The Arcadian: A Novel by Steven PressfieldMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Nothing much good was happening in Spain in the 1500s, so this story of reincarnation and redemption is understandably grim.
Based on Steven Pressfield’s past works, I was expecting a bit more historical fiction and less woo-woo, but the story is filled with time-jumping visions and mystical manifestations. My bad for not heeding the book description, which is accurate.
As the story slowly unfolds, a passel of seemingly random characters is introduced. The main character is not actually the Arcadian, but a young girl who is caught up in the battles between the Portuguese and the Andalusians. Unfortunately, we have no idea how she feels or why, since all we are given are her actions as seen by others. In fact, the third-person point of view doesn’t cover the internal sensibilities of any characters.
Hence, throughout the entire first half of the book, I had no idea why I was in this setting or what the plot was about. I stuck with it, but was sorely tempted to give up several times.
The audiobook engineering was lacking, as well. Although I have loved narrator George Guidall for his narration talents in the past, this was simply not a good match. The poor sound quality and jumbled narrative increased my disappointment in the book.
I thank NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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