This was an excellent book. There are things about it which I feel like I should criticize, but I find that it left me with such warm feelings that I don’t care.
The plot of this book: Frauke is a Walker of Memory, able to alter or erase the memories of others as well as able to visit the realm of memory, where ghosts reside until their memories fade and their souls proceed to the next phase of things that will ultimately result in rebirth. She uses her powers at the behest of the cruel, manipulative man who raised her and a handful of other Walkers. Walkers are all forbidden in their kingdom, yet her master discretely provides (or has his … let’s call them “wards”) services for the king when required. When a lucky chance provides an opportunity for escape, Frauke takes it. She soon meets a fellow fugitive, a deserter from the royal guard named Kaourintin. Their histories, together, set them on a path to bring down the king and the corrupt, cruel system he rules over.
That’s the plot of this book. But seldom have I read a book where it’s plot is so very far removed from what the book is about.
In this case, the book is about trauma. Enduring it, the ways it can poison you, and, hopefully, healing from it. Both Frauke and Kaourintin are deeply, deeply traumatized by all the things they have endured. What the book is truly about is them gradually coming to trust each other, to admit things to each other and to themselves, and through all of this, come to recover, to some degree, from all that they have gone through.
As I said above, there are things that I feel like I should criticize. The pieces of the plot came together too quickly and easily - it wasn’t quite to the point of what I would consider deus ex machina, but definitely leaning in that direction. The wise woman who provides sage advice t the pair of them - both separately and together - is a little too wise, and her advice a little too sage. And Frauke and Kaourintin’s journeys towards each other, and towards healing, felt a bit too smooth - the process of recovery from trauma and healing deep, deep mental and emotional damage is never an easy one.
But I find these things didn’t bother me in the least. The progress of the two of them was beautifully done and beautiful to experience. The author, I’m sorry to say, clearly knows a thing or two about dealing with trauma, and used that to great effect.
One last note: when Walking in the realm of memory, one of Frauke’s powers is the ability to manifest memories. I gotta say, manifesting the memory of yourself as a terrified, confused, hurting little girl and screaming at her that she’s stupid and deserves it until you go numb has got to be the single worst coping mechanism I’ve ever heard of. By far.
Anyway. Beautiful book, and it deserves a wider audience than it’s gotten. Charlotte has it for free on her website, so you have no excuse to pass this one up.
Comments