The Sleeper’s Castle was my first book by Barbara Erskine but for sure not the last one. This one was again a great historical romance book. This time the past took place in the 1400s in Wales, which gave the story a very mysterious and atmospheric vibe. The story is steeped in magic, Celtic mysticism, and the history of Wales. I also really enjoyed the writing style of the author. The descriptions are beautiful and she knows how to create excitement. You cannot wait to find out what will happen next.
Plot
The unfolding plot transpires within the walls of the Sleeper’s Castle which was home to a bard Daffyd and his daughter Catrin around the year 1400. They composed and performed songs to entertain the big lords scattered all across the country. Moreover, both Catrin and his father possessed the extraordinary ability to glimpse fragments of the future through their dreams. Many of these visions foretold impending pain, fire, and war. Endowed with this unique gift, they found themselves entangled in the conflict between Wales and England. Daffyd emerged as a visionary counselor to Owain Glyndwr, the leader of the Welsh uprising. Though Catrin stayed at home she wasn’t safe at all because of the growing tension even between the Welsh.
Meanwhile, in the present, Andy moved in temporarily to the Sleeper’s Castle to look after a cat. Having recently lost her life partner, Graham, and facing eviction from her home by the heartless wife Rhona, Andy seeks solace and tranquility in the countryside. What she didn’t expect was that she would have disturbing dreams in the house that seemed too real. These dreams about Catrin’s life captivate Andy’s attention and gradually develop into a mild obsession. Over time, her curiosity deepens, and she becomes determined to uncover Catrin’s story. But it’s a dangerous game as the boundary between past and present begins to blur.
Character dynamics
What truly resonated with me in this book was the dynamics between the characters. There are many side characters in both timelines, it would be impractical to delve into each one. Therefore, I’ll focus on those that left a lasting impression.
In the past, I would like to highlight the Daffyd – Catrin and Owain triangle. Father and daughter had a very toxic relationship. Catrin did everything blindly for his father out of love. Still, his father was always unhappy and dissatisfied. He also had a very demanding nature and he was prone to jealousy. His jealousy reached a breaking point when he discovered Catrin’s superior writing skills. He wanted to destroy her poems not caring how important it was for Catrin. In stark contrast, Owain emerged as a paternal figure who genuinely cared for Catrin. Always loving and supportive, he recognized her talents and nurtured them.
Shifting to the present it was Meryn’s character that intrigued me. He was the mysterious owner of the house on the top of the hill. For half of the book, he was not present but when he became part of the story he brought wisdom and support. Skilled in herbs and dreams, Meryn played a crucial role in aiding the lost Andy.
As a bonus, I would like to add the connection between Andy and Pepper, the cat. Pepper, through its mere presence, became a source of support for Andy. Without the cat, she might have found herself entirely isolated in the house and lost in the dreams that haunted her.
My review
In my view, this book proves to be an excellent pick for history enthusiasts and those with a fondness for Welsh culture. There were many historically accurate facts in it which I think is great. My only problem was that the thriller subplot with the crazy Rhona was too excessive and Andy’s reaction to being threatened was not credible. One more negative note is that though the book is a romance novel, sadly none of the relationships left a lasting impression on me. Despite these concerns, I recommend this book.
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