The Lost Sisterhood
Told in dual time periods, The Lost Sisterhood is the story of two very different women who have the courage to defy convention in order to fight for what they believe in. One is Diana Morgan, an Oxford philologist driven by family lore to prove that the legendary Amazons actually existed. When she’s approached by a stranger who offers her just the opportunity she needs, Diana embarks upon an adventure that takes her around the world in search of the last vestiges of this ancient civilization. But there are those who believe some secrets are meant to be kept, and Diana soon finds herself in grave danger.
Her ancient counterpart is a North African hunter named Myrina. She and her sister, Lilli, are the lone survivors of their village. Taken in by a group of priestesses, they see their idyllic life quickly become one of terror as hostile invaders desecrate all they hold dear. Myrina and the other survivors vow to never be victims again, a resolve tested many times, in many ways throughout the remainder of their lives.
As the narrative flips between the two tales, Fortier interweaves the storylines masterfully, giving just enough hint of what’s to come to keep the pages turning. Initially drawn in by the contemporary adventure, I quickly found myself absorbed by the historical tale, which puts a clever spin on Greek history and myth, making them come to life in fresh, compelling ways. By the end, both storylines had me racing to learn the final outcome, one which artfully marries the two stories in a series of twists that leaves you wondering just who to trust and who will prevail.
Fortier’s first novel, Juliet, is one of my favorite books, so this story had large shoes to fill. It did so well. Very highly recommended.
