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Perdita
Marged Brice is 134 years old. She’d be ready to go, if it weren’t for Perdita...
The Georgian Bay lighthouse’s single eye keeps watch over storm and calm, and Marged grew up in its shadow, learning the language of the wind and the trees. There’s blustery beauty there, where sea and sky incite each other to mischief…or worse…
Garth Hellyer of the Longevity Project doesn’t believe Marged was a girl coming of age in the 1890s, but reading her diaries in the same wild and unpredictable location where she wrote them might be enough to cast doubt on his common sense.
Everyone knows about death. It’s life that’s mysterious....
The Georgian Bay lighthouse’s single eye keeps watch over storm and calm, and Marged grew up in its shadow, learning the language of the wind and the trees. There’s blustery beauty there, where sea and sky incite each other to mischief…or worse…
Garth Hellyer of the Longevity Project doesn’t believe Marged was a girl coming of age in the 1890s, but reading her diaries in the same wild and unpredictable location where she wrote them might be enough to cast doubt on his common sense.
Everyone knows about death. It’s life that’s mysterious....
448 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
55 people are currently reading
3571 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Scharper
4 books98 followersHilary Scharper is a Canadian novelist who writes historical fiction...always with a gothic-nature twist. Her "ecogothic" writing is rooted in a deep love for the natural world. She is particularly drawn to wild spaces and places.
Hilary was born in Toronto, Canada, where she also attended university, studying cultural anthropology and eventually completing her doctorate at Yale. For over two decades she taught courses on animals, culture, and nature at the University of Toronto. In 2023 she retired from teaching to become a full-time writer.
She currently lives with her husband and son in Guelph, Ontario.
(Hilary does not use generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the writing of her work.)
Hilary was born in Toronto, Canada, where she also attended university, studying cultural anthropology and eventually completing her doctorate at Yale. For over two decades she taught courses on animals, culture, and nature at the University of Toronto. In 2023 she retired from teaching to become a full-time writer.
She currently lives with her husband and son in Guelph, Ontario.
(Hilary does not use generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the writing of her work.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
January 23, 2013
I loved this book - it wasn't just that it was by a Canadian author and had a Canadian setting - it has a truly Canadian feel (Americans and others, don't let that stop you, it's just a nice change for me).
It was also my favorite sort of mystery and fiction - the sort of mystery where you have an idea of what might happen (as opposed to being completely lost), but are never fully sure; and the kind of fiction that feels like a historical re-enactment on paper.
Wonderful! Highly recommended!
It was also my favorite sort of mystery and fiction - the sort of mystery where you have an idea of what might happen (as opposed to being completely lost), but are never fully sure; and the kind of fiction that feels like a historical re-enactment on paper.
Wonderful! Highly recommended!
January 24, 2013
Perdita is a well written and fascinating life story of a 134 year old woman and the secret of her longevity. Garth Hellyer is entrusted by the woman, Marged Brice with her diaries. Diaries which may hold the secret to her long life.This story has a love story, a hint of the supernatural, and an insight into the life of a young woman in the early 1900's.
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down, it resulted in late nights and it was worth every moment. Highly recommended!
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down, it resulted in late nights and it was worth every moment. Highly recommended!
January 2, 2015
This is a beautifully written, moving, and compelling story. "Perdita" is engrossing literary fiction, written in the tradition of "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights."
April 25, 2013
How to review a book you are not sure you liked. I mean, I didn't not like Perdita By Hilary Scharper, but at the same time I can't decide how I feel about the book. It was odd. And in all honesty left me wanting more. Even though the book itself was rather lengthy at over 400 pages. I was fascinated by the premise of this book when I first looked into it. It sounded like gothic romance with a ghost story thrown in for fun. I initially thought it would sort of be like The Taker trilogy by Alma Katsu.
For the majority of the book I found that I was waiting for something to happen. I was essentially waiting for Perdita. You would think that because the book was called Perdita, that the character would be pretty influential to the story. She wasn't. I think this impacted my reading experience. Perdita was presented at the beginning of the story and she made a few short appearances (I mean very short) throughout the rest of the book and again at the end. That was it. I was a bit disappointed by this. I was also confused by Perdita herself. What was she? Who was she? Was she a ghost? Was she a figment of imagination? As I kept reading Perdita with the assumption that these questions would be answered, and they were to some degree, but not completely.
While some may think that I did not enjoy reading Perdita, this is not true. The story was interesting and would switch back from past to present. This can sometimes be annoying in a novel, for the most part I enjoyed it. I was curious about this woman who claimed to be over 125 years old and I was curious about her life. I also enjoyed the Canadian setting during the early twentieth century. I really liked all the characters in Perdita, they were well developed and for me, they did not fall flat.
I also enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the story. That part was entertaining. And for the most part it was well written. There was a couple of times where I sometimes felt like Scharper was trying to hard to be poetic and/or lyrical, which would complicate what she was trying to say and cause some confusion. This was not a frequent occurrence but enough to have me notice it.
Overall, there were a few things missing to make Perdita a fantastic read, but it wasn't a bad one. I'll let you decide for yourself.
Review also posted at Just Another Story
For the majority of the book I found that I was waiting for something to happen. I was essentially waiting for Perdita. You would think that because the book was called Perdita, that the character would be pretty influential to the story. She wasn't. I think this impacted my reading experience. Perdita was presented at the beginning of the story and she made a few short appearances (I mean very short) throughout the rest of the book and again at the end. That was it. I was a bit disappointed by this. I was also confused by Perdita herself. What was she? Who was she? Was she a ghost? Was she a figment of imagination? As I kept reading Perdita with the assumption that these questions would be answered, and they were to some degree, but not completely.
While some may think that I did not enjoy reading Perdita, this is not true. The story was interesting and would switch back from past to present. This can sometimes be annoying in a novel, for the most part I enjoyed it. I was curious about this woman who claimed to be over 125 years old and I was curious about her life. I also enjoyed the Canadian setting during the early twentieth century. I really liked all the characters in Perdita, they were well developed and for me, they did not fall flat.
