Echolands is every bit as much a journey in search of its archaeologist author as it is a journey in search of the famous warrior queen of the Iceni. This fascinating journey allows us to accompany the author around England and Wales, from the fields of archaeological exploration to museums with invaluable artifacts, in search of this storied queen who had led one of the greatest rebellions against Roman rule. This journey allows the reader to shadow Queen Boudica as she unites the tribes of ancient Britain in the greatest rebellion the Romans would face.
Mackay is a skilled storyteller. He tells us that imagination is indispensable in pursuing history. He takes this message to heart as he vividly creates the image of ancient Camulodonum as it was attacked by the rebellious queen and her forces or the artifacts freed from their sterile museum displays and brought to life by Mackay's masterful storytelling. This storytelling is certainly entertaining and brings life to museum artifacts and allows one to picture this famous queen in the bucolic settings of the English and Welsh countryside; however, it leaves one wondering if it is merely speculation. If it is merely speculation, it does give us insight into the historical imagination of the author and perhaps the imaginings that inspire him in his craft.
Echolands is an enjoyable combination of historical inquiry, archaeological pursuit, and travelogue. The reader learns about Boudicca, the archaeological pursuit to better understand her rebellion, and the author's interest and pursuit of this iconic queen of the Iceni. One is left wondering about how to categorise this book – travelogue, memoir, history. Perhaps this combination of genres is a strong point of this work in that it makes the text relatable.
Open access
