Praise
The Sisterhood by Maisie Moon is a historical fiction that consists of four short stories that follow four incredible women known as the Daughters of Eve. The stories are set in four different eras in time.
In the first story, which is set in 1307, Sidonie Dupont, the leader of the sisterhood, must work to stop the satanic sacrifice of a young woman named Sara. The next is set in 16th-century France. Angelique escapes her abusive husband and awakens her powers. Now she must save her daughter from demonic possession. The third story sees Gertrude O'Brien inherit a chest containing powerful artifacts. She also awakens her magical gifts and works to help the workhouse she works for. The final story is set in the heat of World War 2, where Siobhan, an Irish mother of eight, bravely confronts an Irish traitor and rescues a downed British pilot.
This book was very inspiring in my opinion. I found each character's courage very remarkable, given the adversities they faced. The author did an excellent job of highlighting the unique challenges faced by women across different eras, from women basically being property in 1307 to the marital laws of 16th-century France. The stand-out part of this book had to be Sidonie's story. Her bravery and strength made her easily my favorite character. I also appreciated the timeless bond these women had through their devotion to their faith and their gift of light. The dialogue was seamless and easy to follow, and the pacing was excellent, as the book never dragged on at any point. Overall it was a great read, and I am looking forward to what next the author has in store. I did not notice any real negative issues with the book. The fact that this book had no errors was also an added advantage.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was a very engaging and inspiring read.
The Sisterhood - A compelling read, with interesting historical details entwined with the stories about the powerful sisterhood working hard to root out evil. The qualities and actions of the sisterhood are really positive and we are now all set to read more. This maybe the beginning of a Maisie Moon following. Looking forward to Guilt.
The Sisterhood - I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting going through the various historic ages, with the four women inheriting their ‘light energy gift’. And the good versus evil was very well portrayed. I am looking forward to her next novel.
These are four fascinating short stories, giving us a glimpse into the lives of four different women over many centuries from the late middle ages to the 1940's. The strand that connects them is that each one has inherited a special power which they are able to utilise as a force for good.
The Sisterhood - The stories will particularly appeal to anyone with an interest in history as each one includes historical details to inform the reader about the culture and society in which the story is set. There are tantalising references to Nancy Flanagan, the heroine of the author's next book, which I very much look forward to reading.
Guilt - I read my friend’s copy and decided to buy my own. This story was both emotional and engaging in equal measure. I really liked the main character Nancy as she seemed realistic to me. It is an unusual blend of historical fiction and the supernatural but that made it interesting and unpredictable. Not my usual genre but I really enjoyed it.
Maisie Moon’s Guilt struck a powerful chord in me by exploring moral quandaries and the repercussions of past choices. Set in the post-World War II era, the book follows Nancy Flanagan as she travels to England to train as a nurse. The novel excels in evoking a sense of place, contrasting the decay of wartime landscapes with Birmingham's vibrant yet often grim atmosphere of hospital life.
The characters, particularly Nancy and John,(Bruno) are vividly drawn with, and a strong sense of the tragedy seems to follow these characters as they deal with demons from their past — real and imaginary. Nancy's inner turmoil regarding her past and the backlash she faces form tension within the narrative. Her strong-willed nature struggles against guilt, regret, and hope for redemption. John's (Bruno's) mysterious background, rife with its history and secrets, mirrors Nancy's troubles, challenging her growth as a character. I enjoyed the dialogues that sparkle, the enchanting prose, and the intriguing characters. This twisty first entry into the series makes me want to read everything that happens in the next books.
In Guilt, Maisie Moon spins a heartfelt narrative of tragedy and hope through the life of Nancy Flanagan. Set against the backdrop of post-war England, Nancy's story is a poignant exploration of guilt intertwined with personal growth with strong hints of the paranormal. Introduced via a gripping train journey to Birmingham, readers are drawn into Nancy's struggles—stemming from a harrowing decision that led her to leave her illegitimate daughter, Maeve, behind in Ireland. The setting not only highlights the post-war psychological scars that linger but also uses the hospital as a significant place of both healing and revelation. Besides the engaging setting, I was captivated by the strong plot points — a woman running away from her past only to get entangled with a patient with a dark history. Their odyssey to redeem their past involves demons and creatures of myth.
I enjoyed the remarkable character development, especially that of Nancy, a profoundly flawed woman seeking to start a new life yet carrying the burden of guilt. From a naïve girl moving away from her familial landscapes to a spirited nurse, the nuances of her relationships with fellow nurses help to deliver an engaging reading experience. The introduction of John, a patient with haunting ties to the war, builds and increases the tension.
Maisie Moon’s Guilt follows Nancy Flanagan, a young Irish woman grappling with the weight of personal mistakes, societal judgment, and the rigid expectations of 1940s Catholic Ireland. After a traumatic experience leaves her with a child out of wedlock, she is forced to leave her daughter behind and move to England to train as a nurse. The story unfolds as both a fictional memoir and a historical narrative, immersing readers in the post-war era’s cultural and social tensions. Moon blends elements of guilt, faith, resilience, and the supernatural into a compelling story about identity and redemption.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is Nancy’s voice. It’s raw, unfiltered, and entirely her own. The first-person narration pulls you straight into her thoughts, making her experiences feel real and immediate. From the moment she steps onto the train leaving Ireland, you feel her mix of excitement and dread. In scenes like Nancy’s confrontation with her mother about giving up her daughter, the dialogue crackles with tension. The pain is tangible, and the way Nancy swings between anger, defiance, and longing makes her heartbreak all the more believable.
The historical details ground the novel beautifully. The descriptions of post-war England like rationing, war-weary soldiers, and bombed-out cities, are vivid and immersive. The moment when Nancy meets an elderly woman at a trolleybus stop and receives a ghostly message from her late husband is particularly haunting. The supernatural elements are subtle but effective, adding another layer to Nancy’s struggles. It’s as if her guilt manifests in more ways than one, not just in her own mind but in the world around her. Moon’s decision to weave in these ghostly encounters makes the novel stand out from typical historical fiction.
The book sometimes lingers in reflection, especially in the early chapters. Nancy’s memories of her family, while rich in detail, occasionally slow the momentum of the story. The strongest parts are when she’s in the moment, whether it’s working as a nurse, navigating the stiff English social hierarchy, or encountering figures from her past. I think the novel is at its best when Nancy is forced to react to the world around her rather than retreating into recollections.
Guilt is an emotional and thought-provoking read. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy deeply personal historical fiction, particularly those interested in themes of faith, shame, and perseverance. If you love books like Angela’s Ashes or The Nightingale, this one will stay with you. Moon has crafted a moving, deeply human story that won’t soon be forgotten.