I also enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the story. That part was entertaining. And for the most part it was well written. There was a couple of times where I sometimes felt like Scharper was trying to hard to be poetic and/or lyrical, which would complicate what she was trying to say and cause some confusion. This was not a frequent occurrence but enough to have me notice it.
Overall, there were a few things missing to make Perdita a fantastic read, but it wasn't a bad one. I'll let you decide for yourself.
Review also posted at Just Another Story
September 21, 2017
I received a copy of Perdita from Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review... That was 4 years ago (oopsie), it's taken me that long to get around to reading this book. Partly because I was saving it for a vacation up to the Georgian Bay (the setting of the story) and because I just wasn't hooked.
Marged Brice claims she is 134 yrs old although she does not look very old. Garth Hellyer, a local historian working on a longevity project, is on a mission to find out who Marged really is. He begins by reading Marged's journals.
I enjoyed Marged's early journal entries that were set in the Georgian Bay. I started losing interest when she traveled to Toronto. And, much like Perdita, I was lost when Garth and Claire started discussing Hesiod.
This book was a hodge podge of diary entries that didn't quite seem to come together. The reader is left with a lot of questions. I think the story started out strong, but went off the rails.
2.5 stars
Marged Brice claims she is 134 yrs old although she does not look very old. Garth Hellyer, a local historian working on a longevity project, is on a mission to find out who Marged really is. He begins by reading Marged's journals.
I enjoyed Marged's early journal entries that were set in the Georgian Bay. I started losing interest when she traveled to Toronto. And, much like Perdita, I was lost when Garth and Claire started discussing Hesiod.
This book was a hodge podge of diary entries that didn't quite seem to come together. The reader is left with a lot of questions. I think the story started out strong, but went off the rails.
2.5 stars
November 13, 2014
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Before I get too far ahead of myself, I'd like to give a shout out to Amanda Kain. Hilary Scharper's Perdita didn't work for me, but the cover art is just gorgeous. The ethereal design really captures what the author was going for and even though I wasn't a fan of the book, I concede a certain appreciation for the mysterious and provocative imagery of its jacket.
To get straight to the point, Perdita is one of those pieces I wanted to like more than I did. Earlier reviews cited allusions to Greek mythology which I usually enjoy so I was fairly optimistic going in, but the execution didn't speak to my tastes and I soon found myself trudging through a dull and lifeless tangle of emotional drama. I can respect this type of storytelling works for a lot of people, but I am not among them and can honestly say I struggled to complete this novel.
Garth and Marged had potential, but neither sparked my interest. I liked the descriptions of the Georgian Bay area well enough, but found myself overwhelmingly indifferent to the mystery at the heart of Scharper's story and ultimately finished the book feeling both impassive and unimpressed.
Before I get too far ahead of myself, I'd like to give a shout out to Amanda Kain. Hilary Scharper's Perdita didn't work for me, but the cover art is just gorgeous. The ethereal design really captures what the author was going for and even though I wasn't a fan of the book, I concede a certain appreciation for the mysterious and provocative imagery of its jacket.
To get straight to the point, Perdita is one of those pieces I wanted to like more than I did. Earlier reviews cited allusions to Greek mythology which I usually enjoy so I was fairly optimistic going in, but the execution didn't speak to my tastes and I soon found myself trudging through a dull and lifeless tangle of emotional drama. I can respect this type of storytelling works for a lot of people, but I am not among them and can honestly say I struggled to complete this novel.
Garth and Marged had potential, but neither sparked my interest. I liked the descriptions of the Georgian Bay area well enough, but found myself overwhelmingly indifferent to the mystery at the heart of Scharper's story and ultimately finished the book feeling both impassive and unimpressed.
June 19, 2016
I won this book as a First Read from Good Reads and was very excited as I do not normally win contests.
I really got into this book and was a bit sad when it ended. I do enjoy when a story weaves the past with the present and uses real places and history as a background like Ms. Scharper has, especially the Tobermory/Bruce Penninsula area. Romance, mystery, ghosts, family and Greek mythology blend to make a sad but lovely tale of love and loss, both past and present. Most of the story is told through two journals belonging to Marged Brice, a woman purported to be 134 years old who wants to die but can't seem to. Enter skeptical Garth Hellyer, a professor working in a longevity program, who has a sad past of his own (but that may soon change due to the arrival of Clare, a girl from his past, younger and the sister of his friend/Doctor Doug.) The overlapping stories make for a compelling read, lots of description and at times seems to drag a bit but all in all, a very good story. Thanks to Good Reads for choosing me to be a First Reader - my pleasure!
I really got into this book and was a bit sad when it ended. I do enjoy when a story weaves the past with the present and uses real places and history as a background like Ms. Scharper has, especially the Tobermory/Bruce Penninsula area. Romance, mystery, ghosts, family and Greek mythology blend to make a sad but lovely tale of love and loss, both past and present. Most of the story is told through two journals belonging to Marged Brice, a woman purported to be 134 years old who wants to die but can't seem to. Enter skeptical Garth Hellyer, a professor working in a longevity program, who has a sad past of his own (but that may soon change due to the arrival of Clare, a girl from his past, younger and the sister of his friend/Doctor Doug.) The overlapping stories make for a compelling read, lots of description and at times seems to drag a bit but all in all, a very good story. Thanks to Good Reads for choosing me to be a First Reader - my pleasure!
