Giveaway & Book Review: Watermark

Vanitha Sankaran has brought me my favorite book of 2010 so far! Watermark: A Novel of the Middle Agesis an interesting and compelling story that will entrance lovers of historical fiction, and hold the interest of readers who love a sweeping adventure. This debut novel brings an era of time to us of which little is known, the Dark Ages.
In 1320s France most people cannot read or write. But Auda, daughter of a paper maker, has been educated beyond the bounds of everyone in her village. Reading and learning the intricacies of her father's craft delight Auda, an outcast in the community because of her white hair, very pale skin, and piercing blue eyes, who is considered cursed and was made mute on the day she was born. In a time where anyone different might be accused of witchcraft, Auda rarely is seen in the market, and is content with her quiet life at home. But this life cannot last forever and outside pressure forces Auda's father to look into marriage possibilities, to give Auda a protector when he is gone. Auda's excursions into the larger world bring her and her father under scrutiny, and tragedy destroys Auda's happy little world, sending her out into the world to survive on her strength of spirit alone.

Watermarkis a fabulous story of strength and perseverance of spirit, as Auda works to reclaim her heritage and gain a true sense of self and her place in the world. With her sense of exploring and improving knowledge, bettering skills and methods of work, Auda brings light and hope to a little corner of the Dark Ages in France. I eagerly await Vanitha Sankaran's next novel.
Because I loved Watermarkso much, I begged the folks at Avon Books to let me give a copy away. The giveaway will last until 11:59 PM on Monday, May 3. Winning the books is simple, and there are several ways to enter.

• Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite era of history to read about. (required)
• Leave a comment telling me you are a Follower of this blog. (+1)
• Tweet about this giveaway, and leave a comment with a link to your Tweet.  You can do this once a day! (+1 each time)
• Mention the giveaway on your blog with a link to this post. Again, be sure to leave me a comment so I can check. (+1)
• I will announce the winner on Tuesday, May 4.

This review is part of a TLC Book Tour, so you can read reviews from others on their Watermark page, and see if anyone else is giving away a copy.

I have linked this review to Cym Lowell's Book Review Party. There's always great books being shared, so click on over and check it out! After you enter my giveaway, of course!
Official FTC Disclosure: Other than the uncorrected advance copy of Watermark, I received no compensation for this review.