A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

 

I've been a fan of Klassen for years, but I've never had one of her stories capture my interest and heart as quickly as A Castaway in Cornwall. I feel like Klassen took many lessons from her recent foray into series writing with The Inn on Ivy Hill to provide readers one of her richest stories yet.

First, I couldn't help but fall in love with her world. A Castaway in Cornwall uses the rugged shores of 1813 Cornwall filled to the brim with interesting characters for it's home. I felt like this book definitely makes great use of its setting and cast of characters as there are so many with moments to shine. From Eseld to Jago and Miss Chegwin (who honestly could handle a prequel of their own) the characters draw you in through their well written personalities and story. Klassen also used the characters to explore the interactions between poverty, smuggling, and wreck picking which happened on the coast in a way that highlights the ups and downs of that trade. I've always loved how Klassen uses history to build a solid, inviting world and this effort is no different.

Klassen also stays true to her routes by giving readers some solid leads to fall in love with thanks to the characters of Laura and Alexander. Laura's got the sweet, searching stubbornness that seems quite common to a lead in this genre yet at the same time Klassen brings a different twist. Laura's theme of rescue and redeeming the flotsam adds an interesting dynamic to her character, her struggles for home, and her relationship with Alexander. Alexander's story was delightful in that I honestly had no idea which way the twists and turns were going to land which made for a delightful page turner (until 3 am, oops, don't regret it). 

Again, I'm not terribly surprised as Klassen's research and characters have always been solidly drawing me in novel after novel and have only strengthened with experience. The big surprise, for me, in this book was the plot itself.

Klassen manages to keep a quick pace weaving in shipwrecks and war, romance and grief, old rivals and new beginnings. I loved the faster pace and the depth of her plot. 

On one side the historical aspect was exciting. Alexander's connection to the war and unrest kept me guessing throughout. The inclusion of the smuggling was an aspect I had read some on before but through her characters Klassen added a human element. I was also intrigued by the island of Jersey of which I was unfamiliar. It's Klassen's ability to take that historical framework and breathe story into through the emotion, dreams, and sorrows of her characters that makes her work so memorable. Themes of loss and regret were very present within her characters yet not heavy handed and the way that Klassen constantly wove in hope and restoration makes for a very satisfying read at the end of a very long year. 

Honestly, if you only read one of Klassen's books make it this one.

5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."