October 31, 2014
this is an interesting book and i am wavering between 3 and 4-stars as a rating. parts were beautiful and evocative but there were also some clunky moments where the awkward flow of the writing was challenging my enjoyment of the story. at one point, i felt as though a section/paragraph was missing (need to check with the publisher on that). it is an ARC so there were some glitches with typos but that didn't impact my rating.
we are given several different love stories in this story and quite a lesson in greek mythology. against the backdrop of the Bruce Penninsula this gothic-y novel evolves. the ending is a bit ambiguous, almost like a choose your own adventure, with reasonable support being ready for either choice. this left me wondering if it was intentional or if the author had a very specific ending in mind and i, being careless in my reading somehow, missed it?
i am curious the target audience for this book too? it's historical fiction,but it goes back and forth in time between present and past. at moments it felt like a book best appreciated by an 18-year-old. but then, later on in the story, the greek mythology made it quite interesting but also made for more dense reading. so it's a bit of a conundrum in my mind.
appropriate to perdita - and her threads of love - there were many threads in this story that were very interesting to follow.
we are given several different love stories in this story and quite a lesson in greek mythology. against the backdrop of the Bruce Penninsula this gothic-y novel evolves. the ending is a bit ambiguous, almost like a choose your own adventure, with reasonable support being ready for either choice. this left me wondering if it was intentional or if the author had a very specific ending in mind and i, being careless in my reading somehow, missed it?
i am curious the target audience for this book too? it's historical fiction,but it goes back and forth in time between present and past. at moments it felt like a book best appreciated by an 18-year-old. but then, later on in the story, the greek mythology made it quite interesting but also made for more dense reading. so it's a bit of a conundrum in my mind.
appropriate to perdita - and her threads of love - there were many threads in this story that were very interesting to follow.
February 6, 2013
Mixing mystery, the supernatural, historical fiction, romance, nautical disaster, a sprinkle of Canadiana, and even a small dose of Greek mythology (wow!), Perdita is certainly made up of an unusual combination of elements – but it works!
Set along Canada’s beautiful and wild Georgian Bay coast, the storyline follows a professor as he researches an elderly woman’s unlikely claim that she is 134 years old. Reading her diaries, we alternate between present day and the late 1800’s, where we are drawn into her early life and loves as the daughter of a lighthouse operator with connections to prominent local figures. Parallel stories in both time periods unfold… held together by the mysterious figure of “Perdita”, whom the old woman claims will not let her die.
There were a few loose ends that I would have like tied up (perhaps they will be in a sequel?), and some of the conversations in the present time seemed stilted and a bit shallow at times (possibly because I was so deeply into the 1890’s writing style that I had trouble adjusting)… but the mystery of Perdita and the relationships that developed in the journals had me hanging on to the end.
Set along Canada’s beautiful and wild Georgian Bay coast, the storyline follows a professor as he researches an elderly woman’s unlikely claim that she is 134 years old. Reading her diaries, we alternate between present day and the late 1800’s, where we are drawn into her early life and loves as the daughter of a lighthouse operator with connections to prominent local figures. Parallel stories in both time periods unfold… held together by the mysterious figure of “Perdita”, whom the old woman claims will not let her die.
There were a few loose ends that I would have like tied up (perhaps they will be in a sequel?), and some of the conversations in the present time seemed stilted and a bit shallow at times (possibly because I was so deeply into the 1890’s writing style that I had trouble adjusting)… but the mystery of Perdita and the relationships that developed in the journals had me hanging on to the end.
March 17, 2021
Ok, this was indeed a little weird, bit of a twist, and feels like we missed out on some info...however! I really enjoyed it and it kept me interested throughout the book in all the characters.
February 21, 2013
Perdita is a gripping tale of love, loss and rediscovery spanning three centuries, masterfully weaving narratives of intertwining lives and landscapes. Hilary Scharper's haunting and beautiful prose take us through journal entries and letters which compellingly document the coming of age of a young woman in the 1890s. In reading the pages, we get a rare glimpse into a young woman's inner struggles, her sacred relationship to the stunning tapestry of the Georgian Bay setting, and the timelessness of the angst and joys of finding love. We also learn of the narrator who is reading those pages, a Professor whose life intertwines in unexpected ways with the narrative he is unraveling. This book will appeal to those with affinities for mythology, art, romance, deep characters and ecological sensibilities. Perdita is a relaxing and enjoyable read, but is not a simple one--it will keep you contemplating its mysteries and complexities long after you've put it down. It begs for a sequel. Always the sign of a good novel, you leave it still wanting more.
January 31, 2013
I received a free copy of the book thanks to Goodreads Giveaway.
I found it very well written and it was a pleasure to read it. I simply loved it! The description of Marged's feelings and reactions were always full of sensibility. It is quite hard to choose only one favourite part of the book, but every single time that Marged encountered captain Howarth, I found myself holding my breath and eager to know what was about to happen next. Besides that, I would love to know more about what happened to George, Andrew and Perdita during Marged's adult life. I will be waiting for Perdita - book #2!!!
I found it very well written and it was a pleasure to read it. I simply loved it! The description of Marged's feelings and reactions were always full of sensibility. It is quite hard to choose only one favourite part of the book, but every single time that Marged encountered captain Howarth, I found myself holding my breath and eager to know what was about to happen next. Besides that, I would love to know more about what happened to George, Andrew and Perdita during Marged's adult life. I will be waiting for Perdita - book #2!!!
March 17, 2013
I won this book for free from the Goodread's First Reads giveaway.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really liked it and really enjoyed the author's writing style (well written and well detailed). This book is set in two different times: in the 1890's and in present time. In present time, Professor Garth Hellyer is working on the Longevity Project (finding and interviewing the oldest living people). This is where he meets Marged Brice who claims she is 134 years old; she also claims she remained alive this long due to Perdita. You will have to read the book to find out who or what Perdita is!!! This book was very interesting from the very first page to the very last; I did not want to put it down!!! I read from other reviewers on this book that they found a lull in the middle of it; I did not notice this.
I enjoyed both time settings in the book, but I preferred Marged's way more (set in 1890's). I actually really love Marged's character and did not want to put her stories down! I love stories based in older times and this book was also based in Canada; I love that as a Canadian.
I am very happy I won this book. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys an intriguing and touching story. Again, the Perdita aspect of the story is something different than I have ever read! A must read!!!
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really liked it and really enjoyed the author's writing style (well written and well detailed). This book is set in two different times: in the 1890's and in present time. In present time, Professor Garth Hellyer is working on the Longevity Project (finding and interviewing the oldest living people). This is where he meets Marged Brice who claims she is 134 years old; she also claims she remained alive this long due to Perdita. You will have to read the book to find out who or what Perdita is!!! This book was very interesting from the very first page to the very last; I did not want to put it down!!! I read from other reviewers on this book that they found a lull in the middle of it; I did not notice this.
