Queen of the Mountain by TAK Erzinger (Book Review)

What if you lost someone very important to you and didn’t have anyone around you who understood your feelings?

One summer, a sad woman arrives in a tiny village. A little girl in the village recognizes her sadness.

In this gentle and loving story, a carefree farm girl strikes up an unusual friendship with an interesting foreigner.

Soon they both realize they have a lot in common, even though they have very different lives.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Grief can impact us emotionally, physically, and mentally. It can put a strain on our bodies as well as relationships. Just as grief affects us differently, how we handle the loss differs as well. Some people might isolate themselves as they work to process their loss, while others seek professional guidance. Some people might seek solace through family and friends. Others might need to get away or visit a place that makes them feel connected to the individual(s) they are missing. Recently, the Countess of Kent’s husband, Prince Albert, passed away, so she traveled to a small village to feel closer to her beloved. The countess spends her days staring at the beautiful and picturesque landscape. Sometimes, a local child (Vicky) would observe the older woman resting on the hillside; other times, Vicky would watch the Countess of Kent paint for hours.

Vicky and the countess shared more than the love of the gorgeous scenery surrounding the village. Like the countess, Vicky lost someone close to her: her mother. One day, Vicky left a bouquet for the sad lady at the inn. The darling girl’s thoughtful gesture will touch readers, especially when we learn the flowers came from her mother’s garden and how they reminded the countess of the roses in her locket, a gift from her late husband.

Grief can tear people apart, but it can also draw people together. Sometimes, a bond can form between the unlikeliest people, as with the farm girl and the older woman. As the story progresses, it takes an unexpected turn; the countess shocks Vicky with a surprise revelation, leading to hurt feelings. However, readers won’t have to wait long for apologies to be accepted and bonds reform. It was a beautiful and touching ending.

If you or someone you know is grieving, I strongly recommend sharing this touching story with them. It might serve as a comforting companion in their journey of healing. And, above all else, let them know they are not alone in their grief.

There were some clarity or design issues in the artwork, but I did like the paint-like quality of the work.

My suggested reading age is 2-8 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 1/2
(rounded to 4 stars on Amazon and Goordreads)

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Meet the Author

TAK Erzinger is an award-winning poet. Her collection At the Foot of the Mountain (Floricanto Press 2021) won the University of Indianapolis Etching Press, Whirling Prize 2021 for best nature poetry book. Erzinger is an American/Swiss poet and artist with a Colombian background.

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