The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier (2003)

There's no question Chevalier is an accomplished writer. The reader is plunged into a sensory experience of time and place. Unfortunately, her protagonists, especially in The Virgin Blue, tend to be unsympathetic, which denies the story of reaching its full potential. I think a departure from the shallow, feminist woman who only thinks of herself would raise of the level and bring a true mark of excellence to Chevalier's writing.