Only Sofia-Elisabete by Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi ★★★★☆
Worth the effort
Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam, is a 15-year-old,
British-Portuguese girl and natural granddaughter of the Earl of Matlock.
In 1825, she lives in Spain with her mother and stepfather.
She struggles against the culture which allows women minimal education and no
freedom.
She loves a Scotsman, Kitt Munro and hopes for a life with him.
When her family try to sell her into an arranged marriage with an unpleasant
elderly nobleman, she feels betrayed and decides to strike out on her own.
So begins a perilous journey across Spain and France, with the aim to re-join her English family.
I will be honest, I initially struggled with this book and almost abandoned
reading it. Perseverance paid off however as it is an enjoyable read. The author is not kidding, describing this as magical realism. It is seriously
weird in places, but when you realise that the character has heat-stroke and a
concussion, it makes more sense!
This is an epic journey both figuratively and literally, which sweeps from Spain to the Scottish Hebrides.
There is betrayal and loss, love and acceptance, rebirth and a happy ending! What more could you want
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
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