Review of Maren, The Fisherman's Daughter

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 16 May 2025, 01:10

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Maren, The Fisherman's Daughter" by Eve Gwartney.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Through no fault of their own, young Maren and Betina must leave the family they love to labor on Agner Estridsen’s golden wheat farm. Their mother, Hanna, sees it as the only way for the family to survive. After their father and older brother were tragically taken by the sea, the girl’s family of nine sadly became a family of seven―Hanna and her six remaining children. Being ten and eight years old, the Iversen sisters are a similar age to other children who suffer the same misfortune of being indentured servants. In their short number of years, they have learned many practical skills―how to start a fire, how to cook meals, how to wash clothes, how to clean house, and how to make their own clothing. They are mature for their age, seeming to be almost like little adults. Yet they are still children with vivid imaginations who like playing silly games, exploring, and dreaming. They are homesick; they miss their Mor, their siblings, their friends, and their freedom. Sometimes they are fearful or sad. Yet they are brave, faithful, and filled with courage and resilience as they gladly contribute to the family’s finances. Life at Herr Estriden’s farm is not easy, but as the years pass, the sisters have each other for love, companionship, and support. They also have hope, and they have God. They are growing physically, learning new skills, making new friends, and learning to cope with their undeserved bondage when another unthinkable tragedy is responsible for shaping the path of many lives. What will this abrupt change mean for the Iversen family’s future? How will future lives be impacted? With Denmark as the backdrop, Eve Gwartney’s Maren, The Fisherman’s Daughter is a delightful work of historical fiction.

Maren has so many endearing features. What I loved most about this book was what it lacked―foul language, violence, and sexual scenes. How refreshing it was to read such a wholesome and unpolluted story! It was easy to enjoy the book because of the absence of distraction by assaults from filthy tongues or overly descriptive scenes of passion. Equally delightful was the soothing and almost poetic quality of the prose. While not all the text is expressed in this manner, you will find many lines such as the one on page 55: “Vanishing tones of the sky welcomed the intervention of the moon and stars.” The main characters are easy to love. Maren and Betina are precious little girls. Their older brother, Emil, is an outstanding young man, and their friend, Sallie, is a remarkable young woman. I also loved how the sisters cared for and took care of each other; their loving bond was endearing and pleasant. When I chose this book, I was unaware that it was filled with Christian values. To my delight, the author not only inserted a biblical proverb at strategic points throughout the book but also gently wove biblical principles throughout the narrative. Instead of being preachy, the text is subtly seasoned in a very tasteful fashion―integrity and decency are simply a part of who the characters are as people. I appreciated how the author, through creative means, thoughtfully allowed readers to peek inside the young minds, hearts, and spirits of the characters. Knowing what the characters were thinking and feeling resulted in a richer reading experience.

It’s difficult to find any fault in this book, but I can say that I wish the author had been a little more descriptive with the main characters’ physical attributes. Having a clear image to pair with the personalities would add another level of depth and enjoyment to the read.

With only a small number of minor imperfections, this book proves to be miles above average in the editing department. It’s a beautiful story filled with themes of love, sacrifice, courage, forgiveness, and redemption. Because it’s such a refreshing and delightful book, well written with very few errors, containing loveable and memorable characters, free from vulgarity, and gently extolling Godly values, Maren, The Fisherman’s Daughter fully deserves my rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Although it’s a great match for Christians, especially those who enjoy historical fiction, I believe non-Christians also could find enjoyment in reading Maren, especially those who appreciate clean prose. This book would also be appropriate for young adults or anyone who likes to read stories featuring children and teens in a historical setting.

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Maren, The Fisherman's Daughter
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Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 18 May 2025, 09:01

I am wondering what kind of strategy could have struck again, when it appears the Iversen sisters were persevering through the seemingly tough times and insurmountable obstacles. The good thing is that they never let their hope die out and that they had God.
Thanks for the review, @Sandra Smith 18.

camiss assessoria · Post by **camiss assessoria** » 18 May 2025, 15:14

It’s moving to see how the sisters’ childhood was shaped by such heavy burdens, and yet they carried on with courage and faith. Stories like this remind us of the strength that can emerge even in the darkest moments.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and heartfelt review, @Sandra Smith 18.

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 18 May 2025, 21:58

Kibet Hillary wrote: ↑18 May 2025, 09:01 I am wondering what kind of strategy could have struck again, when it appears the Iversen sisters were persevering through the seemingly tough times and insurmountable obstacles. The good thing is that they never let their hope die out and that they had God.
Thanks for the review, @Sandra Smith 18.

Thanks for your comment Kibet. I hope that you get a chance to enjoy this wonderful book and find out what happens!

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 18 May 2025, 22:02

Evelyn Bonfim wrote: ↑18 May 2025, 15:14 It’s moving to see how the sisters’ childhood was shaped by such heavy burdens, and yet they carried on with courage and faith. Stories like this remind us of the strength that can emerge even in the darkest moments.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and heartfelt review, @Sandra Smith 18.

Thanks for your comment, Evelyn. Many times, we have more strength than we think or know.

Hills Christopher Albert · Post by **Hills Christopher Albert** » 24 May 2025, 11:34

This review warmed my heart. I love stories that highlight resilience, faith, and family bonds—especially when told in a wholesome and beautifully written way. Maren, The Fisherman’s Daughter sounds like a touching and inspiring read. Adding it to my list!

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 24 May 2025, 15:51

Hills Christopher Albert wrote: ↑24 May 2025, 11:34 This review warmed my heart. I love stories that highlight resilience, faith, and family bonds—especially when told in a wholesome and beautifully written way. Maren, The Fisherman’s Daughter sounds like a touching and inspiring read. Adding it to my list!

Thanks for your comment, Hills Christopher. I'm glad you're adding Maren to your reading list. I'm sure you will enjoy it!

Sue Ebert · Post by **Sue Ebert** » 25 May 2025, 16:12

This seems like a lovely and wholesome piece of historical fiction. Two young, courageous sisters leaving their home to support their family and having to endure unthinkable circumstances. Your review will be helpful to many potential readers. Thank you!

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 25 May 2025, 17:46

Sue Ebert wrote: ↑25 May 2025, 16:12 This seems like a lovely and wholesome piece of historical fiction. Two young, courageous sisters leaving their home to support their family and having to endure unthinkable circumstances. Your review will be helpful to many potential readers. Thank you!

Thanks for your comment, Sue! It really is a lovely book. I hope to find many more like this one!