I enjoyed both time settings in the book, but I preferred Marged's way more (set in 1890's). I actually really love Marged's character and did not want to put her stories down! I love stories based in older times and this book was also based in Canada; I love that as a Canadian.
I am very happy I won this book. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys an intriguing and touching story. Again, the Perdita aspect of the story is something different than I have ever read! A must read!!!
February 25, 2013
I so enjoyed this novel! Hilary Scharper's lovely prose evoked the natural beauty of Georgian Bay and provided a glimpse into the daily life and activities of a light keeper's family during the late 19th century near Tobermory, Ontario.
Ms. Scharper's ability to weave both a memoir from the past with a modern day romance provided the reader with a cast of interesting historical and present-day characters comprised of lively, beautiful and strong women alongside kindly, compassionate, brooding (and in one case, brutish) men. The narrative moves back and forth in time and provides vivid descriptions of the natural landscape which plays a major role in the story. This is a book about love and loss, of romance and beauty, and of art and literature - indeed it encompasses so much. But above all it is a story of family ties, the importance of memory and respect for the past. This is a novel that will hold you rapt from beginning to end.
Perdita is someone you will most definitely want to meet and to whom you will not want to say good-bye.
Ms. Scharper's ability to weave both a memoir from the past with a modern day romance provided the reader with a cast of interesting historical and present-day characters comprised of lively, beautiful and strong women alongside kindly, compassionate, brooding (and in one case, brutish) men. The narrative moves back and forth in time and provides vivid descriptions of the natural landscape which plays a major role in the story. This is a book about love and loss, of romance and beauty, and of art and literature - indeed it encompasses so much. But above all it is a story of family ties, the importance of memory and respect for the past. This is a novel that will hold you rapt from beginning to end.
Perdita is someone you will most definitely want to meet and to whom you will not want to say good-bye.
October 2, 2013
I can't say that I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the Georgian Bay area and the effect it had on Marged, the main character, were great, and the snippets of the love story made me want to know more. However, the whole allusion to Greek mythology and the ghostly little girl made the story murky for me. I felt the melding of all the threads, plus the modern-day scenes on top of the historical ones, was a little contrived. I did read to the end just to see how it was all pulled together, and unhappily was left very much wanting. Many others on Goodreads loved it but it was just not my cup of tea.
February 22, 2013
I loved the backdrop of Canadian history and geography mixed with the past and present love stories of this novel. Hilary Scharper uses the Gothic elements of the supernatural and romance to give vivid portraits of her historical and modern-day protagonists Marged and Garth as their lives intertwine. Add some references to Greek mythology and Classical literature, all coming together in the various writing styles of journal entries, letters and narratives, and you are left with an incredibly intriguing book. A "must read" that I know I could not put down!
September 4, 2013
Too much of a romance for my liking, although, the writing in the journal sections is quite lovely and the Greek mythology adds depth and interest. The book's take-away message: one's attachment to place can rival or even surpass the bonds one shares with family, friends and lovers. Perdita was an apt metaphor for the many loves connected to the novel's protagonist Marged Brice, but, I didn't like the way she was worked into the story. It struck me as contrived, like adding a basement to a finished house. I also thought there was way too much intellectualizing going on at the end.
January 4, 2014
I can't decide what I loved most about this book, the historical setting, the written journals or just the whole concept of the book. The novel is beautifully written, very interesting and has great descriptions of Georgian Bay. Very refreshing to hit a great story.
June 4, 2014
What an awesome debut novel from the author. Such a beautiful, emotional story with a mix of romance, historical fiction, adventure and supernatural. If you have ever been to the Georgian Bay area, you will really appreciate this book. This will be one I will re-read for sure.
April 10, 2024
This book has me ????
This is a historical fiction novel with a touch of spirituality and the supernatural, and also references to literary classics. The story follows the claims of a woman who reports being 134 years old and through her old diaries, a man tries to verify her age and her history. It’s honestly kind of confusing?? I liked the historical fiction parts that told the story of the young woman, but I honestly felt like it didn’t really actually go anywhere. I get what it’s trying to do…but it was just fine for me.
This is a historical fiction novel with a touch of spirituality and the supernatural, and also references to literary classics. The story follows the claims of a woman who reports being 134 years old and through her old diaries, a man tries to verify her age and her history. It’s honestly kind of confusing?? I liked the historical fiction parts that told the story of the young woman, but I honestly felt like it didn’t really actually go anywhere. I get what it’s trying to do…but it was just fine for me.
January 30, 2024
Enjoyable read, with a quirky ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2014
Nature. Myth. History. Love. Gothic undertones. All of my favourite story elements wrapped up in one book?! It’s almost as if Perdita was written for me! The story opens with Garth Hellyer, a professor who does work for the Longevity Project by interviewing some of the oldest living people on the planet. Unfortunately, nothing has prepared Garth for Marged Brice, who claims to be a stunningly youthful 134 years old. Convinced to read through Marged’s journals of her life in the late 1890s, Garth quickly becomes enthralled by her story of love and loss growing up in the wilderness of the Bruce Peninsula. Throughout the course of the story, a strange and haunting figure named Perdita makes an appearance, testing everything Garth has ever known about life and the world around him.
Hands down my favourite aspect of Perdita was getting to read Marged’s journals along with Garth. I was absolutely entranced by Marged’s story! Her relationship with a handsome painter named George had me desperately turning the pages to find out if they would end up together. All of the characters that arose throughout Marged’s journal entries were both fascinating and mysterious. I just fell in love with everything about Marged! While the ending of Marged’s story left me with my mouth hanging open and a lot of unanswered questions, it was brilliantly written and well thought out.
