The Short Knife

This was a wonderful read from start to finish. It took me a little way to get into the language used, and I think it could have benefited from a list of words and meanings somewhere in the book, although once you've got into the rhythm it becomes a delight to read and explore the language. The Short Knife wasn't quite what I had expected, as I think part of me had been expecting the usual, broader scope of historical fiction. This book has glimpses of that, but mostly this is a small, self-contained story within the wider world and historical period, and I actually loved that, as it was like getting a snapshot, especially as we follow Mai and therefore discover the world as she does. I loved the use of flashbacks, and the sense of mystery and atmosphere that permeated the entire story, and the author brought us full-circle to a wonderfully, satisfying ending.

I first found this book when asked about fiction titles which could be used by the history department. I read an extract and based on this ordered the hardback for the Library and put the book on the booklist.

The book itself has lived up to my expectations. The descriptions of danger and menace are excellent as are the descriptions of place and character. Much research went into finding out about how people lived, their loyalties and how they worked to survive.

The story is told from Mai’s point of view but in two different time periods, the earlier one slowly tells us how she got to the start of the second. Each are equally compelling. The story could have been told in a chronological way and it might have been as interesting but this format did add mystery, for instance when reading about life in Gwynedder’s camp I was wondering how Mai survived to reach the Saxon camp? I spent a long time wondering how Haf had ended up in the Saxon camp. I did guess who the father was, but I was so wrong about who was who. A twist which I was not expecting.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this.

'Modern classic' is a phrase used far too much but in this case I think it's well-deserved. This book is utterly absorbing. The historical details are never used at the expense of the story (no lumpy exposition here) and she skilfully weaves the two narrative timelines together in order to create just the right amount of tension, misdirection and intrigue. The characters are complex, her use and understanding of language is clever but never pretentious and like the historical details they wear their learning lightly. Highly recommended for confident readers of 11+

An enjoyable historical read. Slows down after first half but covers a time period not seen very often in children’s books

*I was given a copy of The Short Knife in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Andersen Press and Elen Caldecott*

The Short Knife is a YA historical fiction set in 454AD just after the Roman Empire has withdrawn from Britain. Living on a farm with her sister Haf and their father, Mai has been sheltered and cared for her entire life, until Saxon men come across their farm and leave destruction in their wake.

Now with nowhere to live and fearing for their lives the family must flee their home in hope of finding fellow Britons to take them in.

Now I’m not usually one for historical fiction, but The Short Knife sounded too interesting for me to pass up. I loved this book. From the get-go, I was captive in its grasp and was only held stronger by the intensity and suspense that every page left me in.

The story is told by Mai, but from two different time periods. Beginning with her current time, the summer solstice 455AD, the story switches to the previous autumn in 454AD with the times intertwine throughout. The autumn time period shows how she came to where she is now.

At first, this was a little confusing but as time went on the story became clearer. I actually really enjoyed this format as it constantly left me wanting more. Mai refers to her sister, who in the summer solstice time is giving birth, after reading the first few chapters it became very clear who the father was. With what happened on the farm, Haf was injured by one of the men, I was worried that this baby was not conceived under consenting circumstances. However, thankfully that was not the case. Apologies if that is somewhat of a spoiler, but I would hate for that plotline to be a trigger for anyone.

Leaving me questioning what I knew about the story I found that I needed to keep reading as the want to know was great. I genuinely think that I would not have enjoyed this book as much if the plot was written chronologically. Yes, it would have still been interesting, however, the switching of time periods add mystery to the story and allowed the reader to wonder how events affected each other.

Mai was a wonderful main character. At just 13 years old she was strong-willed but knew when to let something go. She never lost her fight at any point during the book, instead, she found different ways to use it. Her narration was beautiful and at times I forgot her young age.

Seeing her over time creates new relationships and develop sisterly bonds was an important part of the story. It feels like you are experiencing her growing up with every page and the maturity of the girl at the end of the story feels wise beyond her 13 years.

I believe that The Short Knife is intended for the younger side of the YA community (ages 9 - 14), but it can definitely be enjoyed by those older. At 22 myself I found the book engaging and the darker parts of the story kept me interested. There were a few moments of slightly explicit violence and little to no romance which leads me to believe that this can be enjoyed by all.