| Title | : | With Face Aflame |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 217 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2018 |
One day, she meets an unusual minstrel in the marketplace. Moved by the beauty of his song and the odd shape of his body, she realizes she has made her first friend. But he must go on to the next town, leaving her behind. Soon after, while she herself is singing in the woods, she is startled by a chance meeting with a stranger there. Though the encounter leaves her horribly embarrassed, it proves she need not remain unnoticed and alone forever.
However, this new hope is shattered when she overhears a few quiet words that weren’t intended for her ears. Heartbroken and confused, she flees her home to join the minstrel and his companion, a crass juggler. As they travel earning their daily bread, Madge secretly seeks to rid herself of the mark upon her cheek, convinced that nothing else can heal her heart.
Set in England in 1681, With Face Aflame is the tale of a girl who risks everything in hopes of becoming the person she desperately wants to be.
With Face Aflame Reviews
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In England, 1681, Madge works in her father’s inn and goes out of her way to escape notice. She is constantly trying to hide a flaming birthmark that starts below her eye and reaches to the bottom of her cheek. She lives and dies every day by her birthmark and the reaction of others to it. When she meets a friendly and inspiring minstrel, she learns she can sing, and then she hears her father utter words that shake her to the core. Madge decides to join the minstrel and his companion, a juggler, on their travels, and in the process learns a lot of life and herself.
With Face Aflame is a powerful coming of age historical novel. We are transported right to 1610 England, and we learn so much about what life was like then. The characters are so thoughtfully written and it is easy to see a lot of consideration and care went into their development. The issue of self-acceptance is what makes this book so important and real to readers. Madge limits herself and does not try and reach for her talent because she’s so self-conscious about a birthmark. Many of us can relate to that, as most, if not all, of us have something about ourselves that we feel does not quite measure up. The journey from town to town is also a journey of the soul, as Madge learns truths about herself and others, and event after event leads her to question her perception of herself. I would recommend this book to all, because we all can benefit from a journey of self-discovery. -
5+ stars!
This is a lovely coming-of-age tale with gorgeous prose and strong three-dimensional characters. The setting is England in the 17th century, and Madge, an innkeeper’s daughter, tells her own story. While there's a hint of potential romance, it's not fully realized in these pages.
Madge's face bears an unsightly birthmark. Her embarrassment with this causes her to stare at the floor instead of looking people in the eye, and she makes sure a lock of her hair hangs out of its braid to cover the unsightly red stain. She hates to go out of the inn, even to the local village, although she imagines where all the guests are coming from and where they are going. She only interacts freely with her father (Pappy) and the inn’s cook (Babs). She loves them both dearly, as well as Babs’ mother Lottie, who was a second mother and teacher for Madge when her own mother died. Sadly, Lottie is now very old and demented.
Madge’s reclusiveness makes her an unlikely heroine to join two performers on their travels—Brom (a tall juggler) and Keaton (a short, disfigured minstrel). However, Madge is determined to get to the healing waters in Tersewell because she’s desperate to be rid of her accursed birthmark. Keaton has discovered her beautiful singing voice, and they find a way to work her into their act using a costume that hides her face completely.
The story is unlike anything else I’ve ever read. I do recognize some elements of the Wizard of Oz: Providentially, a cobbler makes Madge a beautiful pair of sturdy shoes, making her journey possible. Obviously, her traveling companions are unusual. They encounter many different people and experiences in their travels, all of which influence Madge and help her to see things differently.
This includes a young woman, Thrin, who is a Quaker. Madge is fascinated at first and attends a Meeting with Thrin and other Quaker Friends. Later, a mysterious noble lady engages Madge and Keaton to sing for a dying woman, but why does she keep her entire body, including her face, covered when in public?
There are some heavy topics raised here, including self-image, bigotry, and fanaticism as well as the nature of faith. However, the style of writing keeps things light and observational, allowing the reader to come to his/her own conclusions. Madge herself isn’t always aware of the depth of her inner changes, but her behavior makes it apparent to the reader. By the time she returns to the family inn, she is healed in every way that matters.
