The Jet Necklace
Nelly Harper’s second historical novel recreates rural life and society in the far north of Britain during the era of Viking invasions. The story begins as young healer Oonagh comes of age in her Pictish village, where peace is about to be destroyed by Norse invaders. When their sacred talisman, a charmed jet necklace, falls into Oonagh’s hands, she hides it and flees for her life to nearby Orkney where she hides in plain sight amongst Viking settlers.
Her daughter, Bethoc, seeks retribution when Oonagh is wronged, and she is herself betrayed by the Norse. After an arduous journey, Bethoc joins forces with the surviving Picts from her mother’s village to vanquish the Vikings for good. The book naturally falls into three acts, the first focusing on Oongah, the second on Bethoc, and the third on the Pictish community as a whole, bringing the story full circle in a satisfying way.
Though this novel is densely packed with historical detail, it never intrudes on the story. The author’s rich evocation of the culture and society flows from the characters, their motivation and their actions, rather than simply providing a setting. Ms Harper provides a powerful, multi-sensory feel of the distinctive natural environment, which governed the local society’s lives. The result is a compelling tale of love, loss and renewal, as relevant in the modern age as in the era it describes. Altogether a very satisfying and rewarding read.
