This is a difficult book to review in few words since there are so many elements to it. The copy I read had the 15th century version first, and that's the version I preferred. But I wonder had I started with the 21st century version if I would have liked that one better. It will be interesting to discuss with my book club. 
 Lots of thematic elements, some of which I suspect went over my head. And it takes a while to get into with its stream-of-consciousness writing. But the description is lovely, and the story interesting enough to maintain the pace. Shows how despite centuries between the two main characters, the loss of a mother is consistent in its grief.