This fantasy novel by Maria Turtschaninoff is a compulsive read. Maresi tells the story of a ancient abbey founded and run entirely by women, on an island where no men are allowed. It is narrated by the main character, Maresi, a novice at the abbey, who was sent there to escape the terrible poverty her family faced.
Having been at the abbey for four years, Maresi is a popular novice, who enjoys nothing more than going to the treasure room every evening to read until sundown. However, the arrival of Jai, a silent and guarded girl from a foreign land, brings an end to the peace that formerly reigned at the abbey.
As Jai grows more comfortable with her surroundings, she tells Maresi about the terrible things she has experienced, believing that even though she is far away, she is still not safe from the wrath of her father, Sarjan. When he finally comes for his revenge, the sisters at the abbey come together to use all their strength and courage to combat the evil of Sarjan and his men.
Turtschaninoff weaves in fantasy with feminism, creating a spellbinding read that is completely unputdownable. The setting is flawlessly described by Turtschaninoff, enabling her to seamlessly create changes in the atmosphere throughout the book. One of the most impressive points of Turtschaninoff’s writing is her ability to depict the effects that both psychological and physical abuse have on women whilst maintaining an almost serene feminist few point throughout, and it is this that makes the novel so unique.
