One True North

The Last Daughter by Nicola Cornick is a fabulous dual timeline novel that blends fact and fiction. The reader is educated about the period surrounding Richard III and Minster Lovell in Oxfordshire.

The action is set in the fifteenth century and present day in alternating chapters. There is an age-old mystery concerning the lost lodestar which is the source of legends and tales.

In present day a family is still reeling from the disappearance of a daughter eleven years earlier. “A part of her was still trapped in the moment of Caitlin’s disappearance.” Where there are no answers and no closure it is impossible to move forward.

An archeological dig makes a surprising discovery that throws up more questions than answers.

A terrible trauma has closed down a memory as we witness the power of the body to protect from more trauma. In contrast we see the painful effects of Alzheimer’s on a family as a loved one is slowly slipping away.

I really enjoyed The Last Daughter. It was exciting, unique and educating. Nicola Cornick really is a marvellous author.

I received a free copy from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON