A Sworn Virgin: Broken Promises

March 13, 2016 - PRLog -- A Sworn Virgin: Broken Promises

Kristopher Dukes

CreateSpace

ISBN: 9781517547363

Reviewed By India Barnett

Official Apex Reviews Rating:   4 Stars

When many think of stories involving blood debts, endless family feuding, and revenge, they often envision a strong male protagonist at the center of it all who eventually comes out as victorious by the end of the tale.  But in Kristopher Dukes' novel, A Sworn Virgin: Broken Promises, the game is changed when a woman, leading not only as the main character in the story, but in her life as well, is forced into facing (and surviving) this type of world on her own.

Dukes' novel takes place in 1910s Albania, where we're introduced to the small mountain hometown of the female protagonist, Diana, her father, Frenk, and her stepmother, Mirlinda. Immediately, there is obvious tension between Diana and her stepmother, due to Diana's non-typical womanly behavior and mannerisms, which are thought to make her "useless" as a potential wife. The only reason Diana gets away with her behavior is due to her father's encouragement of pursuing her artistic talents, but after his sudden death, Diana becomes lost and struggles to come to terms with the reality of it. When her stepmother tries to sell her off to a neighboring family's abusive son for survival, Diana, as a quick escape route, declares the vow of a "sworn virgin", giving her the power and rights to live on her own like a man. Through her struggles of taking on the responsibilities of her vow, dealing with her father's death, and seeking revenge, Diana uncovers truths about her present, her past, and herself.

The story focuses much on the importance of having a choice. From the beginning, Diana sees herself as equal to men in nature, and her intellect saves her from both a bad marriage and being complacent in the choices others try to make for her. She knows she will not be content unless she pursues her art and leaves her hometown for more, and she refuses to marry for anything less than love. Even when Diana chooses to become a sworn virgin, a lifestyle fated for loneliness and survival, she still finds contentment in her decision for some time because it fostered favorable results when she needed it. No matter how her circumstances change, she can't seem to escape the need to go after what she wants, which is relatable to all readers in the struggle to choose their own paths.

A Sworn Virgin: Broken Promises is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction, unexpected plot twists, and relatable female heroines. If readers can accept Diana as her imperfect self, who is often prone to somewhat strange behaviors and mood swings, they'll come to appreciate the well written story, interesting characters, and doubtless proof of how resilient women can be in the face of nearly anything.