The Sterkarm Handshake

Science fiction yes, but with a light touch; it is the complete contrast between the two centuries that is so well-drawn. The chief protagonist from the sixteenth century, Per, is brought to the 21st Century for medical treatment, and the author's description of his bafflement at modern items - soon to change to growing comprehension - is masterly. She also describes the sights, smells and tastes of the sixteenth century very well. A tad too violent for young teens, but an exceptionally well-written and exciting story for older teens and adults. You just *never* know who you are supporting - both sides are a mix of good and bad. Stirring stuff!

This book is excellent. The only thing I didn't like was that it seemed to end- I had to read The Sterkarm Kiss right away. And that one just ended, really no finality. Ms. Price- where's the next one??

The Sterkarms ~ Armstrongs ~ are a Sixteenth Century family of border marauders who lie in a no-man's land between England and Scotland. To shake hands with a Sterkarm would be to invite betrayal and a broken agreement: Left-handed, for the most part, they can shake and back-stab at the same moment. Despite their aggression and untrustworthiness, they have entered into some kind of an agreement with elves from Elven-land, by which an elf-woman will live with them and translate their culture and language for the others. The elves are, in fact, Twentyfirst Century people who have developed a time portal and are planning on using it to exploit other times and places, starting, of course, with the Sixteenth Century border country. Neither side is in the least pleasant, though both have pleasant people; neither is trustworthy, though both try to make agreements; neither belongs in the others' time, though both make the passage. The two primary characters, the translator from the Twentyfirst, and the head Sterkarm's son, manage to fall for each other and the main tension of the book is the working out of the results of a cross-time love affair. In the end, neither is willing to sacrifice for the other, and both end up unhappy. Though it sounds generally unpleasant, this is in fact an excellent book by a superb story-teller .

When I recieved this book, I was at first a bit skeptical, but needed something to read so I began right away. Contrary to my first notions of it, this book was enjoyable and well-rounded. The love story was subtle, there was enough action to keep you turning the pages, and the characters were, for the most part, well rounded and real. It was easy to associate with Andrea and her difficulties in deciding where her loyalties were, and Per and the other Sterkarms were three-dimensional and well-developed. The only charater who did not fit this description was Windsor, who is so evil that he becomes a caricature of what he represented. If Ms. Price had tweaked his personality a bit, he would have been much more believable. All in all, this was a very fun and engrossing read. I also recommend Philip Pullman's HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy.

Susan Price has written an engrossing and rollicking adventure story...one which not only egages the readers intelligence, but their imagination as well. Taking place in the 16th and 21st centuries simultaneously, this novel of the effects of modern man pillaging the past for his own gain rings true as any...and teaches a lot about integrity and morals along the way. In the 21st century, a mega-corporation has secretly done what the world has been striving for in the whole of history...create time travel. They've done this by marrying modern technology with old-school methodology, and though not completely accurate, have managed to land in 16th century Europe. A team of researchers are the first to arrive, and effectively convince the natives of that land that they are "Elves", capable of unlimited marvel and magick. The locals, a family by the name of Sterkarm, are afraid and easily manipulated by these strange beings who appear before them as if from nowhere. The Sterkarms, the fiercest clan in the land, are not as easily led as they lead others to believe. The researchers largely underestimate the Sterkarms cunning and treachery...hence the title of the book. Never, ever, shake hands with a Sterkarm. Hug them, kiss them...but don't rely on their word or their handshake. This is the mistake the researchers from the 21st side make. They rely on the natives' gullibility, which proves to be the downfall of the whole time-travel project...not to mention the violent death of many of its team. The team of researchers are there for only one reason. They recognize the pristine resources of unlimited capacity that the 16th century holds...and with virtually no one to stop them, they plot to make millions of dollars by raping the land of all of its splendor...minerals and ores that have long since become extinct, thanks to the mindless squandering by modern man. The Sterkarms, though, are not so easily decieved. The resulting adventure spans time and culture, aptly portraying the cause and effect nature of our every action, not only on ourselves, but others as well. LIke the classic tales of good vs. evil, "The Sterkarm Handshake" is an adventure on a grand scale, with a storyline that will make even the staunchest skeptic take pause! Graphic in it's violence and plot, this isn't for everyone...but is recommended for those who dare!Also recommended: "Exit to Reality"--Edith Forbes "The Child Garden"--Geoff Ryman