Madapple tells the incredible story of a teenage girl called Aslaug who was raised by her mother, a woman who preferred solitude to anything else. She kept Aslaug at home most of the time, teaching her all about nature and life itself. Aslaug soon grew to differentiate herbs and which had a rich knowledge of languages and religion.However, when her mother dies a mysterious death, young Aslaug is left to learn the ways of the world. She knows little of how to communicate with others and life with estranged relatives in a nearby town is not all it proves to be.
Aslaug discovers that the knowledge taught to her by her dear mother is constantly questioned by others and she is often confused. She meets her manipulative cousin, Sanne, who insists that she was a virgin birth and destined for all good things. Is this true?
Aslaug, who is puzzled as to who her father is, asks her Aunt Sara to explain but later becomes horrified when a terrible secret is revealed.
There is more horror along the way when Aslaug becomes pregnant but insists she has never had sex. Does this have a connection with the attractive Rune? What will she do? She is later on trail for the murders of Sanne and Aunt Sara who died in a fire at the church. Can things get any worse for this woman, you have to ask. It seems wherever she is, life is changing before her eyes and her beliefs she once trusted are now broken.
Eras move between 1987 and 2007 - the year where Aslaug spends her time in the courtrooms accused of murder.
This is ultimately a story about how abuse and isolation can affect a person.
Meldrum’s research is clearly that - really well researched indeed and her writing is rich and full of imagination. While some characters are hatful and loathsome (you will understand if you read this book) others like Aslaug are lovable and you do end up sharing a huge amount of empathy for them. It is a tale where religion is woven throughout and there is much emotion too.
I can’t really tell much more about this tale without giving too much away but trust me - there is a lot that happens in this book that promises never to leave you feeling bored.
Meldrum is an excellent writer so let’s just hope she writes another book like this one!
The above review was contributed by:Jessica Roberts:Jessica is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books. To read more of Jessica's reviews CLICK HERE
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