Aspects of Perdita have been compared to Jane Eyre and the works of Austen by other readers, and I would have to agree. The landscape and characters that Marged interacts with do exude the same feeling as one of Bronte’s novels. While I was reading Perdita, however, another comparison popped into my head, that of Rebecca, the gothic classic by Daphne DuMaurier. Marged’s connection with nature and her interaction with the supernatural reminded me of Mrs. de Winter as she tries to unravel the secrets of Manderley. Needless to say, lovers of these classics will certainly enjoy Hilary Scharper’s writing.
The novel’s setting in the Bruce Peninsula along the Georgian Bay make this the perfect read for the cottage this summer. As readers delve into the myth surrounding Perdita, they might just glance the figure of a ghostly child watching them from the water. The intricacies of the story would also make Perdita a great book club choice, as the ending of the novel leaves plenty of room for interpretation and discussion. In short, Perdita is an awesome read that you should definitely add to your to-read list!
Hands down my favourite aspect of Perdita was getting to read Marged’s journals along with Garth. I was absolutely entranced by Marged’s story! Her relationship with a handsome painter named George had me desperately turning the pages to find out if they would end up together. All of the characters that arose throughout Marged’s journal entries were both fascinating and mysterious. I just fell in love with everything about Marged! While the ending of Marged’s story left me with my mouth hanging open and a lot of unanswered questions, it was brilliantly written and well thought out.
Aspects of Perdita have been compared to Jane Eyre and the works of Austen by other readers, and I would have to agree. The landscape and characters that Marged interacts with do exude the same feeling as one of Bronte’s novels. While I was reading Perdita, however, another comparison popped into my head, that of Rebecca, the gothic classic by Daphne DuMaurier. Marged’s connection with nature and her interaction with the supernatural reminded me of Mrs. de Winter as she tries to unravel the secrets of Manderley. Needless to say, lovers of these classics will certainly enjoy Hilary Scharper’s writing.
The novel’s setting in the Bruce Peninsula along the Georgian Bay make this the perfect read for the cottage this summer. As readers delve into the myth surrounding Perdita, they might just glance the figure of a ghostly child watching them from the water. The intricacies of the story would also make Perdita a great book club choice, as the ending of the novel leaves plenty of room for interpretation and discussion. In short, Perdita is an awesome read that you should definitely add to your to-read list!
January 3, 2015
This book had me engrossed by the end of the first page. Perdita is the story of a place, and a person. Marged Brice may be the oldest woman alive at 134 years old, or she may be a confused little old lady. As Garth Hellyer reads through her journals he learns that Marged has a history as rich as the landscape she belongs to, and a mysterious girl named Perdita is part of her legacy.
Garth is working for the longevity project. He is trying to find the oldest person living. His claim needs proof in order to go on the record as the oldest person alive. That is how he meets Marged, who claims to be 134 years old. Marged shows Garth her birth certificate, and tries to convince him of its authenticity. Marged invites Garth to read her journals and learn more about how she could possibly have lived so very long. In reading the journals, Garth sees her famous connections. Garth gets wrapped in her tale and shares the journey with a woman from his past named Clare. Clare and Garth together try to discern the truth of who Marged is and separate fact from fiction. Somewhere in the tale we get a glimpse of who Perdita is and why her story is one that has to be told.
This diary is the historical account of Marged in her own words. I found some of the diary a bit much. It is written as literary prose, which is a bit of an acquired taste. These are the personal thoughts of a young woman. So there are flowery thoughts of someone who wants to make a good impression and her family proud, of someone who tries to do the right thing in the every situation. There was a love story in the diary, but it was a bit of a mystery. There were a few nautical adventures in there, making it an adventure as well. I am glad I stuck with it because by the last quarter of the story, everything tied in together to make a magical ending
This diary of Marged also tells us how she came to find Perdita. Why Perdita may be the thing keeping her from passing on. I loved how the author peppered in the story of Garth and Clare. They are good characters with a vested interest in Marged story. I really loved this book. Right away I found myself wanting to believe Marged. Much like Clare, I wanted this to be true and be amazed. Perdita wasn’t quite what I expected, but I felt something for her. This book found a great balance of history, paranormal, nautical adventure, Greek mythology, romance, and mystery. I would recommend this read.
Garth is working for the longevity project. He is trying to find the oldest person living. His claim needs proof in order to go on the record as the oldest person alive. That is how he meets Marged, who claims to be 134 years old. Marged shows Garth her birth certificate, and tries to convince him of its authenticity. Marged invites Garth to read her journals and learn more about how she could possibly have lived so very long. In reading the journals, Garth sees her famous connections. Garth gets wrapped in her tale and shares the journey with a woman from his past named Clare. Clare and Garth together try to discern the truth of who Marged is and separate fact from fiction. Somewhere in the tale we get a glimpse of who Perdita is and why her story is one that has to be told.
This diary is the historical account of Marged in her own words. I found some of the diary a bit much. It is written as literary prose, which is a bit of an acquired taste. These are the personal thoughts of a young woman. So there are flowery thoughts of someone who wants to make a good impression and her family proud, of someone who tries to do the right thing in the every situation. There was a love story in the diary, but it was a bit of a mystery. There were a few nautical adventures in there, making it an adventure as well. I am glad I stuck with it because by the last quarter of the story, everything tied in together to make a magical ending
This diary of Marged also tells us how she came to find Perdita. Why Perdita may be the thing keeping her from passing on. I loved how the author peppered in the story of Garth and Clare. They are good characters with a vested interest in Marged story. I really loved this book. Right away I found myself wanting to believe Marged. Much like Clare, I wanted this to be true and be amazed. Perdita wasn’t quite what I expected, but I felt something for her. This book found a great balance of history, paranormal, nautical adventure, Greek mythology, romance, and mystery. I would recommend this read.
October 7, 2015
I received a copy of Perdita by Hilary Shcarper, from the author in return for an honest review.
