I've been in a restless mood, picking up books, putting them down if they didn't grab me instantly, moving on to the next.

"The Den" grabbed me instantly. The story is divided into two sections, with the Den at the center. In the more modern story, the den is nothing but a foundation for a small house that has fallen into ruin. In the mid-19th century story, it is the home of an immigrant family from Scotland. Both sections revolve around sisters, one of whom has vanished.

You can read other reviews to learn more about the plot, but what I want you to know is how gorgeous the writing is and how visceral the connection between the sisters. The modern Jane/Henrietta story is more satisfying, but that does not mean the Claire/Elspeth is a throwaway. Both Elspeth and Henrietta are young women who long for the sexual encounter--dangerous for both in their times--while Claire and Jane are more cerebral, the problem-solvers needed fir survival. If you don't have a sister you'll feel the lack. If you do have one, you'll be reaching out right away.

I'm grateful to this novel for getting me off that restless route, and also for being such a wonderful reading experience.