A review by booklearner
The Fisherman's Lady by Michael R. Phillips, George MacDonald

4.0

I think every Christian needs to try reading at least one George Macdonald story.  Whether one of his children's books or one of his romance novels, a lot of theology gets packed into the story and characters and it does good for one's soul.  I appreciated the old-fashioned sense and virtues found in the character of Malcolm.  I recommend the edited version by Michael Phillips if you cannot slog your way through archaic Scots dialect.

So... a Christian gothic romance?  Hmmm, interesting combination.  Christian, --or at least Inspirational genre,-- yes.  Gothic, most certainly.  Very little romance.  Big plot twist.  Yes, I saw part of the twist coming, but not the half of it!!

I got some very good quotes and I definitely plan on finishing the sequel, and reading even more by Macdonald.  However, I would not say I agree with his all of his theology --even as respected as he is.  It is very surprising once you read about it.  Christian writers Michael Phillips and Madeleine L'Engle also subscribe to similar beliefs.  However, I would not say that they surface so much in the story for a person to recognize such a big difference between it and orthodox Christianity.

I mostly just loved the atmosphere.  The crackly, firelit, Scottish countryside; shadows, leaves, and forest; spooky attics.  It is such sensory fodder for a vivid imagination!  And, I had fun brushing up on my best Scottish accent. 

Wanting to travel far away to another time and place while sitting in your armchair safe at home?  Grab a cozy blanket and this novel... I'm sure it will be just the thing for you!  (*Side note: please ignore the popular book cover that's out there of a watercolor painting featuring boy and a very mature Florimel.  It makes it look so outdated and uninteresting.)