hogy ő például az, aki szereti igazából az életet ami neki jutott: a farmot, az állatokat a törődést. Egyáltalán a Fernsby nők nagyon határozott és leleményes alakok voltak mindig is, már a Nagyi is az aki a könyveket megőrizte és megtanította olvasni a lányát, az unokáit az értő gondolkodásra nevelte őket. A regénynek rengeteg olyan pillanata van, ami kiemeli hogy mennyire találékonyak és erősek ezek a lányok s micsoda tartalékaik vannak.
Bár a regény fő szála a Grace eltűnése körüli rejtély megfejtése és megoldása, rengeteg más is ott található a lapok között. Csak ajánlani tudom a regényt minden korosztálynak 10 éves kortól, s mint legutóbb is, most is azt mondom, igazi kapudrog lehet Lucy Strange története a klasszikus angol női írók világához.
Részletesen: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
February 4, 2024
6 sisters live on a farm with their Father and Grandmother. They are the subject of a curse - or so their father believes. He is determined to marry the oldest sister Grace off to the rather nasty Silas in exchange for a horse called Flint. In order to escape this terrible fate, Grace runs away. Willa sets off in pursuit of Grace across an eerie and marshy landscape. Has Grace joined the Full Moon Fayre or has she become a lost soul lured by the magic of the Marsh King..
I buddy read this with a friend and we were both in love from the first pages and totally enthralled. The writing is uttterly fabulous creating incredible landscapes and wonderful characters. The sisters and their Grandmother are beautifully drawn, and very invidual characters. Grace is serene, courageous; Willa is strong willed, determined whilst Darcy, who I think is my favourite, is feisty, imaginative and full of surprises. They live in a village where books have been banned and where superstitions have been allowed to take hold. There is the suggestion of magic throughout which adds to the excitement and the sense of surprise.
Willa’s journey to find her sister is at the heart of the story with an epic journey encompassing many dangers, strange voices, marshes at night and the frightening mythologies which accompany the landscapes which she ventures through. The natural environment is beautifully portrayed with gorgeous descriptions of plants and trees creating a visual landscape. Willa has such a special and intuitive relationship with Flint who is definitely in the running for my dog’s
Animals in literature award.
My friend is a teacher and I know that she has great plans to use this in the classroom. It is a wonderful resource for creative writing prompts and some fabulous female role models. I would recommend this to fans of Michelle Harrison’s Widdershin Sisters series and to any of you who love gorgeous gothic mystical literature. Although it is middle grade it is pretty scary!
The Chicken House edition is really special with fold out covers and gorgeous illustrations both on the cover and on chapter headers.
Five stars and I cant wait to read more by this fabulous author!
I buddy read this with a friend and we were both in love from the first pages and totally enthralled. The writing is uttterly fabulous creating incredible landscapes and wonderful characters. The sisters and their Grandmother are beautifully drawn, and very invidual characters. Grace is serene, courageous; Willa is strong willed, determined whilst Darcy, who I think is my favourite, is feisty, imaginative and full of surprises. They live in a village where books have been banned and where superstitions have been allowed to take hold. There is the suggestion of magic throughout which adds to the excitement and the sense of surprise.
Willa’s journey to find her sister is at the heart of the story with an epic journey encompassing many dangers, strange voices, marshes at night and the frightening mythologies which accompany the landscapes which she ventures through. The natural environment is beautifully portrayed with gorgeous descriptions of plants and trees creating a visual landscape. Willa has such a special and intuitive relationship with Flint who is definitely in the running for my dog’s
Animals in literature award.
My friend is a teacher and I know that she has great plans to use this in the classroom. It is a wonderful resource for creative writing prompts and some fabulous female role models. I would recommend this to fans of Michelle Harrison’s Widdershin Sisters series and to any of you who love gorgeous gothic mystical literature. Although it is middle grade it is pretty scary!
The Chicken House edition is really special with fold out covers and gorgeous illustrations both on the cover and on chapter headers.
Five stars and I cant wait to read more by this fabulous author!
July 28, 2023
That might be one of my favorite MG/YA of the year (our library has it in the junior section but it's either upper MG or young YA, so not sure where it will end up in other places). I loved the spooky vibes and the connection between the sisters, and the catharsis at the end . The setting was haunting and old-worldy and I was totally enthralled the whole time.
