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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Susan Reimer’s The Gatekeeper’s Daughter tells a story of tradition, duty, and discovery through the life of Maira, a young girl destined to follow in her father’s footsteps as the gatekeeper of their village. Her role is essential to the safety and order of their community. It involves regulating access to a mystical Inland Sea that sustains the village and conceals deeper secrets. Maira’s journey from childhood to adulthood is portrayed with rich detail, and her internal struggle with the responsibilities she is set to inherit and her longing for personal freedom is perceptible.
What I enjoyed most were Maira’s interactions with her family and friends. These interactions are beautifully depicted throughout the story, providing a glimpse into her growth and the pressures she faces. The narrative is gentle yet captivating, offering a delicate exploration of themes such as legacy, identity, and belonging. Susan Reimer’s prose is lyrical, filled with enchanting descriptions of the sea and village life. The close third-person perspective allows readers to genuinely feel Maira’s emotions, from her pride in her duties to the weight of her impending role as gatekeeper, all without disrupting the narrative’s external view. The Gatekeeper’s Daughter is a coming-of-age story that reflects on the roles assigned to us and the paths we choose. It pushes the limits between obligation and longing, crafting an inspiring and nostalgic story. With its rich setting and compelling characters, this is a remarkable addition to the fantasy genre. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories focusing on a protagonist’s journey from youth to maturity within a vividly built world will find this book appealing.
