Reading Recommendations - March 2026 wrap up
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- 4 min read
Time for a recap of my "Reading Recommendations" - March 2026
Another month of great reading! I post my weekly reading recs on Facebook and Instagram first so follow me there to see them as they go live. To receive my monthly recap before anyone else, subscribe to my monthly newsletter where you'll find a link to the recap plus an exclusive, subscribers only, article.
༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･
Bog Queen by Anna North
Genre: Historical fiction
(originally reviewed 25 March)
When a body is found in a bog in northwest England, Agnes, an American forensic anthropologist, is called to investigate. But this body is not like any she’s ever seen. Though its bones prove it was buried more than two thousand years ago, it is almost completely preserved.
The story starts with moss & explores its connection to humanity through the timelines of the bog body (a Druid) & the anthropologist. It’s a very interesting take on history, nature, and survival.
Introducing the moss as a collective character with a long view of time, tracing human activity & impact, was fascinating. Acknowledging the life and existence of nature, similarly to rivers and mountains.
What I liked:
Moss (I feel it should be capitalised from now on)
The historical chapters were from the Druid’s point of view, & though she remained nameless, her strength and knowledge shone through
Agnes Linstrom’s timeline delved into her backstory & journey from student in America to anthropologist in England. North described her personality, struggles, & determination to be independent well. It was a pleasure to see her develop through her interactions with other scientists & activists
The side characters, especially Sunita Patel, bio-archaeologist, & her daughter, Ruby (brilliant yet troubled student)
Overall, the story is good, though light. I would have preferred a bigger story with more on the Druid & the mystery about how and why she died. The relationship between Agnes & Ruby had potential for more in-depth exploration as well. The style & pace are spot on with the active storyline of the humans, a nice counterpoint to the inaction of Moss.
Moss was just right. Its long view woven into the story from start to finish reminded me of Elif Shafak’s, “There are Rivers in the Sky” & the drop of water that travelled through time & place touching the lives of each of the main characters.
Is a River Alive? by Robert MacFarlane
Genre: Non-fiction - nature, adventure, travel
(originally reviewed 18 March)
ᥫ᭡.ִֶָ𓂃 I loved this one so much that my review was too long for social media so read my full review here
Here's a teaser for you: MacFarlane’s creative style blends beautiful storytelling with travel writing, nature writing, environmental and science issues, and personal experience with nature and self.
The book flows with the author as he explores not only the nature of the river but human interaction, reliance, and abuse. Throughout, river journeys from its source to its endpoint, from a thing to be used for human consumption, transport and waste, to a state of being. In MacFarlane’s words, “from a noun to a verb.”
The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods
Genre: historical fiction, magic realism
(originally reviewed 4 March)
On any given day, there are thousands of items slowly gathering dust in the Lost and Found of Heathrow Airport. Unknown to anyone, hidden among the clutter, is a very special object that can change the fortunes of those who possess it – a violin of rare beauty and power.
Now, as if by chance, it has fallen into the hands of three strangers…
Thank you for the music, Evie Woods. Since starting The Violin Maker’s Secret, I’ve been listening to Mahler and have Paganini lined up to try next. The mystery you included with his lost piece and how you wove each thread into the storyline, plus the history of violin-making (and its dramas over the years) is so intriguing.
The story of the violin and its history is touching. The spirit of the instrument (Clara) transforms the lives of all who make the vital connection with her soul and music – able to bring out the same in those who play her. The author’s love for music shines through on every page.
The dual timeline works well together, contributing to a multi-faceted, multi-layered story bridging time, culture, and class.
Slower-paced storytelling for the violin reflects the instrument’s travel from creation to end of the story (some 400 years).
Fast-paced for the lives of Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle who, while investigating the provenance of the violin and uncovering its mysterious creator, are also dealing with a criminal group (not above blackmail and violence to get the violin back), and their own changing voices. Each protagonist develops from individual, strangers with baggage, to a new “found” family. Delving into their pasts brings up themes of abuse, grief, and despair. Even the violin has its own rocky backstory, yet it’s this beautiful instrument that helps them move on toward a brighter future.
I highly recommend this to all lovers of history, magic realism, and violins. Learn more about the author and her other books ➤ eviewoods.com/
༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･
Reading recommendations - March 2026 brought to you by my love of reading books and writing about them.
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