LOVE this! Content is clean. -
A Perilous Journey of Self-Discovery in 17-Century England
Madge, the seventeen-year-old protagonist of With Face Aflame, lived in humiliation, ashamed of the red birthmark that covered one side of her face. Working in her father’s inn in 17-century England, she received little to shape her self-image beyond the stares, the gasps, and in some cases, the ridicule of their customers. But when circumstances forced her hand, she joins a minstrel she just met and his crass friend, tagging along in search of a miracle. The rest of the tale is one of discovery…and danger.
The story is told from Madge’s perspective, a large portion of it being her inner thoughts. Walnofer uses the technique well, as the reader hears Madge’s inner voice as she debates some of life’s greatest mysteries, as well as the meaning of even the simplest of acts – the look of a stranger, the feel of a hand on her back, the kiss of a child. Those inner struggles and reversals perhaps become a bit overused toward the end, but overall, we come to know Madge quite well. And she’s a worthwhile person to know – intelligent, caring, funny, growing.
Much of the book involves the daily life of an inn keeper or that of a minstrel, traveling town to town, singing for supper. And while that may sound slow, the pacing of events and the novelty of the lifestyles easily held my interest. Additionally, there is an underling tension to her story. Her world is one built on superstition and religious intolerance, where women are wenches, little more than a man’s possession. Would her father’s warnings about the ways of men and some simple self-defense see her through?
Overall, With Face Aflame boasts a heroine well worth knowing in a finely crafted story of self-discovery. It’s well worth the read. -
A lovely historical fiction filled with a full cast of characters. The author brings to light how difficult life is while drawing on our humanity. With detailed observations the story leads you on Madges journey of discovering what really matters and how we see each other. The heart of the story is about acceptance of things we have no control over and what real relationship look like.
I truly enjoy her writing style and recommend her books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
Although set in England in 1681, wider historical events reside largely in the background with only brief references to religious differences of the time woven into the story, such as chance encounters during which Madge learns about the imprisonment of Quakers and the flight to England from France of men and women facing persecution for their beliefs. In fact, I would have welcomed more content about the history of the period and why the author had chosen this precise period to set the book. I think this might have been particularly useful for those unfamiliar with this time in English history.
The prejudice faced by those who are seen to be “different” is a theme of the book. The most obvious example is Madge’s facial birthmark that she feels the need to hide from guests at her widowed father’s inn, the Gander’s Wing, but on her travels Madge encounters others deemed to be different. Another theme is the importance of not judging by appearances. For example, Brom the juggler is handsome but a rather uncouth character, whereas Keaton the minstrel has a slight physical deformity but possesses prodigious musical talent and shows kindness towards Madge, encouraging her to overcome her reluctance to sing in public.
I felt sympathy for Madge who, overhearing a chance remark, mistakenly believes herself unloved because of her physical appearance and underestimates the qualities she possesses: not just her beautiful singing voice but her intelligence and kindness to others. Through her internal dialogue, the reader witnesses her frequent dilemmas about whether she is doing the right thing and whether she should disclose the true reason for her journey to Keaton. What happens when Madge eventually returns home was less of a surprise to this reader than to Madge herself.
With Face Aflame is an engaging coming of age story about a young girl seeking the confidence to overcome prejudice in a world often lacking in tolerance. -
Madge is a believable, relatable and very sympathetic heroine, who is consumed with self-consciousness over the large red birthmark that covers almost half of her face. Events conspire to send Madge on a journey in search of a miracle to rid herself of her birthmark.
Like A.E. Walfoner's previous novel,
A Girl Called Foote, this book has strong and compelling prose and a story that keeps you guessing at every turn. The situations that Madge encounters on her journey are skillfully plotted and paced. The focus is always on Madge, her thoughts and feelings, as she gains in self-confidence and knowledge of the world around her.
17th century England is vividly portrayed, a world in which religion and superstition rule everyday life. Exposition in an historical novel can be very obvious and clunky sometimes--definitely not the case here, the exposition is handled very well.
The secondary characters and their stories are so interesting that in fact you want to find out what happens to everybody, but because Madge is on a journey and we stay with Madge, we don't learn what happens!
Uplifting without being preachy or didactic, A Face Aflame celebrates family, love, friendship and the power of believing in yourself.
