Beatrice Small
Reviewed by: Megan Kopp
Publisher: Fawcett Books
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 0-449-00672-7
In 1143, 5-year-old Eleanore de Monfort's destiny is placed in the hands of St. Frideswide convent nuns. Elf's diminutive, copper-topped beauty is shrouded in the grey robes of the order as she works towards taking her final vows.
Her brother's death nine years later, and an unscrupulous bid to gain control of her inheiritance by her brother's barren widow Isleen, combine to place Elf under the scrutiny of King Stephen. Obeying the king's wishes, 14-year-old Elf must now leave the convent, marry Sir Ranulf de Glandeville, one of the king's loyal, yet landless, knights, and return to her family home of Ashlin.
From innocent to wife, Elf discovers a passion she never knew existed and a husband who is kind and caring. Yet as a year passes and she remains childless, worries of being able to provide an heir for Ashlin grow. Ranulf, who has grown to love his wife, cannot find it within himself to worry. All good things come to those who wait.
Elf's life may be almost perfect, but the same cannot be said for Isleen, the very antithesis in moral character of the pureness of Eleanor. Isleen's journey is degrading and yet fitting for such a black soul. Merin ap Owen is equally as evil... and yet when his path eventually crosses that of the good Eleanor, he faces indecision for the first time in his life.
Beatrice Small, a prolific author, maintains a strong storyline of good versus evil, loyalty versus greed and honor versus disgrace. The love between Elf and Ranulf is true, deepening as they grow together. Explicit sensuality is the trademark of Isleen. Hope is found in the scarred soul of Merin.
The Innocent is a reflection of black and white, good and evil, as seen in the smooth waters of clear writing.
2.5 Stars
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