It's only two weeks into the new year and I have already discovered my first Top 10 book for 2011. Which is a pretty big statement considering there is a lot of year and a lot of reading still to go, but I am pretty confident about this one.In present-day Cambridge, Abi, a recently ordained priest of the Church of England, is appointed to a notoriously difficult parish. The priest in charge is the charismatic but fundamentalist Kier. He objects to her mysticism, her practice of healing in particular. When she sees a vision of a congregation in an old church, Kier accuses her of witchcraft, but Abi soon sees more visions; an entire Roman family history, dark with betrayal and a promise of bloody revenge. With foreboding forces building up to violence, Abi must battle the approaching terror along with her own personal demons, drawing upon the expertise of Druidry and shamanism from a questionable source! (Library Summary)
It's hard to describe this book without giving too much away. The story follows the typical Erskine format of melding past and present, with spirits to be put at rest in both tenses. The author also skilfully deals with the subject of religion in these settings addressing the differences, and similarities between christianity and the so-called paganism of early Britain. Whereas I have found several Erskine books incredibly dark and full of fear, Times Legacy was different in that it seemed to be full of light and have a slightly gentler touch. This was despite the rage and turmoil apparent in several of the characters, and the uncertainty of Abi's questions about her visions.
I have been a fan of Barbara Erskine ever since reading Lady of Hay back in the 1980's. However, this latest offering is without doubt (and at least to me) her most satisfying read. There were still questions at the end, but that was okay. It just added to the experience. Definitely a five star read.
If you want to know more about Barbara Erskine, she has a website www.barbara-erskine.co.uk
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