Plus, I really like the cover on this one! -
Having enjoyed Walnofer’s first book, A Girl Called Foote, I was eager to read her second. I was not disappointed. I hope Walnofer will continue writing historical fiction as she has a rare gift for evoking time and place, and an even rarer gift for writing historical characters that seem both of-their-time and timeless. I would most highly recommend her books to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I am very much looking forward to her next tale whenever it comes.
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I loved the author’s 1st novel and I loved reading this one. I was instantly drawn into another place and time and the characters came to life. I felt as if I were on the journey with this young woman as she discovered the world and herself. This book is not only a page turner, but delivers a wonderful message. Love!!
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An interesting and easy to read coming of age historical fiction.
I enjoyed getting to know Madge, and felt her lack of confidence in both her abilities and looks were sensitively written. I liked how she gained confidence on her travels and felt more comfortable in her own skin.
I felt that it would have been good to learn more about Keaton as he had such wisdom to share with the young Madge - but overall an enjoyable read. -
I love it when a book surprises you, and this one did!
I have been in a bit of a reading slump, with a few books shelved on the DNF section of my Goodreads account, I’ve just not been ‘feeling it’ lately with my book selections. However, With Face Aflame grabbed my attention first with the title and cover, then the blurb drew me in further, and I eventually found myself racing through the pages unable to put the book down!
With Face Aflame is a quick read, as the book is fairly short at just over 200 pages, but so much is packed in. A true page-turner, effortless to read, I was absorbed and lost in the plot.
The characters are intriguing and work well together, the relationship Madge builds with Keaton is so sweet and encouraging. Madge learns something from each person she encounters, whether they are nice (such as Lady Lambie) or not (Mavis). She has an awakening of self, the world, and others. Through her journey she encounters a variety of people, many of whom have differences to the ‘norm’, she realises that most can be accepting of her, looking past the physical. Madge grows with confidence, not only in her singing ability but in herself.
With various elements throughout the plot of romance, religion, persecution, immigration, and more, there is so much to discover! It is a really interesting read. I would be intrigued to find out what happens next for Madge as the talented and attractive young woman she has come to be. Does she go travelling and singing again with Keaton? Does a romance establish with Yates? How does her father react to her new found confidence as she is ‘growing up’?
I intend to read the author’s other novels now as I enjoy their writing style so much.
Thank you so much to the author A.E. Walnofer and Zooloo’s book tours for the e-arc to review. -
With Face Aflame by A.E Walnofer is a historical fiction novel set in 1861 England. A novel that is about something that is as relevant now as it was in the time this book is set.
Born with a red mark emblazoned across her face, seventeen-year-old Madge is lonely as she spends her days serving guests and cleaning rooms in the inn her father keeps.
One day, she meets an unusual minstrel in the marketplace. Moved by the beauty of his song and the odd shape of his body, she realizes she has made her first friend. But he must go on to the next town, leaving her behind. Soon after, while she herself is singing in the woods, she is startled by a chance meeting with a stranger there. Though the encounter leaves her horribly embarrassed, it proves she need not remain unnoticed and alone forever.
However, this new hope is shattered when she overhears a few quiet words that weren’t intended for her ears. Heartbroken and confused, she flees her home to join the minstrel and his companion, a crass juggler. As they travel earning their daily bread, Madge secretly seeks to rid herself of the mark upon her cheek, convinced that nothing else can heal her heart.
Set in England in 1681, With Face Aflame is the tale of a girl who risks everything in hopes of becoming the person she desperately wants to be.
A story that highlights how people are treated who are different, in appearance to others. Madge has a strawberry birthmark which covers the majority of her face, this alone should not alter peoples perception of her but as we know it has the power too. She is not alone in having differences, other characters also have them in different ways. The telling of this tale shows that they are all people who are just as worthy of love and respect as someone who has nothing to make them stand out.
We are with Madge as she sets out on a journey that will bring changes for her and make her grow up, rather a coming of age tale also. The story is told from Madge so we are privy to her inner thoughts and that helps us get to know Madge. I was as worried as her with her decisions as I felt like I was with her. The characters she meets on the way help her in her discovering who she actually is.
