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King of Hearts is a masterfully ambitious novel, deeply researched and profoundly compelling, weaving together elements of magical realism, lyrical prose, and evocative imagery. Linde's narrative spans sixty generations, reaching back to 65 BCE, unfurling a rich and intricate family saga. At its center is William (Will) Terrill, a retired Professor Emeritus of History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who, after the passing of his wife, relocates to a residential care community situated between the picturesque towns of Mineral Point and Dodgeville, Wisconsin. In this serene, yet emotionally charged setting, Will forms an unexpected and deeply moving bond with Reverend Mike Thomas, a fellow resident, whose steadfast nature complements Will's introspective temperament.
As Will's friendship with Mike grows, so too does a secret, long held in the recesses of his heart. This unspoken truth, once revealed, shatters the calm facade of their connection, suggesting that their relationship might be more entwined than simple companionship. Will's reflective and measured character offers a quiet contrast to Mike's pragmatic approach to life, creating a dynamic interplay between the two. As their friendship deepens, the narrative slowly uncovers the fascinating and often. turbulent stories of Will's ancestors, the Terrill family lineage, which stretches across generations and continents.
The novel traverses a vast geographical and historical landscape, from the cobblestone streets of Belgium, the sun-drenched countryside of France, and the misty shores of Cornwall, to the quiet hills of Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Within this sprawling setting, Linde introduces an extensive cast of characters-from knights and barons to peasants struggling to survive-each contributing to the novel's multifaceted tapestry. These individuals are not merely pawns in the narrative but are instead woven into a world filled with political machinations, personal tragedies, and passionate lives.
Linde deftly navigates the complexities of human relationships, imbuing the novel with themes of love, loss, mortality, and the fragile nature of life itself. The tension between organized religion and personal spirituality is explored with subtlety and nuance, shedding light on the characters' internal struggles as they grapple with their place in the world. Each relationship, whether familial, romantic, or platonic, is infused with a sense of longing and the bittersweet awareness of life's impermanence. Through Will's journey, both personal and historical, Linde delves into the deeper questions of identity, legacy, and the forces that shape our understanding of the world and our connections to others.
In Hearts, the magic of realism becomes a lens through which the reader can view the delicate threads that bind the past and present, human lives and historical events, love and loss. It is a work that not only seeks to engage the intellect but also to touch the heart, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who journeys through its pages. Those imbued with historical fiction will find true facts cleverly cloaked in a spellbinding narrative that transcends fact and fiction to create a memorable tale of friendship, trust, and compassion.
