Saturday 22 February 2020

Scottish Time-Travel Novel.



Reviewed by Francine.


Taking a time-slip/travel plot and adding a little alternative history to the mix, Ms Orford combines true fact with fiction and a serious what-if theme. Thus leaping from the 21st century to the realm of Mary Queen of Scots, young heroine Mary Elizabeth learns the skill of “puddle-jumping” back and forth through time and differing historical periods. Of those met along the way not all are key signatories, but nonetheless add backbone to the overall plot. The main theme concentrates on conflict between the Scottish and the English through the Tudor, Elizabethan, and Stuart periods respectively. Equally, the present day Brexit debacle and Independence for Scotland from the Union of the British Isles and the Province of Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) is a prime key!

Unfortunately time-travellers can be guilty of attempt to alter history or inform persons in the past of future aspects that may deem the messenger a witch. Mary Elizabeth is no exception in tempting a fate worse than death. There is sense of naivety about the heroine in many respects, bold arrogance too, and with time-slip novels readers will gladly shelve disbelief when feats of endurance are magical in content and action. And without spoiling the plot I will end here and say, for lovers of alternative history X marks the spot for intrigue, adventure, and time travel!