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Friday, May 31, 2024
Book Review: Alina by Malve von Hassell
Alina by Malve von Hassell Genre: Young Adult Fiction / Historical ISBN: 9781643971049 Print Length: 232 pages Reviewed by Lisa Parker Hayreh, PhD Alina de Florac and her brother Milos face an uncertain future follo…
Alina de Florac and her brother Milos face an uncertain future following their father's suicide in 1172 Provence.
After his death, Alina and Milos's uncle and aunt take over his estate and begin to direct the teens' lives. Soon, they inform Alina she has the choice of an arranged marriage or join the convent.
But Alina has no intention of having her life dictated by anyone. Instead, she and her brother journey to Jerusalem to pray for their father's soul. Along the way, they serve as singing performers for those they encounter, hoping to become famous traveling musicians.
Milos and Alina set out on their journey with an entourage of merchants and their wives. Several knights serve as protective escorts along the way, including the congenial Lord Baltasar, the stern Lord Raymond, and the principled Lord Stephen.
Life on the road proves to be both challenging and exhilarating. Milos and Alina discover the joy of sharing their music with others, and Alina comes to cherish the freedom of traveling and performing with her brother. But when Lord Raymond confronts Alina one night, claiming that he witnessed her brother steal something from a market, Alina fears the worst for her brother. Lord Raymond agrees to ignore Milos's transgression if Alina spies for him. With little choice, Alina reluctantly agrees.
Lord Raymond arranges for Alina to be a musical performer for the princess, Sibylla, in Jerusalem. In turn, Alina must report to Lord Raymond on Sibylla's movements and social associations. This is how Alina discovers multiple layers of intrigue and deception that surround Sibylla and her entourage. She also finds herself powerfully drawn to the honorable Lord Stephen, whom Milos is now working with.
Mystery and suspense build as Alina works to maintain her integrity and resist coercion to reveal Sibylla's secrets to the underhanded Lord Raymond. Alina must choose which allegiances to honor after someone is murdered and her brother is threatened again.
Author Malve von Hassell creates an elaborate tale of historical adventure and mystery with Alina. This young woman is an admirable and likable protagonist. Wise beyond her years, she sustains tragic losses with grace. She is clever, determined, and a principled idealist who loves her family and friends. Milos, an impulsive and naive brother, is highly entertaining as well.
A host of historically accurate characters come to life here. These include Lord Raymond, Lord Stephen, and Princess Sibylla. A detailed guide is helpfully presented at the onset of the novel to clarify historical figures from fiction. A section at the end of the novel also reveals the actual trajectory for the principal historical figures discussed, so history teachers and enthusiasts have much to work from.
The bucolic countryside of France and the vibrant mecca of Jerusalem emerge through vivid setting descriptions. Characters are realistically developed with internally consistent experiences, motivations, and cultures. Malve von Hassell weaves an intricate blend of accurate period and personage details with distinct fictional characters in an engaging and complex fictional plot. And perhaps most important, the danger and drama build to a satisfying and thrilling climax.
Abundant historical details presented throughout the novel are well-researched. Some details propel the plot and character development forward while additional details offer further color from the period.
Alina: A Song for the Tellingis an immersive adventure filled with convincing 12th century political and social subterfuge. It comes highly recommended for anyone interested in historical fiction, especially those readers desiring thoroughly researched historical characters blended into an engrossing fictional story.
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