Garth Hellyer, a historian and writer is doing research in an Ontario nursing home interviewing its residents for a “Longevity Project”, in search for the oldest person in the world. It is here that he is introduced to a woman by the name of Marged Brice, who claims she is 134 years old. The only document of her existence is a birth certificate stating that she was born on November 13, 1878 in Montreal Quebec. She entrusts Garth with her journals, which take readers back to April 1883, when Marged would have been 18 years old. She was the daughter of a lighthouse keeper of Cape Prius, on the Bruce Peninsula of Georgian Bay. There she lived in a cottage with her father, unwell mother, Aunt and Uncle. No stranger to furious storms, Marged and her family witness several shipwrecks, where the outcome plays throughout the novel. Nearby are two lodges owned by dear family friends; The Stewarts and a Doctor named McTavish, who studies birds. Although much of the book is in the form of journal entries, parts follow the journey Garth takes in his research to discover if the woman who claims to be Marged Brice is indeed as old as she states, what her connection with a famous Canadian artist George Stewart is and who exactly is Perdita. Meanwhile Garth connects with a childhood friend named Clare and we learn of the devastating events he experienced. Coincidently, their family cottages was located near where Marged lived with her family near the lighthouse many years before.
My favourite parts about this book included the time period it was set in (the late 1800's) and its location on the Bruce Peninsula of Georgian Bay. Although I was engrossed in the story, there were parts I found to be misleading and drawn out. I can understand how this might deter readers. However it was well researched and the Victorian language of Marged's journal entries was believable.
I rate this book 3.5/5 and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, paranormal/fantasy and Greek mythology.
To read my full review on Perdita by Hilary Scharper, visit my blog.
http://mlsmanyreads.blogspot.ca/2015/...
Garth Hellyer, a historian and writer is doing research in an Ontario nursing home interviewing its residents for a “Longevity Project”, in search for the oldest person in the world. It is here that he is introduced to a woman by the name of Marged Brice, who claims she is 134 years old. The only document of her existence is a birth certificate stating that she was born on November 13, 1878 in Montreal Quebec. She entrusts Garth with her journals, which take readers back to April 1883, when Marged would have been 18 years old. She was the daughter of a lighthouse keeper of Cape Prius, on the Bruce Peninsula of Georgian Bay. There she lived in a cottage with her father, unwell mother, Aunt and Uncle. No stranger to furious storms, Marged and her family witness several shipwrecks, where the outcome plays throughout the novel. Nearby are two lodges owned by dear family friends; The Stewarts and a Doctor named McTavish, who studies birds. Although much of the book is in the form of journal entries, parts follow the journey Garth takes in his research to discover if the woman who claims to be Marged Brice is indeed as old as she states, what her connection with a famous Canadian artist George Stewart is and who exactly is Perdita. Meanwhile Garth connects with a childhood friend named Clare and we learn of the devastating events he experienced. Coincidently, their family cottages was located near where Marged lived with her family near the lighthouse many years before.
My favourite parts about this book included the time period it was set in (the late 1800's) and its location on the Bruce Peninsula of Georgian Bay. Although I was engrossed in the story, there were parts I found to be misleading and drawn out. I can understand how this might deter readers. However it was well researched and the Victorian language of Marged's journal entries was believable.
I rate this book 3.5/5 and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, paranormal/fantasy and Greek mythology.
To read my full review on Perdita by Hilary Scharper, visit my blog.
http://mlsmanyreads.blogspot.ca/2015/...
February 19, 2015
How old is Marged Brice really? In search for the oldest person in the country for the Longevity Project Garth Hellyer is introduced to Marged Brice. This healthy looking woman claims she is 134 years old and she has her birth certificate to proof it. She also claims she does not mind to die but cannot as she is held back by Perdita
Having the obvious doubts Garth promises her to read her journals in the hope to find out connections he can investigate to support her claim of her age. And who is this Perdita that keeps her alive?
Fighting his own ghosts from the past Garth and his childhood friend Clare try to find out the truth about Marged life.
I enjoyed reading this book. There are two stories. One telling bits and pieces about Garth's life and how he is working on the investigation. The other part is formed by Marged journal's. Both stories are interesting to read but I missed the real connection between the two stories. It does make sense as Marged and Garth's life have nothing to do with each other except for the Longevity Project. Still I wanted more story in separate books or something like finding out he was her secret grandson. On the other hand I can appreciate that no connection was forced to make it like that.
I liked Garth. He seems friendly and interested. Maybe at points a bit obsessive. I could feel he was troubled and the reason why is disclosed in the story. Still there never was a point where he really touched me. I missed a real spark, life, something that showed he was really more than just a character needed to investigate Marged story and not having an own story for the sake of it.
Marged on the other hand was very lively. She jumped of the pages but did annoy me at times too. Having a 19 year old girl who actually went to college in a 'big' city on the one hand but a girl who grew up in a lighthouse on a remote location somewhere on the other hand. I felt she was often to naive for someone who has been studying. She felt more like a silly teenager. So eventually I put the question about her age aside and just enjoyed her troubled love life stories.
Having the obvious doubts Garth promises her to read her journals in the hope to find out connections he can investigate to support her claim of her age. And who is this Perdita that keeps her alive?
Fighting his own ghosts from the past Garth and his childhood friend Clare try to find out the truth about Marged life.
I enjoyed reading this book. There are two stories. One telling bits and pieces about Garth's life and how he is working on the investigation. The other part is formed by Marged journal's. Both stories are interesting to read but I missed the real connection between the two stories. It does make sense as Marged and Garth's life have nothing to do with each other except for the Longevity Project. Still I wanted more story in separate books or something like finding out he was her secret grandson. On the other hand I can appreciate that no connection was forced to make it like that.
I liked Garth. He seems friendly and interested. Maybe at points a bit obsessive. I could feel he was troubled and the reason why is disclosed in the story. Still there never was a point where he really touched me. I missed a real spark, life, something that showed he was really more than just a character needed to investigate Marged story and not having an own story for the sake of it.
Marged on the other hand was very lively. She jumped of the pages but did annoy me at times too. Having a 19 year old girl who actually went to college in a 'big' city on the one hand but a girl who grew up in a lighthouse on a remote location somewhere on the other hand. I felt she was often to naive for someone who has been studying. She felt more like a silly teenager. So eventually I put the question about her age aside and just enjoyed her troubled love life stories.
