Book Review: Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs
I've never read Liz Curtis Higgs before and am of two minds of her writing.
Here Burns My Candle is a Christian novel set in the 1700's in Scotland. The history and how it effects the family is well weaved in, but the book left me wanting. It is an expansion and 'retelling' of the story of Ruth and Naomi from the Bible... though it took me until about 2/3's of the book to see it.
It is written in third person but there is an obvious 'switching' of point of views from chapter to chapter. Three major ones are used: Majory, the mother and widowed Lady Kerr; Donald, her son and eldest Lord Kerr; and Elizabeth, the seamstress who caught Donald's eye and became the new Lady Kerr. I thought using the mother's point of view odd as the story seemed to focus on the relationship between son and wife. It wasn't until later that I understood why Marjory had been included.
The start was very slow. Things don't pick up pace until about the 22nd chapter, but don't panic, that's only about a quarter of the way through of the 450 pages. And at about halfway through, I became more interested though I didn't desire to devour it as I normally do when I read. Yet, then the story jumps through time a bit, where the beginning was much more 'day-to-day'.
Then as I began to reach the end, I experienced a mix of frustration and approval. The outcome of the story was not what I expected when it came to how Majory and Elizabeth changed and grew - and there was an obvious change that was well done. Yet the outlying story and plot felt disappointing and very depressive but at the same time, satisfying in regards to the women.
But I guess I haven't read as thought-provoking a book in awhile.
I am sure there are many who would enjoy this book. I leave it with some satisfaction and other frustrations. But I think when I found there was a sequel coming, that it was less disappointing. At the same time, I do not know if I could make it through another 500 pages for the outcome. But I have read so many books of action that it is different to read something in a regent time.
If anyone would like the book, I am willing to mail it within the United States. Just be the first to respond to this blog with the request then message me your address.
You can buy the book here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400070015
This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.