Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Misty

Let me start by saying that in some weird way, this book blew me away.



Madapple is the story of Aslaug Hellig, a bright girl who was
raised in near isolation by her genius -- but disturbed -- mother. When
Aslaug's mother dies, Aslaug goes to the only place she can remember
her mother having taken her. The place, it turns out, is a former
monastery-turned-church, run by an aunt she never knew she had. Aslaug
moves into the church with her aunt Sara and her children, Sanne and
Rune, and gets caught up in the distrubing world they have created for
themselves.



Madapple mixes religion, mythology, psychology and (of all things)
botany to create a very captivating and disturbing world for Aslaug to
live in. Told through chapters set alternately in the present and in
the past, Aslaug's story is revealed slowly and cryptically, making the
book a potentially challenging read for some. Also, some themes and
subject matter may be too adult and/or inappropriate for some readers,
but for those who persevere and can handle the dark subject matter,
Madapple is a strange little gem. It is little wonder that Meldrum, a
first time author, was a finalist for the Morris Award.