Sharon Maas has a knack for writing compelling historical fiction involving famous events that people actually know very few details about. The Girl from Jonestown is no exception.
People have heard of Jonestown. And if they don’t know exactly what happened there, they have a general idea. Even if they know nothing, they have probably heard the mainstream phrase about drinking the Kool-Aid.
It is odd to think that there are people who say that but probably have zero knowledge about its origin. But I digress.
The story is equally Lucy and Zoe. Lucy is writing from inside Jonestown. From her, we get the entire backstory of how it came to be and what is currently happening in the camp.
Zoe gives us the “outsider” point of view. She has family in the area, so we learn about traditions and how people view the area they live in.
Jonestown is the lurid hook to the story. But I found myself more intrigued by learning about Guyana, the Amerindian people, and their beliefs. The parallel points of view dovetail nicely into a lush, disturbing narrative.
The author’s writing has improved over her books. The chapters flow seamlessly into each other, looping around to include other characters, before moving back to the main plot lines. It all works to draw the reader into an immersive experience.
There are a few scenes toward the end that I know are present to advance the plot, but one involving Zoe and “Dad” felt gratuitous. His power, influence, and insanity are already perfectly clear by this point.
The Girl from Jonestown is memorable historical fiction. Sharon Maas has written another unique story, and I look forward to more from her.
Twitter: sharon_maas
Author Bio:
Sharon Maas was born to politically active parents in Georgetown, Guyana, in 1951. She was educated in England, Guyana, and, later, Germany. She now lives in Ireland. Her books include The Violin Maker’s Daughter, The Soldier’s Girl, Her Darkest Hour, and many other novels.
