Madapple

Madapple, a beautifully written novel by Christina Meldrum, tells the story of Aslaug, a girl who lives with her mother, secluded from the outside world, and what happens to her when she is unexpectedly pushed into that world. Aslaug's mother has taught her to come to know the world through the eyes of science, and Aslaug knows all that is necessary to survive. When her mother dies, however, the young woman is forced to go out into the real, modern world, where science is not accepted by all. There, she is reunited with her aunt, Sara, and cousins, Susanne and Rune.

Aslaug is determined to find out who her father is, but is horrified when Sara tells her a terrible secret. Her confusion increases when Susanne, who has learned how to blend science with religion, tells Aslaug that she was born of a virgin birth. Meanwhile, Aslaug finds herself strongly attracted to Rune, and her life ends up taking an unexpected turn.

The tension mounts when Aslaug is accused of murder, and she must go to trial to prove her innocence. Things don't look so good for her, unless someone will speak up and tell the truth.

Christina Meldrum writes atmospherically, and she beautifully portrays her characters, peeling away the layers of the onion until we see their very core. With a page-turning plot that will keep you up long past midnight, Madapple (which will be published in May) will stick in your mind long after you have finished reading it. There are some mature themes, and the perfect reader age for this book is high school and older.

Buy this book: Madapple