The Sorrow Stone

Medieval Stones Series

By: Jane Ann McLachlan

Narrated by: Lillian Rachel

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Would you pay someone to bear your sorrow?

During the Middle Ages, a peasant's superstition held that a mother mourning the death of her child could "sell her sorrow" by selling a nail from her child's coffin to a peddler.

Lady Celeste is overwhelmed with grief when her infant son dies. Desperate to find relief, she escapes the convent where her husband has sent her to recover and begs a passing peddler to buy her sorrow. Jean, the cynical peddler she meets, is nobody’s fool; he does not believe in superstitions and insists Celeste include the valuable ruby ring on her finger along with the nail in return for his coin.

As Jean continues on his route and Celeste returns to the Abbey, they both find themselves changed by their transaction in ways neither of them anticipated. Jean finds that bearing another’s sorrow opens him to strange emotions and dangerous mistakes as he travels his route and navigates the perils of life in the Middle Ages. Meanwhile Celeste learns that without her wedding ring her husband may set her aside, leaving her ruined. She determines to retrieve it before he finds out - without reclaiming her sorrow. But how will she find the peddler and convince him to give up the precious ruby ring?

If you like realistic medieval fiction with evocative prose, compelling characters, and a unique story, you’ll love this incredible journey into the south of France in the 12th century, based on an actual medieval belief.

©2017 Jane Ann McLachlan (P)2020 Jane Ann McLachlan

An engaging story.

This was a fascinating story, full of meticulous and interesting facts about medieval France. The picture painted was so vividly, I felt as though I was there. The storyline followed Lady Celeste and Jean the peddler, the way in which their paths crossed and the consequences. I did think that Celeste was immature in her actions but then she was just seventeen and had suffered a traumatic event. I did feel it was a little slow at first but it gathered in pace as the story progressed. I was pleased to read that there will be further books about the characters. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to and she changed her voice for the different characters.

When a superstition becomes reality

This is a very well-written and well researched story read by an amazing narrator. Classic historical fiction with a twist.
What would life be like if you were unable to experience sorrow? Would all of your other emotions be tampered down as well? What would that do to a person?
Interesting look into the human psyche (with the happy ending I hoped for - so thank you for that!)
I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Captivating Story

Jane Ann McLachlan has written a fascinating story that takes place in the Medieval period. The story is engrossing and filled with twists and turns. I like the way she weaves the individual stories of Lady Celeste and Jean, the peddler and how their stories intertwine. Her research into the period is very evident. I recommend this tale without equivocation. Lillian Rachel's narration is lovely, I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

Wonderful story, beautifully narrated

Ms. McLachlan’s effortless story faithfully follows medieval culture and superstition, while remaining, above all, spiritually satisfying. Lillian Rachel’s narration is absolutely charming. I’m sure her children always looked forward to story time, as she brings everything to life. I’ll be purchasing the series, because I don’t want it to end.

Interim review

Circumstances right now prevent me from writing an extensive review. I will update my review as soon as I am able.

Bravo!

I really enjoyed the attention to detail in this story. Historical novels can sometimes rely too heavily on the reader's previous knowledge of the time period, but this book was full of minute details which I feel we're crucial to painting the scene. I appreciated how our modern understanding of mental health was shadowed in the background, allowing the reader to decide if Celeste's sorrow was really magically sold, or if what was happening was simply a side effect if grief. My only criticism is the story was slow in some places, but otherwise I give it a resounding, Bravo!

The Sorrow Stone

This was a wonderful first book in a series.I look forward to reading more. Lilian Rachel was a very good narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.