May 19, 2024
Beautifully weird, sits along modern folk writers such as Franny Billingsly, Margo Lanagan, Jonathan Stroud, and Rhiannon Lassister. It uses a conceit that Diana Wynne Jones used in Howl's Moving Castle: what if fairy tale narratives were real, but goes in a different direction, showing how belief in what academics call a "cognitive script" can become self fulfilling.
A tale of sisterhood and identity.
A tale of sisterhood and identity.
April 1, 2024
I did not expect to like this book so much. I started the book just out of curiosity and Bbamm! I finished the book. I love how there is a story within a story as it makes it more interesting. The characters and setting are well-written, I could easily imagine the characters in their world. It is giving the vibe of a fairytale.
August 17, 2023
Another book by Lucy which I have loved.It is about the importance of family, sisterhood and having the courage to face our fears.The writing is beautiful.The prose brings an atmosphere to every page.
I recommend you read all the books she has written.
I recommend you read all the books she has written.
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June 25, 2024I just love Lucy Strange. She writes all the things I love about YA fiction. She holds no punches but neither does she wallow in difficulty. Her characters are always strong and kind and the endings are satisfying. This was a great quick and easy read.
February 27, 2023
A fantastic story of sisters and self determination!
August 31, 2023
spooky, fairytale-like story
November 22, 2023
A fantastical, magical story!
February 19, 2024
Read aloud to 4th grader. She rates it 5/5.
January 11, 2022
Sisters of the Lost Marsh by Lucy Strange
This is a Gothic tale about the six Fernsby sisters who live in a small village which is part of a larger region of dangerous marshland. The father of the sisters believes that he has been cursed because he has only girls and no boys. Since the mother died in childbirth, he has become extremely bitter and shows his hatred for his daughters at every opportunity, although he is afraid of their grandmother (the mother of his dead wife). Most of the sisters are habituated to this cruelty, but the protagonist, Willa, is strong-willed, stubborn, and impulsive, so often comes into direct conflict with her father.
The exciting arrival of the travelling Full Moon Fayre in Hollow-in-the-Marsh leads to previously unhoped-for opportunities, along with revelations about the past which will change the lives of all of them forever.
The way in which this story is told and its general atmosphere has a very English feel to it. It gives the impression of being set in a place in the real world, although the reader will sense intuitively that the specific locations are fictional. At the end of the book, the author explains which real places in the south of England were the inspiration behind the region of bog and mire described in the story.
In some ways the worldview of the leading female character seems to be very practical and tend toward avoiding superstition as something harmful, but in others magic seems an integral part of her life. Some people have described this as an example of ‘magical realism’.
In Sisters of the Lost Marsh, the author uses quite a few dialect words, some of which do not really exist and some of which do. But even with the made-up ones, you can tell what they mean just by the sound of them and by the contexts in which they appear. Here are the words I found interesting:
druv
crundle
fresh-baked huffkins
faffling
garp
cluthering
wibbling
I rather think a map of how the various villages are scattered through the marshland would have been helpful (I did not find a map in the e-book version). I often enjoy books more if they have maps which allow readers to follow the progress of the protagonist on his or her journey of adventure.
Overall, this may be the author’s finest work yet, and it is certainly the darkest as far as content is concerned. This story is also fascinating because it is dark and hopeful at the same time, and the balance between these two aspects is maintained perfectly throughout. This must not have been easy to achieve. The tale is highly atmospheric, and the plot moves apace, keeping the reader engrossed. The presence of deeper philosophical qualities mean that it can be read by young people and adults alike, and the fact that it can be understood at different levels is, in my opinion, a mark of superior children’s literature.
Here are some quotes from the book which I found memorable:
The Curse of Six Daughters is nonsense, Nate. Superstitions do us harm – they bind us up with fear.
Even when they are made up, stories are full of truth. Stories are the places where we learn and feel and dream . . .’
'It’s a map,' I say. And now I know why Mister Moss asked us if we could keep a secret. As far as folks round here are concerned, maps are almost as bad as books. It’s the same thing as writing – putting something down on paper to make it knowable.
Maps make you think about where you are, and where you aren’t. They make you powerful. They put ideas in your head. Mister Moss would be in for the ducking stool if anyone knew he had a map of the Lost Marsh. And there’s words on it too . . .
