Priestess of the Forest by Ellen Evert Hopman © 2008 Llewellyn EAN
978-0-7387-1262-8 408 pages Includes Glossary $18.95 (U.S.) $21.95
(Canada)
There have been numerous Pagan-themed novels in the past decade, but not
many written primarily about Druids, by someone familiar with Druidic
philosophy. The author did one thing I really appreciated - she put the
glossary and short character identifications in the front of the book
where
they can make an impression BEFORE you begin reading the story.
This is more than a compelling, easy to read story. Ms. Hopman has
scattered throughout it Druidic practices she has learned during her
decades
as a member of a modern Druidic order in the United States. She has a
feel
for the lives and existence of the Pagan people of Celtic lands at a time
of
great turmoil and transition - the time of the invasion of Christianity
into
the British Isles.
There are rituals and invocation; beliefs and lore; and attitudes which
have
the ring of authenticity about them. Are they true representations of
Druidic life and thought at this time in history? No one can know for
sure,
due to the lack of primary sources available, but I suspect that if they
aren't they are close.
The story is believable, even if the conclusion is a foregone certainty.
The only questions which remains unanswered until the end is WHO will be
left alive to endure the inexorable changes.
There are some unexpectedly sympathetic characters (Father Per comes to
mind), and some unexpected betrayals. There are also sterling examples of
the type of behavior expected from a Druid (or any Pagan priest/ess, for
that matter).
I can (and do) recommend this book, which serves as both an entertaining
novel and an introductory work on Druidic beliefs, to everyone. If all
you
want is a good story, you will find that. If you are looking for
information on Druidic beliefs (as espoused by the Celtic
Reconstructionist
movement), you will find that as well. The im****tant thing is to find
this
book and bring it home.
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