So much research was done by Shannon McNear before writing the first word. Roanoke has fascinated me for years. As a genealogy enthusiast, I have learned there is research and then there is RESEARCH. Ms. McNear did the latter. How many novels have a biography of history books? Elinor is the first book in the series, Daughters of The Lost Colony 1587.
AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR EVERY READER of Elinor is reading the “Dear Reader” (preface) and “Historical Notes” (appendix). I recommend reading these BEFORE starting Part One. Following the notes is a Bibliography, “Cast of Characters” which includes the actual roster of those on the 1587 voyage to Virginia, plus other ‘real’ people. In addition, “Regions and People Groups” are listed (real and fictional). And a valuable list to genealogy researchers of “Historical Terms”. For those researching early Indians of the Colonial era, a “Glossary of Carolina Algonquian Words” and how to pronounce them.
The novel Elinor is the author’s conjecture on what happened to Elinor White Dare, mother of Virginia Dare and daughter of John White, the first appointed governor of Virginia. Personally, I found the premise very reasonable.
Not reading “the absolute must” portions will lessen your enjoyment of the book. McNear clearly states why she chose to write in the vernacular English of 1587-1590 and some readers may find it cumbersome. But, I believe, the author wanted us to BE in that time and felt the verbiage was important. You’ll also learn why it is Elinor and not Eleanor.
Another possible negative reaction could be to the word savage used to reference the Indigenous Indian tribes. However, McNear covers WHY the word was used. Even at times when a colonist no longer thought a particular individual was far from “savage”.
This reviewer believes when an author does the level of research McNear did, writes “Historical Notes” stating how such wording came to be used, the author shouldn’t be denied stars because the reader applied a 21st century use of a word to what those peoples would have used in the 16th century.
The story was most of the time truly riveting. The pacing did ebb at times (mostly during long treks through the woods), but having a novel so steeped in the FACTS made the read not just interesting but fascinating. Kudos to Shannon McNear for the research.
I look forward to the “next” daughter of the Lost Colony book. If you love historical fiction — if you love early American history, I highly recommend Elinor.
I received a complimentary ARC* copy of Elinor from the publisher, Barbour Publishing Inc., via NetGalley. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars.
Cover rating: Compelling.
Series & number: Daughters of the Lost Colony 1587, #1.
Pages: 320.
Publish date: December 1, 2022.
#Elinor #ShannonMcNear #NetGalley
ARC* — Advanced Reader Copy.
