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| About the Book |
Book Title: Sisters of Castle Leod: A Novel
Author: Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard
Publication Date: January 19, 2023
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Page Length: 293
Genre: Historical Fiction, Biographical Historical Fiction
Cover Art: oil on glass painting, © Alison Hale, https://alisonhale.co.nz/
**Finalist in the 2022 American Writing Awards**
Millions are fans of Diana Gabaldon’s popular Outlander books and television series, but few know that Gabaldon’s fictional Castle Leoch was inspired by a real Scottish castle, Castle Leod. The two sisters who lived there at the turn of the twentieth century were among the most fascinating and talked-about women of their era.
Lady Sibell Mackenzie is a spiritualist, a believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romances. Petite and proper, she values tradition and duty. Her younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big game hunter, is a statuesque beauty who scandalizes British society with her public displays of Greek-style barefoot dancing. The differences between the sisters escalate into conflict after Sibell inherits their late father’s vast estates and the title 3rd Countess of Cromartie. But it is the birth of Sibell’s daughter that sets in motion a series of bizarre and tragic events, pitting sister against sister and propelling Sibell on a desperate mission to challenge the power of fate.
Sisters of Castle Leod, by award-winning author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, is the emotionally charged story of two sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition, and the impossible leap of faith that could finally bring them together.
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Staying True to Character in Historical Fiction
Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, author of
SISTERS OF CASTLE LEOD: A NOVEL
Historical fiction is one of the most interesting and creatively rewarding genres that an author can choose, but that choice brings unique challenges. Authors of historical fiction cannot help but be aware of the increasing trend toward seeing and judging the past through the critical lens of the present. It’s important to learn from the past; but in order to do that, one has to view people and events in history as they really were. In this respect, authors of historical fiction have a vital role to play. When we create characters, or interpret the lives of real-life historical figures, we must try our best to walk in their shoes, understanding their beliefs and behaviors in the context of the era in which they lived. That does not mean excusing immoral behavior, but it does mean crafting characters in a manner that attempts to depict them honestly, within the confines of their historical time and place, and elucidating their point of view, for better or worse.
As a female author often writing about women who lived in the past, I know how tempting it can be to impose on them my own modern thinking. Sometimes, they naturally share it. There have always been forward-thinking women who defy society’s norms and serve as an example for generations to come. Their stories are especially appealing because we identify with these women, and we feel a sense of gratitude for their courage in blazing new trails for the rest of us to follow. But not every historical female character worthy of our respect was a feminist in the modern sense.
In my historical novel SISTERS OF CASTLE LEOD, my two primary characters are Sibell Lilian Mackenzie, 3rd Countess of Cromartie, and her younger sister, Constance. Each was, in her own way, a trailblazer. Sibell had the good fortune, at the age of seventeen, to become a peeress in her own right, which means that she inherited her titles and wealth directly rather than through marriage. She was not, however, content to live an idle life. Instead, propelled by an intense belief in spiritualism and a love for the folklore of her Scottish Highlands, she became a prolific author of mystical romantic novels that achieved great popularity in the Edwardian era. Sibell enjoyed her financial independence, and she had more freedom than most of her contemporaries, but I found no evidence that she went out of her way to challenge edicts of the peerage system that continued to cast men in a superior role—even if she might privately complain.
Constance was quite the opposite of her dreamy, introspective older sister. She excelled at sports including swimming, fencing, shooting, and even big game hunting in India and Africa. Her rebellious youth evolved into a scandalous adulthood. In many ways, Constance resembled a modern feminist; my research suggests, however, that her exploits were motivated more by her own talents, interests, and competitive spirit than any conscious feminist ideology. In fact, I was surprised to discover in the historical record that Constance publicly disavowed the women’s suffrage movement, insisting that she did not support women having the vote. Constance was a remarkable person who developed skills that were unusual for women at that time. She was bold and adventurous, traveling the world and causing a stir wherever she went, but she does not appear to have been an outspoken advocate for women in general. She was, however, passionate about her personal philosophy. In her 1913 book entitled Dancing, Beauty and Games, she promotes an ideology stressing the pursuit of physical and mental health through a return to innocence and a natural way of life.
SISTERS OF CASTLE LEOD features strong women in leading roles—women who realize their dreams through talent and determination. But at the novel’s thematic core is the heartbreaking fragility of relationships and, in Sibell’s case, the enduring wish to believe in life’s goodness, despite knowing its unfathomable cruelty. These are timeless themes, as relevant today as ever.
Do you feel that popular culture places pressure on authors to reinterpret history and historical figures in conformance with modern ideas? If so, do you see this trend as positive, or negative, overall?
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About the Author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard
A former touring musician/songwriter and public relations professional, Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is the author of two Amazon bestsellers: THE BEAUTY DOCTOR, "a compelling historical novel steeped in mystery with strong elements of a medical thriller" (Readers' Favorite, 5 stars), and TEMPTATION RAG: A NOVEL, a "resonant novel ... about the birth and demise of ragtime ... luxuriously crafted" (Publishers Weekly).
Her books have been finalists for the Eric Hoffer Book Award, National Indie Excellence Awards, and Arizona Literary Contest; they have received 5-star ratings from Readers” Favorite, Book Readers Appreciation Group, and historical fiction Discovered Diamonds. Elizabeth and her family live near Phoenix, Arizona.
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note: Helen has not yet read this title - it is on her TBR list!
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