Official Review: Ogham by John Saunders

mmm17 · Post by **mmm17** » 06 Apr 2020, 13:25

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ogham" by John Saunders.]

3 out of 4 stars

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John Saunders lets readers know that it took him many years to write this fact-filled book, which is an example of a fictional story based on historical facts. For many years, he has felt puzzled by a mystery involving a pit dug on an island in Nova Scotia centuries ago. Many have tried to excavate it over the years without success because it has a booby trap – a defensive flooding mechanism. In Ogham, the author mixes fact and fiction to answer what was in there, who buried it, and why.

The book has three parts. The first one takes place more than two thousand years ago. It narrates a journey made by young Jesus to Ynys Witrin (nowadays Glastonbury, England), with his great-uncle Joseph of Arimathea, to be taught by the druids. The second part takes place in the sixteenth century as royal dignitaries make the monks of Glastonbury Abbey recognize King Henry’s supremacy over the Roman Catholic Church. In the third part, readers come to present-day New Orleans and follow Robert Chancellor (aka Bo) and Claire Dauterive as they search for a hidden treasure brought to Louisiana in the eighteenth century by the first Acadian settlers who came from Nova Scotia.

What I most liked about the book was the narration of the trip from Nazareth to Ynys Witrin. The author did a great job of describing the territories as they were back then, and I particularly enjoyed how he used the ancient names. For instance, he marvelously describes Caesarea and its port, Sebastos, as well as the harbor of Massilia, the ancient name of Marseille, France. I appreciated how the author described the culture, especially the culinary of the region – “they were served seasoned mussels and a thin soup with barley and peas.”

I also enjoyed the description of ancient Celtic traditions and beliefs. While staying in Ynys Witrin, Jesus (who uses the name David while there) meets Manda, a young woman studying to become a female druid. I enjoyed learning that Celtic women were distinct in the ancient world for their liberty and rights. Manda teaches David how to write on rolls of leather using an ancient form of Celtic writing called Ogham, with characters based on elements of trees, created to prevent the Romans in the British Isles from reading what the Celts wrote.

Additionally, the romance between Bo and Claire adds nicely to the story. Claire is an attractive woman and a well-developed character, too. She and Bo develop a connection during this adventurous treasure hunt, which involves searching ancient burial sites and graves.

In closing, there are no negatives aspects to mention in this engaging book. The author skillfully threaded the story and kept me hooked the whole time. Unfortunately, it needs an additional round of editing, for it has several minor errors that prompt the deduction of a star, and I rate it 3 out of 4 stars. Otherwise, I would surely give it the highest rating. If you enjoy historical fiction, you should take a look at it. It will also appeal to readers who appreciate a good treasure hunt.

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Ogham
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Miraphery · Post by **Miraphery** » 07 Apr 2020, 18:18

I have a good impression of this one. Packed with historical events backed up by facts and also engaging, I think I would enjoy it.

Laura Lee · Post by **Laura Lee** » 07 Apr 2020, 20:35

Oh, cool! I've heard of that booby-trapped pit in Nova Scotia. This sounds like a really fun read! Thanks for your review.

Damis Seres Rodriguez · Post by **Damis Seres Rodriguez** » 15 Apr 2020, 16:37

When a book has well researched facts, I'm automatically in. I really appreciate the effort that is invested on more or less accurate descriptions. Sadly, this one, doesn't seem to be the kind of book that could strike my liking plot-wise. Thanks for the review!

Rwill0988 · Post by **Rwill0988** » 04 Jun 2020, 19:48

From your review, this book sounds right up my alley. The Celts are a historical subject I adore. I'm curious do the three part in this book have a common thread or are they short story set?