January 31, 2015
Although it is only the beginning of the year, Perdita is certain to be one of my favourite reads of 2015. It was a wonderful reading experience and I had an amazing time watching the mystery around Perdita unfold through Marged’s diaries. The novel had the perfect pace to create and keep a suspense that practically glued me to the book until I finished it.
Concerning the interplay between the present-day and the diary parts, I was pleasantly surprised how well the novel kept them apart in tone and register. Even without the diary headings, you could immediately tell from the change in narrative voice when a switch took place between the present day world and the 19th century diaries.
The narration had a wonderful natural flow which perfectly linked in with the novel’s overall preoccupation with the intricate relationship between nature and man. Since I finished the novel, I read up on the author, Hilary Scharper, and found out that she actually lived at the Georgian Bay for some time. Her thorough knowledge of the Bay shows in her captivating and intimate descriptions of it, which made it easy for me to completely lose myself in Marged’s world. Not many books made me feel as connected to their setting as Perdita did.
Since I don’t want to spoil the reading fun, I won’t go into detail about the plot, but Perdita is populated by interesting characters whose different personalities made the novel an even greater pleasure for me to read.
All in all, this was without the shadow of a doubt a 5 star read for me!
I’d recommend Perdita for lovers of Gothic, Victorian, and Neo-Victorian novels, as well as for lovers of nature and classical mythology. For further information about the author and her book, I’d also recommend her website http://perditanovel.com/.
I'd like to thank the author and the publisher for the copy I got from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion!
Concerning the interplay between the present-day and the diary parts, I was pleasantly surprised how well the novel kept them apart in tone and register. Even without the diary headings, you could immediately tell from the change in narrative voice when a switch took place between the present day world and the 19th century diaries.
The narration had a wonderful natural flow which perfectly linked in with the novel’s overall preoccupation with the intricate relationship between nature and man. Since I finished the novel, I read up on the author, Hilary Scharper, and found out that she actually lived at the Georgian Bay for some time. Her thorough knowledge of the Bay shows in her captivating and intimate descriptions of it, which made it easy for me to completely lose myself in Marged’s world. Not many books made me feel as connected to their setting as Perdita did.
Since I don’t want to spoil the reading fun, I won’t go into detail about the plot, but Perdita is populated by interesting characters whose different personalities made the novel an even greater pleasure for me to read.
All in all, this was without the shadow of a doubt a 5 star read for me!
I’d recommend Perdita for lovers of Gothic, Victorian, and Neo-Victorian novels, as well as for lovers of nature and classical mythology. For further information about the author and her book, I’d also recommend her website http://perditanovel.com/.
I'd like to thank the author and the publisher for the copy I got from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion!
February 8, 2013
Review take II... I wrote a great one on my iPhone, but accidentally deleted it when trying to correct my typos; now I struggle...
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway -- thank you Goodreads -- and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Garth Hellyer, a researcher for the Longevity Project discovers a woman, Marged Brice, who claims to be 134 years old. When he visits her, he finds that she has remarkable eyes and the appearance of someone much younger, but he is highly skeptical of her claim to be so old. Marged just wants to die. Marged convinces Garth to read her journals in hopes that this will convince him that she is as old as she claims and also that through his help, she may finally be able to leave this earthly existence. So begins the story of Perdita.
The story is told in the present through the voice of Garth and in the past through Marged's journals. Marged's voice, through her journals, seems so genuine and historically real, that on more than one ocassion I found myself checking my Wiki app to see if these people really existed! The writing of the journals section painted vivid pictures both in the description of Marged's surroundings, wherever she was, as well as of the artwork she was seeing and/or creating. It was done in such a seemingly true Victorian voice that it's hard to believe they were written recently!
The middle section of the book was a wee bit draggy and I found myself wishing there was more written in the present. However, these were very minor complaints as overall, the book kept me enthralled and turning pages. I particularly enjoyed the references to the classics and the story of Perdita from Greek Mythology.
I highly recommend this book, when it is released on April 16th, 2013. I also share the sentiment that a follow-up book that continues the story, would be welcomed!!
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway -- thank you Goodreads -- and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Garth Hellyer, a researcher for the Longevity Project discovers a woman, Marged Brice, who claims to be 134 years old. When he visits her, he finds that she has remarkable eyes and the appearance of someone much younger, but he is highly skeptical of her claim to be so old. Marged just wants to die. Marged convinces Garth to read her journals in hopes that this will convince him that she is as old as she claims and also that through his help, she may finally be able to leave this earthly existence. So begins the story of Perdita.
The story is told in the present through the voice of Garth and in the past through Marged's journals. Marged's voice, through her journals, seems so genuine and historically real, that on more than one ocassion I found myself checking my Wiki app to see if these people really existed! The writing of the journals section painted vivid pictures both in the description of Marged's surroundings, wherever she was, as well as of the artwork she was seeing and/or creating. It was done in such a seemingly true Victorian voice that it's hard to believe they were written recently!
The middle section of the book was a wee bit draggy and I found myself wishing there was more written in the present. However, these were very minor complaints as overall, the book kept me enthralled and turning pages. I particularly enjoyed the references to the classics and the story of Perdita from Greek Mythology.
I highly recommend this book, when it is released on April 16th, 2013. I also share the sentiment that a follow-up book that continues the story, would be welcomed!!
December 10, 2014
Garth Hellyer is a historian in charge of the Longevity Project, which is collecting oral histories of the oldest people in Canada. A woman at a nursing home claims to be 134 years old and shows him her birth certificate to prove it. When he is obviously skeptical, she decides to give him her personal journals, which start in 1897 and document the life of Marged Brice. They tell the story of what life was like in the Georgian Bay of Ontario and the Cape Prius Lighthouse at the turn of the century, especially in the context of this vibrant young woman and her natural connection with its landscape and its people. It shows a tale of love, loss and a bit of redemption, which is mirrored in its modern day accompaniment story. Just who is Perdita and what is her connection to Ms. Brice? Is Marged really who she says she is? 4 stars.