This is a book that I feel everyone should read, if only to make them realise the impact of words upon others. A beautifully, well written story that shows us it isn't what is on the outside that matters...it is about the inside and finally, to not judge a book by it's cover alone.
Thanks to ZooLoo's Book Tours and A.E Walnofer for the copy of the book. -
Madge is a wonderful but shy girl, due to her facial birthmark. Despite being loved by her family and encouraged to look people in the eye, she is embarrassed by the way she looks and tries to hide her face from strangers. One day she’s encouraged to head into town and sing with the strange Minstrel, inviting him back for some ale. At this stage she realises she’s found her first friend.
But just as things are looking up she overhears her father saying something that changes everything, and she decides she must head off in search of a way to get rid of her birthmark. Catching up with her Minstrel friend and companion she embarks on her journey, but it turns out to be far more enlightening than she imagined. Will she be able to rid herself of her mark? Or will see realise that she’s beautiful just how she is?
This is a lovely coming of age story where you’ll journey with Madge and hear her deepest, darkest thoughts. She’s such a warm and loving characters but has such low self-confidence and it was so heartwarming, although heartbreaking at times, to see her learn and grow. Her friendship with Keaton is truly wonderful, and just seeing her develop will make you smile.
They meet many people along the way and each one will teach that you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The majority of characters are lovely but you’ll get the odd few who you’ll wish you hadn’t met!
Set in 1681, I enjoyed the historical setting and the style in which the characters converse with each other. Even if you’re not a fan of historical fiction, this is one of those stories that you should really check out anyway as the storyline is a lovely one not to miss. And even though the narrative is written in more of an older style, suitable for the 17th century it’s easy to understand and follow.
So if you’re looking for a wonderful, beautifully written coming of age story with a fantastic historical element, loveable characters and a truly heartwarming storyline then you should check this out. -
Despite being a historical novel, set in 1681 England., the message about differences in appearance and how people are treated is as real and relevant today, as it was then. Madge, the main character has a large birthmark covering most of her face, but other characters have differences too, but prove they are worthy of love and respect.
It is also a coming of age story, Madge is a young girl and follows her story and her journey as she experiences different people who gradually make her realise who she is.
As you follow Madge's journey, you are given an insight into her internal thoughts, so you wonder along with her whether she is doing the right thing, or want to shout at her and tell her that shes amazing and she should carry on. To evoke that strong a reaction gives some indication into how well written this is.
If only we lived in a time where people arent still judged by their appearance and stared at for their deformities. It feels like one of those books that should be read by everyone so they can understand the impact harsh words can have on someone.
The overriding message, thankfully, is that it is possible to gain the self confidence to believe in yourself, in Madge's case, so she can sing
A beautiful story, well told. -
The first thing I noticed in about this book wasn't the bigger.
In this book, we follow seventeen-year-old Madge as she goes on a personal journey to become the person she wants to be. With her we read about several topics that were powerful and emotional. From self-love and self-esteem to the society's actions. The emotional rollercoaster was amazing and quite what I needed for these past few weeks.
The connection I felt with Madge was one of experience, although the context and time period are different, we both have had similar experiences and that made me understand her more. Seeing her journey of self-acceptance and searching for normalcy and happiness, is something we all can understand.
Overall, the story was brilliant. With the historical elements giving us a interesting context of how things worked back then, we end up jumping to the pages of this book and yet feeling that things are still happening today. Just like before... We still have the same fears and wants.
[ to thank Zoé, at Zooloo’s Book Tours, and A.E. Walnofer for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.] -
Madge has a big birthmark on the left side of her face. She is a pretty girl but does not want to show anyone her face. Her father and Babs both care deeply for her. She goes nowhere and never meets people. So she has no friends. She overhears something her father says, a misunderstanding. She leaves and heads towards Tersewell, supposed healing waters. Could it heal her? Keaton was a little oddly shaped but he was her friend and he loved Jane. He was a mistral and trying to save money for their wedding.
