The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clare Marchant - Book Review

The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clare Marchant

Publication Date: 01st Sep 2022

Genre: Historical, Contemporary Women’s Fiction (Dual Timeline)

3 Stars

One Liner: Okayish; could have been better 

*****

Present Day-

Robyn lives with her father in his small apartment, helping him with the map shop. Her life has been the same for seven years when a tragic incident changed her life forever. The discovery of an exquisite map sparks an interest in her. Robyn starts to investigate and find more about the map with her father’s encouragement. Where does it lead her? How does it change her life?

1569-1581- 

Frieda had to flee her home and find safety in London. The Spanish intolerance for anything non-Catholic has destroyed all that she held dear and continues to give her nightmares. When her cartography skills put her in the Queen’s (Elizabeth I) sights, Frieda realizes she is under attack once again. This time, she has more to lose (husband and son) and will do anything to keep them safe. Can she succeed against political power and hate? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of the main characters, Frieda and Robyn. 

What I Like: 

The historical part deals with the Spanish Inquisition (the killing of Protestants across Europe) during the 16th century. It’s a change from the WWII stories. 

The historical setting is well-done. The descriptions feel a bit overdone at times, but they paint a clear picture. 

The scenes where Frieda works on the maps are my favorite. It’s one of the reasons I requested the book. The information about cartography, the tools, and the process is a treat to read. 

What Didn't Work for Me: 

I pretty much have no zero expectations from the contemporary track in dual timelines as most books I read have a strong historical track but a weak contemporary one. This book is no different, except that the historical part also didn’t create as much emotional impact as I expected. 

Frieda suffers from PTSD, and her entire story is woven around it. It feels too much after a while, especially with the Spanish Ambassador threatening her multiple times. The relationship between Frieda and others just doesn’t feel authentic. In fact, Frieda’s character appears half-removed from the setting except when she is creating maps. 

The contemporary track is boring. Robyn’s loss should have made me feel more empathetic. Sadly, it doesn’t. That aside, her investigation proceeds with minimum hiccups. Everything happens with ease. Even the roadblocks aren’t frustrating enough. 

There are a couple of random scenes that seem paranormal. I like paranormal stuff, but not when it doesn’t blend with the main narrative or appears out of nowhere and vanishes again. 

The climax is decent, but even that is easy. Despite the plot being set in an intense period, the story feels a bit too light. Intensity is missing almost throughout (except in the Prologue, which is very well done). 

To summarize, The Mapmaker's Daughter could have been a great read but didn’t meet my expectations. It’s an okay read, with cartography being the highlight. I’m a minority (right now), so others might like it more than I did. Read 5-star reviews before deciding. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley