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#HistFicThursdays - Things to Inspire - Religious Artefacts

 Writing historical fiction, it is impossible to ignore the overwhelming impact religion had on people's lives. It was not only the structure of organised religion, but the interwoven beliefs which dominated people's lives. Christianity, the religion which runs through most of my historical fiction, grew and survived with its ability to adapt as it spread from place to place and culture to culture, absorbing certain traditions as it powered on. I love Theology. I did my undergraduate degree in it, and it continues to remain a real interest of mine. I also love the idea of holding hands across history, seeing what my characters saw, and holding the same objects in my own hands as they or their peers did. Given the significance of religion and superstition throughout history, these things were common - although not necessarily accessible - and would have been understood by all. Religious iconography dominated Pre-Reformation Europe, speaking as a universal language to all. These

"A Wounded World" Book Review

"A Wounded World" by Crit Kincaid

Book Review




☆☆☆☆☆
“A Wounded World” was one of 5 books I got off Amazon. I’d just got a subscription for Kindle Unlimited and I knew I would want to read something while on the train north. I scrolled through my Kindle and clicked on this book at random – entirely unsure what to expect but I wasn’t holding my breath…
The first chapter gripped my attention in an uncommon way. I have not read many books where my interest is piqued so near the beginning but I found that I really did not want to put my kindle down. The Highland scenery went by…and I was still engrossed in this book.
As far as I’m concerned, a book that can elicit heightened emotions from me is a sign of good writing. At one point, I looked up from the ‘page’, needing to find the composure to carry on. My Mum notices, as she does, and moves forward to place her hand over mine.
“Don’t read it!” She says.
“No, I have to.” I stubbornly look back down to my kindle. “It’s so wonderful!”
The uplifting nature of the book, and the perceptions of life after death are utterly astounding for me.
On top of this, the characters were all well-developed – something I’m keen on. The teenage angst parts reminded me of why I chose to teach primary, but the author has portrayed secondary school very cleverly indeed, the comments on bullying almost breaking my heart. Being in Scotland, I don’t really understand the American system, but I reckon we have our fair share of these characters on this side of the water too!
As with all books, I try and find something that could be better…it’s just my nature I suppose! Aside from a couple of typos that are easily overlooked, I would do nothing to this book to change it.
What a profound insight into the world and human nature! I would highly recommend it!


Book Blurb (from Goodreads)


A story about living with the wounds that death can leave behind and healing those wounds with love. A boy hides from a world that hurt him, and a girl must learn how and what love is in order to help him realize there is life after death.

"A strange young man, indeed," said Shu, the old gardener who was really a doctor. "He's like that graveyard cat, who hunts mice amongst graves at night and occasionally ventures out into the bright light of the living world. But even then, he stays in the shadows, avoiding contact, forgetting that his natural place is with the living and not with the dead."

"Sí! La vida no debe rondan a los muertos."

The old man looked to his Hispanic friend and nodded. "My friend, Mr. Rosalis..."

"Ramirez!"

"...agrees, 'The living should not haunt the dead.' I fear bringing that boy to this place was a mistake."
 

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