It makes me smile that my littlest sister thinks something to read is just as important for my survival as food and warmth
‘Lots of things are magic, aren’t they? Things in nature, things in the sky, clever things like this. Strikes me magic is a way to explain things we don’t understand. Some folks see the wonder of it, but other folks will be afeard. Keep it safe. Keep it hidden.’
Just remember – even when you feel small and helpless and you think you’re all by yourself – you aren’t. Not a bit of it. You’re stronger than you think. And you are never truly alone.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ she snaps. ‘I’m not lettin’ anyone take me anywhere. I’m goin’ of my own free will.’ She spins around to face us all. ‘That’s what it’s about, girls – that’s what it is all about. Folks here are afraid of free will. Afraid of someone who asks questions, who wants to rewrite the way things are.
It’s the easiest thing in the world to lose your way, to get swept along with something cruel—’
we’re all sundered, aren’t we? Every one of us. We’re sundered at birth from our mothers, and sundered from those we love by distance and by death. All of us’re sundered somehow. It doesn’t mean we’re broken, and it doesn’t mean we’re alone.’
I chose to make it come true. It’s nothing to do with a silly old curse: it’s me. My choice.’
This is a Gothic tale about the six Fernsby sisters who live in a small village which is part of a larger region of dangerous marshland. The father of the sisters believes that he has been cursed because he has only girls and no boys. Since the mother died in childbirth, he has become extremely bitter and shows his hatred for his daughters at every opportunity, although he is afraid of their grandmother (the mother of his dead wife). Most of the sisters are habituated to this cruelty, but the protagonist, Willa, is strong-willed, stubborn, and impulsive, so often comes into direct conflict with her father.
The exciting arrival of the travelling Full Moon Fayre in Hollow-in-the-Marsh leads to previously unhoped-for opportunities, along with revelations about the past which will change the lives of all of them forever.
The way in which this story is told and its general atmosphere has a very English feel to it. It gives the impression of being set in a place in the real world, although the reader will sense intuitively that the specific locations are fictional. At the end of the book, the author explains which real places in the south of England were the inspiration behind the region of bog and mire described in the story.
In some ways the worldview of the leading female character seems to be very practical and tend toward avoiding superstition as something harmful, but in others magic seems an integral part of her life. Some people have described this as an example of ‘magical realism’.
In Sisters of the Lost Marsh, the author uses quite a few dialect words, some of which do not really exist and some of which do. But even with the made-up ones, you can tell what they mean just by the sound of them and by the contexts in which they appear. Here are the words I found interesting:
druv
crundle
fresh-baked huffkins
faffling
garp
cluthering
wibbling
I rather think a map of how the various villages are scattered through the marshland would have been helpful (I did not find a map in the e-book version). I often enjoy books more if they have maps which allow readers to follow the progress of the protagonist on his or her journey of adventure.
Overall, this may be the author’s finest work yet, and it is certainly the darkest as far as content is concerned. This story is also fascinating because it is dark and hopeful at the same time, and the balance between these two aspects is maintained perfectly throughout. This must not have been easy to achieve. The tale is highly atmospheric, and the plot moves apace, keeping the reader engrossed. The presence of deeper philosophical qualities mean that it can be read by young people and adults alike, and the fact that it can be understood at different levels is, in my opinion, a mark of superior children’s literature.
Here are some quotes from the book which I found memorable:
The Curse of Six Daughters is nonsense, Nate. Superstitions do us harm – they bind us up with fear.
Even when they are made up, stories are full of truth. Stories are the places where we learn and feel and dream . . .’
'It’s a map,' I say. And now I know why Mister Moss asked us if we could keep a secret. As far as folks round here are concerned, maps are almost as bad as books. It’s the same thing as writing – putting something down on paper to make it knowable.
Maps make you think about where you are, and where you aren’t. They make you powerful. They put ideas in your head. Mister Moss would be in for the ducking stool if anyone knew he had a map of the Lost Marsh. And there’s words on it too . . .
It makes me smile that my littlest sister thinks something to read is just as important for my survival as food and warmth
‘Lots of things are magic, aren’t they? Things in nature, things in the sky, clever things like this. Strikes me magic is a way to explain things we don’t understand. Some folks see the wonder of it, but other folks will be afeard. Keep it safe. Keep it hidden.’