I liked the cover of this book and the initial premise sounded interesting. I actually loved the incredibly detailed descriptions of the nineteenth century part of this book, but wasn't so much a fan of the modern day story (though it obviously paralleled the older story). It wasn't until after I read the book that I saw it compared to "Wuthering Heights" and "Jane Eyre" and I can definitely see aspects of them in the romantic brooding story. I liked that the book was mostly a historical fiction mystery with a little mythology thrown in for good measure, but I think the book got a bit bogged down by that. It was nearly 3/4 the way through the book before we figured out who Perdita actually was and her true importance to both Marged and Garth. I did like the way the author kept you guessing as to who was the true love of Marged's life.
Disclaimer: I received this advanced reader's copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the cover of this book and the initial premise sounded interesting. I actually loved the incredibly detailed descriptions of the nineteenth century part of this book, but wasn't so much a fan of the modern day story (though it obviously paralleled the older story). It wasn't until after I read the book that I saw it compared to "Wuthering Heights" and "Jane Eyre" and I can definitely see aspects of them in the romantic brooding story. I liked that the book was mostly a historical fiction mystery with a little mythology thrown in for good measure, but I think the book got a bit bogged down by that. It was nearly 3/4 the way through the book before we figured out who Perdita actually was and her true importance to both Marged and Garth. I did like the way the author kept you guessing as to who was the true love of Marged's life.
Disclaimer: I received this advanced reader's copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2015
** This review was submitted to all respectful parties PRIOR to posting it to GoodReads. **
When I was personally invited by the publisher to review this novel I accepted it because judging by the synopsis of the novel I knew that the possibilities of where the adventure would lead me as the reader seemed endless and truthfully such things were. This book is a riveting, stirring tale that contained moments of mystery, romance and along the lines of twists that I was not expecting to uncover.
For the most part I was very pleased with this book from beginning to end. My only fault with this story was that I was prepared to see a much stronger writing flow. The writing is good, but as a reader who prefers richer more complex writing I would have liked to see the author go deeper into the lives of her characters and the history that surrounds such characters. Personally, I believe that Scharper has the ability to tell a story as she has proven with this book, but I'm hoping that the author pushes herself into writing a book that is much deeper in her writing alone.
My favorite detail about this book was the mystery surrounding the identity of who Perdita was. I was somewhat shocked when I uncovered this and since I do not believe in sharing spoilers in my review I am going to remain silent and allow readers to discover this detail for themselves.
On a final note the many comparisons to this author to classical authors such as Bronte or Austen I do not believe is necessary. While those authors established their own reputations with their own unique imaginations this is the modern world and I believe that authors such as Scharper are paving the way for newer generations of writing and stories that can equally stand on their own without the need for traditional comparisons.
When I was personally invited by the publisher to review this novel I accepted it because judging by the synopsis of the novel I knew that the possibilities of where the adventure would lead me as the reader seemed endless and truthfully such things were. This book is a riveting, stirring tale that contained moments of mystery, romance and along the lines of twists that I was not expecting to uncover.
For the most part I was very pleased with this book from beginning to end. My only fault with this story was that I was prepared to see a much stronger writing flow. The writing is good, but as a reader who prefers richer more complex writing I would have liked to see the author go deeper into the lives of her characters and the history that surrounds such characters. Personally, I believe that Scharper has the ability to tell a story as she has proven with this book, but I'm hoping that the author pushes herself into writing a book that is much deeper in her writing alone.
My favorite detail about this book was the mystery surrounding the identity of who Perdita was. I was somewhat shocked when I uncovered this and since I do not believe in sharing spoilers in my review I am going to remain silent and allow readers to discover this detail for themselves.
On a final note the many comparisons to this author to classical authors such as Bronte or Austen I do not believe is necessary. While those authors established their own reputations with their own unique imaginations this is the modern world and I believe that authors such as Scharper are paving the way for newer generations of writing and stories that can equally stand on their own without the need for traditional comparisons.
July 8, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
3.5 stars. I enjoy Canadian writing, and Perdita by Hilary Scharper was no exception. You can tell from the vivid and detailed descriptions of the bay and landscape how much the author loves the land, and this really comes across in the language and the book.
The story begins as Garth, tasked by the Longevity Project, attempts to unearth the mystery of how old the mysterious Marged is. The book was a little slow starting and you are quickly thrust back in time and plunged into long, long pages of diary entries. Initially I wished there was more back and forward between the present time interactions of Garth, Claire and Marged, but after getting absorbed in the back story of Marged, the style became less of a frustration.
The book tackles lots of themes without resting comfortably on one - nature, family, enduring love, Greek mythology, addiction, age, the supernatural - quite a mixed bag and I didn't feel it always needed so many of these layers to be an intricate and enjoyable read. I was also a little disappointed with the somewhat cheesy ending which also left questions unanswered...perhaps setting the stage for a follow up?
An interesting debut, and a Canadian author to keep an eye on!
3.5 stars. I enjoy Canadian writing, and Perdita by Hilary Scharper was no exception. You can tell from the vivid and detailed descriptions of the bay and landscape how much the author loves the land, and this really comes across in the language and the book.
The story begins as Garth, tasked by the Longevity Project, attempts to unearth the mystery of how old the mysterious Marged is. The book was a little slow starting and you are quickly thrust back in time and plunged into long, long pages of diary entries. Initially I wished there was more back and forward between the present time interactions of Garth, Claire and Marged, but after getting absorbed in the back story of Marged, the style became less of a frustration.
The book tackles lots of themes without resting comfortably on one - nature, family, enduring love, Greek mythology, addiction, age, the supernatural - quite a mixed bag and I didn't feel it always needed so many of these layers to be an intricate and enjoyable read. I was also a little disappointed with the somewhat cheesy ending which also left questions unanswered...perhaps setting the stage for a follow up?
An interesting debut, and a Canadian author to keep an eye on!
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