Highly recommended if you enjoy an engaging plot with lots of historical detail.
What happens
In 1569, Freida’s Huguenot parents are brutally murdered in their native Amsterdam by the Spanish. Freida ultimately settles in London where she marries and has a child and settles into a happy life where she makes maps, just as her parents had done before her. But she becomes embroiled in the world of Elizabeth I and Francis Drake, and is forced to face the Spanish threat once more.
In the present day, Robyn discovers a map Freida had once created and her story traces the slow reveal of the map’s secrets and how she comes to terms with her husband’s death.
Dual timelines
16th century London & Amsterdam
Present day Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Romance
There’s not as much romance in this book as I’d have liked. In the present day, Robyn’s husband went missing at sea years earlier and she’s still coming to terms with it. In the 16th century, Freida is happily married. Much of the interest therefore lies in the plot and historical detail, rather than either of the relationships. So, if you read primarily for romance, this book might not be for you.
The Best Bits
- In The Mapmaker’s Daughter the joy is to be found in the historical details of mapmaking, and the London world of Elizabeth I which was described in great and fascinating detail. I felt as if I were there.
- Learning about the life of the expat ‘Strangers’. I’m from Norfolk and have visited Stranger’s Hall in Norwich — where Dutch and Flemish textile weavers lodged in the 16th century. Growing up in the coastal town of Sheringham, I was used to seeing houses with Dutch gables and there’s certainly a local affinity with Holland that isn’t present elsewhere in England. After all, the Netherlands is the closest country across the sea from Norfolk.
- It had an interesting plot which had me turning the pages more quickly, the closer I reached the end.
Diana’s Thoughts
I was more caught up with the historical narrative with all its sensory detail of life for the Huguenots in 16th century London, than I was with the present-day story. Having said that, there was nothing wrong with the present-day story. It revolved around the sadness Robyn felt over his missing husband. But it also described her life in a bookshop which sold maps in the book town of Hay-on-Wye which had its own charm.
Official Blurb
Could a rediscovered map show her the way?
Present day: When thirty-six-year-old Robyn Willoughby discovers an exquisite yet blood-stained Tudor map in her father’s antique map shop, desperate for a distraction from her problems, she decides to investigate. But as Robyn delves into the mystery, she finds herself caught up in a centuries-old secret – one that will change her life forever.
1569: Forced to flee Holland to escape persecution, twenty-year-old Freida Ortelius uses her mapmaking skills to start anew in London. Soon her rare talent catches the eye of Queen Elizabeth, who demands Freida’s help in fighting the Spanish threat. Freida must now embark on a deadly mission, the consequences of which will echo down the ages…
A sweeping and heartbreaking read, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Kathryn Hughes.
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I couldn’t find Clare’s website but here’s a link to her publisher’s website which includes retailer’s links:
https://www.avonbooks.co.uk/products/the-mapmakers-daughter-clare-marchant-9780008454388/
· Publisher : Avon (December 13, 2022)
· Language : English
· Paperback : 384 pages
· ISBN-10 : 0008454388
· ISBN-13 : 978-0008454388