Just remember – even when you feel small and helpless and you think you’re all by yourself – you aren’t. Not a bit of it. You’re stronger than you think. And you are never truly alone.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ she snaps. ‘I’m not lettin’ anyone take me anywhere. I’m goin’ of my own free will.’ She spins around to face us all. ‘That’s what it’s about, girls – that’s what it is all about. Folks here are afraid of free will. Afraid of someone who asks questions, who wants to rewrite the way things are.
It’s the easiest thing in the world to lose your way, to get swept along with something cruel—’
we’re all sundered, aren’t we? Every one of us. We’re sundered at birth from our mothers, and sundered from those we love by distance and by death. All of us’re sundered somehow. It doesn’t mean we’re broken, and it doesn’t mean we’re alone.’
I chose to make it come true. It’s nothing to do with a silly old curse: it’s me. My choice.’
January 26, 2025
Willa is one of six sisters living on a farm surrounded by the marshlands. Her and her sisters’ lives are dictated by her father, who lives in fear of the supposed Curse of the Six Daughters that foretells his death if the terms of the curse are not followed exactly. The older sisters make a visit to the Full Moon Fayre, a travelling show which only comes once a year, leading to the oldest sister, Grace, disappearing into the night. Now Willa must go against the command of her father to protect her family and find Grace. She heads into the Lost Marsh, not knowing if she will ever come out.
This was an expertly crafted and eerie story of determination, growth, and perseverance. It asks complicated moral questions and has themes that are relevant in the modern day despite its historical setting. The prose is haunting and poignant, and the folklore-like ambiance adds to the macabre feeling of the book. There was a good balance of reality and paranormal situations, as well as a good balance of tense and relaxed scenes. There are some rather dark scenes related to family, so go into this book with that warning.
I read this soon after finishing The Secret of Nightingale Wood by the same author. If I had to choose between the two, I would say that I enjoyed this one slightly more. Partly because it reads slightly older than Nightingale Woods, and partly because as a direct result it gets darker in some aspects while still age appropriate for the upper middle grade bracket. I also liked the atmosphere of the story a little more. The author again has a great voice to narrate the audiobook, and is good with both the general narration and character voices. And again, I would highly recommend this one for middle grade readers and adults alike.
5/5 Fun fact: Girls rule.
This was an expertly crafted and eerie story of determination, growth, and perseverance. It asks complicated moral questions and has themes that are relevant in the modern day despite its historical setting. The prose is haunting and poignant, and the folklore-like ambiance adds to the macabre feeling of the book. There was a good balance of reality and paranormal situations, as well as a good balance of tense and relaxed scenes. There are some rather dark scenes related to family, so go into this book with that warning.
I read this soon after finishing The Secret of Nightingale Wood by the same author. If I had to choose between the two, I would say that I enjoyed this one slightly more. Partly because it reads slightly older than Nightingale Woods, and partly because as a direct result it gets darker in some aspects while still age appropriate for the upper middle grade bracket. I also liked the atmosphere of the story a little more. The author again has a great voice to narrate the audiobook, and is good with both the general narration and character voices. And again, I would highly recommend this one for middle grade readers and adults alike.
5/5 Fun fact: Girls rule.
June 15, 2022
It isn't exactly forbidden to read and write in our village, but the last woman caught reading was given the ducking stool down at Grey Brothers' Pond until all the learning had been washed off her.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked -- the narrative voice is so distinct, and I loved the gothic setting of the villages in the marsh, with the mists and mires and bitey-flies. (And speaking of bitey-flies, I had no idea that malaria -- or "marsh-fever" -- was endemic in lowland areas of the UK in the 1800s and even as late as 1957.) This was gloriously atmospheric, and I was swept up in a world of curses and superstition.
Apart from Dolly and Deedee, the sisters all have individual personalities, and I enjoyed the realism of their relationship -- laughter and affection, quarrels and disagreements, loyalty and love. I also thought Grammy was amazing -- a kindly maternal figure who's also tough as old boots, not to mention canny and wise.
Grammy smiles. "It's there in every one of you. That fire. People won't like it when they see it in you. But never let them put it out. Not ever."
Grammy gives zero fucks about the patriarchy. 😎
I pictured Willa as being a young woman, since I found it hard to believe she was only 12, but overall this was a wonderful adventure. There were some twists I didn't see coming, and I may have cried.
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