A stunning and powerful read!
Sin Eater: A Novel by Megan Campisi
This was such a different historical/fantasy fiction read. I was totally drawn in and fascinated by what happened to fourteen-year-old May for stealing a loaf of bread. In the 18th century she probably would have been transported. In 16th century England she's sent to be a Sin Eater. A young girl sentenced apprenticed (can one really say that?) to an older Sin Eater, to a life of isolation where she must hear the last confessions of the dying, must learn what is eaten to mark their sins, and then take those sins upon herself. Somewhat like a court imposed Pardoner, without the freedom and ability to mix with people.
May had a somewhat checkered upbringing. An orphan raised by a criminal family, which I think colors the way she moves forward once she decides to take control of her destiny. The journey towards that independence is fraught.
This is a story of incredible resistance, and hope despite the horrific sentence May's received.
Complicating the situation is the plots surround the royal court and the virgin queen, Queen Bethany.
A deer heart is placed on a coffin of a royal attendant, and the older Sin Eater refuses to eat it. She is tortured and dies horrifically.
May vows to avenge her death, a road that will be dangerous and frightening, as May comes into her own and rethinks who she is. A personal reinterpretation of her role gives May a new perspective. An exciting moment!
As the plot develops May meets a host of different people, bringing into focus the daily lives of various groups of society, especially the poor and persecuted, during these times. The rich and powerful are also exposed to us.
The cover is a striking comment on the Sin Eater's burden, referencing European and British sixteenth century still life works. I've always loved these works, the richness of the colors reflecting the food! And that cover, Depending on the publication version, the intricacy of the pomegranate, the fruits displayed, certainly aided my imaginative reinterpretation of the story.
I was struck by the amount of food the Sin Eater must eat in a day--to the point of obesity if the description of the older Sin Eater is any hint. In fact I found myself repulsed by the amount of food they are required to eat, and the type--deer's heart. Grimacing now! In fact I did experience the same repulsion I felt when watching La Grande Bouffe years ago.
It is no wonder Trish Todd of Atria books in her forward says this is, "An extraordinary, lyrical feat of imagination, Chaucerian in its cast of characters."
The journey with May is an exceptional dark fantasy adventure into reinvented Elizabethan times, ending with the hope for May.
An Atria books ARC via NetGalley
*****
May had a somewhat checkered upbringing. An orphan raised by a criminal family, which I think colors the way she moves forward once she decides to take control of her destiny. The journey towards that independence is fraught.
This is a story of incredible resistance, and hope despite the horrific sentence May's received.
Complicating the situation is the plots surround the royal court and the virgin queen, Queen Bethany.
A deer heart is placed on a coffin of a royal attendant, and the older Sin Eater refuses to eat it. She is tortured and dies horrifically.
May vows to avenge her death, a road that will be dangerous and frightening, as May comes into her own and rethinks who she is. A personal reinterpretation of her role gives May a new perspective. An exciting moment!
As the plot develops May meets a host of different people, bringing into focus the daily lives of various groups of society, especially the poor and persecuted, during these times. The rich and powerful are also exposed to us.
The cover is a striking comment on the Sin Eater's burden, referencing European and British sixteenth century still life works. I've always loved these works, the richness of the colors reflecting the food! And that cover, Depending on the publication version, the intricacy of the pomegranate, the fruits displayed, certainly aided my imaginative reinterpretation of the story.
I was struck by the amount of food the Sin Eater must eat in a day--to the point of obesity if the description of the older Sin Eater is any hint. In fact I found myself repulsed by the amount of food they are required to eat, and the type--deer's heart. Grimacing now! In fact I did experience the same repulsion I felt when watching La Grande Bouffe years ago.
It is no wonder Trish Todd of Atria books in her forward says this is, "An extraordinary, lyrical feat of imagination, Chaucerian in its cast of characters."
The journey with May is an exceptional dark fantasy adventure into reinvented Elizabethan times, ending with the hope for May.
An Atria books ARC via NetGalley
*****
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