You meet a lot of people from different walks of life and as she is heading towards Tersewell, they are on the road. I thought the author did a marvelous job on this book. It was insightful, kind, and helped her learn about herself as well as other people. It keeps your attention and keeps you guessing. The characters have their quiet moments but also, as we all are, doubting our acceptance by family, friends, and probably most of all, by ourselves.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. -
**Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
Very quick read -- I read this book in one afternoon. While I felt like it might have started a little slow, the plot picked up and I enjoyed the characters, which that made me want to finish the book in one sitting event though I have plenty of responsibilities to get to today. I enjoyed the touch of history, but I do wish there was a little more explanation of the Friends and such within the book, as not everyone is familiar with that part of history. -
With Face Aflame is a lovely, historical coming of age story. Madge lost her mother at a young age. She is embarrassed by the large birthmark on her face and, unintentionally overhearing her father's conversation, considers it a blight that needs removed. She flees home seeking a cure, and and, in the process meets a wide array of characters who help her look beyond the red stain on her cheek see her true self. I highly recommend reading this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and I am willingly offering this review.
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I did enjoy this book, though I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had been written in the third person, instead of the first. Too often I felt as if I was reading the character’s diary. Especially with all the “ugh”s thrown in. And the misunderstanding was something I figured out pretty early.
The book focuses primarily on Madge’s journey; not much is written about the times she lives in, so it’s not really what I would call a historical novel. Still, all in all, it’s an enjoyable book with several likable characters. -
Oh Madge , she is one of the most wonderful character to read ! , at 17years old with a red mark across her face she is lonely , outcast and spends her days cleaning rooms and serving guests in her fathers Inn. It is set in 1681 England , which using the authors way with words you can picture it as you read , the characters , the setting everything I'd vivid in your mind .
You join her on her journey of finding herself, and finding her way in life. It is brilliantly written and it is a book that keeps you wanting more! I really enjoyed reading this book -
My review of With Face Aflame is on my blog.
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com... -
Firstly, I have to take a moment to comment on this book cover, isn’t it striking? It’s a beautiful cover that reflects the story and the character of Madge so perfectly.
I think that this book would appeal to younger readers, those who are just discovering the beautify of historical fiction as there was a slight young-adult feel about it. It’s a lot lighter than the historical fiction I have read before, which again made me think that this would great for any reader who is just dipping their toes into this wide and hugely enjoyable genre.
I loved the writing, the author builds a vivid picture of the era and that of Madge’s character as she develops throughout the story. I loved the journey that we readers are taken on as Madge traverse the dark waters of life, I loved how she grew in confidence once she started meeting people who like her had been shunned by society because of being a little ‘different. She meets friends who show her that she is a beautiful person inside and out.
The story follows that of Madge, a young girl who lives her life in the shadows while going about her duty working in her father inn. She has no self-confidence, she is self-conscious of her looks. She lives in isolation with no friends and only her father and the cook to talk to she is lonely and at times fearful. She lives this way because unfortunately for her, she lives in an era that isn’t tolerant of anything out of the ordinary, she has had to put up with people’s assessment of her character based on her birthmark and that is a hard pill to swallow for her.
After hearing something which by rights shouldn’t have been said, she flees and this is when the story comes into its own, this is when Madge discovers that she is more than just a mark on her face. She meets a handsome minstrel, a man who she is overawed with, there is a flutter of something which shimmers in the background. Madge has found her first true friend, another who isn’t shunned by the world for being different.
I liked how the story flowed, it is a very easy book to read, I liked that we the readers discover all that is ahead along with Madge which I thought was very cleverly done and helps draw the reader further into the tale. I enjoyed how unexpected the story was, and I loved the solid friendships which formed throughout.
Despite this being historical and set during the 17th century, I felt that the historical aspects weren’t as strong as they could have been. It read more modern than historical to me, I think that there could have been far more texture and historical depictions than there was, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of what is a moving and clever story, one which has the most beautiful message of acceptance, tolerance and of being yourself and being respected for that.
With Face Aflame is a moving and compelling coming of age story, it’s a light and easy read. With likeable and memorable characters whom you can’t help but root for. If your looking for a lighter, feel-good and charming historical that’s not too heavy then this is the book for you. -
A great adventure
I really enjoyed reading this book. One of my favorite things about this novel was the diverse cast of characters. We need more diversity in literature, and the author does a fabulous job of portraying a heroine who is “a little different.” A fun episodic journey through the England of long ago.
