Against all my reservations at first, I really enjoyed this book. It was unique and edgy, in theory, with twists and turns that kept you on pins and needles. Maud was the perfect main character—though she was a younger protagonist, I identified with her almost immediately. Her fiery will and good heart really set her character development off and running. I had so much fun watching her grow! The sister’s, on the other hand, were the perfect example of things not being always what they seem. You never knew what was coming next. The exposition was tight, the sentence structure flowing and slightly foreboding, adding to the suspense in the book. I definitely feel like Schlitz has the makings and potential of a wonderful author! Spiritualism can sometimes be a tricky topic, but Schlitz seemed to attack the topic and navigate it well. Sometimes, though, it seemed like the plot ran a little weak—some seemingly unrelated events were occurred that I couldn’t quite figure out if they were related or just fillers. The prose and the simple idea of the book certainly made up for it, though. In the end, a five-star read that I would definitely recommend!
“She trusts me,” Hyacinth said……. ”She’s almost ready….” She brushed her palm against Maud’s cheek. “You see, Maudy? Do you see why we need you so badly?” Maud nodded, grave-faced. She saw.”
I would recommend this book for all ages, as there is no cursing or impropriety in the book. However, if the mention of spiritualism bothers you, you may need to look into another avenue.
Will Maud go along with the Hawthornes charade in her endless quest to find love—or will she let her desire for the truth set her free? Read A Drowned Maiden’s Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz to find out!
