Review of The White Mare, an epic historical fiction novel by Jules Watson set in 1st century Scotland.
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Synopsis
After the king of the Epidii dies, Rhiann has to marry and produce an heir. If she refuses to marry, her people could lose their position and freedom. However, a violent event in her past has left her terrified of marriage, and she only agrees to marry out of duty.
The man the council choose for her is Eremon, an exiled Irish prince. Eremon is in Alba to make allies and earn a name for himself. Roman advances into Alba provide him with the perfect opportunity to do this.
Over time, Eremon and Rhiann come to love each other. However, their respective pasts keep them from doing anything about it. They also visit other powerful clans and continue the fight against the Romans.
Review
The White Mare transported me to 1st century Scotland. I really felt like I could see what life was like back then. It mixes a little bit of magic in with the known history perfectly and fills gaps in the record brilliantly. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the various settings, like the roman fortifications and iron age strongholds.
A massive ditch had been delved, shouldered by sweeping banked walls three times the height of a mounted man. The bank was then crowned by a timber palisade and walkway, and lookout towers, reared from the breastwork every thirty paces. The oaken gate, the width of four chariots, was flanked by two sturdy gatetowers. Over it all, banners flew, embroidered with the eagle totem, and the posts they hung from were capped with gold so they shone bright in the sun.
Inside was the familiar jumble of squat roundhouses and ramshackle sheds, but everything seemed larger and noisier and more frenzied than at Dunadd. The air or prosperity was tangible. Wooden walkways kept feet free of the mud. House walls were bright with colour, and hung with banners and trophy skulls. The thatch roofs were new and golden.
Rhiann was almost annoyingly stubborn, particularly when it comes to trusting others. However, her difficult past and dedication to her people makes her stubbornness (and the fear it stems from) understandable. While much of the tension wouldn’t exist if Rhiann had just communicated with Eremon a bit better, I really couldn’t blame her for her secrecy.
The romance between Rhiann and Eremon was so beautiful. It was good to read a romance that was built over time, rather than seemingly appearing out of nowhere. I also liked how it didn’t overwhelm the main historical storyline.
I loved how the story had so many storylines woven together. Aside from the main story about Rhiann and Eremon, there’s Catilin’s history and her romance with Conaire. Then there’s the Romans building their wall and Samana’s alliance with Agricola.
Conclusion
Have you read The White Mare? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
