Communication with the Dead… Believe or Not?
Several years ago, I decided to explore the history of spiritualism and, in my readings, I stumbled upon two amazing women from the past. The Scottish countess Sibell Lilian Mackenzie (1878-1962, pictured here) was a spiritualist, believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romantic novels. Sibell had an awesome sixth sense, powerful enough to accurately predict an earthquake, and she claimed to have her very own Phoenician spirit guide. After discovering Sibell, I learned about her unconventional younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big-game hunter, who scandalized British society with her half-naked barefoot dancing in the public theaters of London, Paris and New York. The beginnings of a novel were taking shape in my mind!
Walking in my characters’ footsteps…
The journey that followed was a fascinating one that took me first to the Scottish Highlands to visit the castle where the two sisters grew up. Here I am in front of Castle Leod (Strathpeffer, Scotland) with Sibell’s grandson John Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Cromartie and current chief of Clan Mackenzie. During a personal tour of the castle, he spoke with me about his grandmother, the castle’s history, and the ghost known as the Night Watchman that he and others have seen emerge from behind the longcase clock in the Great Hall. The tower “keep” of Castle Leod dates back to medieval times. I must admit that the human bones in the basement dungeon sent a slight shiver up my spine.
Seeking out psychics in London…
The next leg of my research trip was London. The earl told me that his grandmother once served as president of the Spiritualist Association of Great Britain (SAGB). I arranged two separate meetings with mediums who attempted to make contact with Sibell on my behalf. Mine was an unusual request, since I had no personal connection with the deceased, but I was curious to see what might happen.
Did Sibell reach out from beyond the grave? On this occasion, I don’t believe she did. But in my next post, I will share how Sibell convinced me that she, not her sister, should be the “voice” of my novel.
2022 American WRITING AWards FINALIST, HISTORICAL FICTION
Pre-order Now
Re
“Heartbreaking and redemptive, inspired by a true story of two very different, equally passionate sisters who were both destined to forge new paths for women in a tumultuous time. Bernard’s tale is richly imagined and thoroughly engrossing, and will have readers quickly turning the pages.”
MEGAN CHANCE, bestselling author of A Splendid Ruin
More Historical Fiction by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard
Finalist, ERIC HOFFER BOOK AWARD
#1 BEST SELLER Amazon Kindle Store
“A compelling historical novel steeped in mystery with strong elements of a medical thriller.” READERS’ FAVORITE 5-stars
A
Biographical Historical Fiction
#1 BEST SELLER Amazon Kindle Store
“Terrific historical research and deft writing provide a striking portrait of racial and gender inequality in the ragtime era. An unforgettable and deeply human story.”
FREDRIC TULSKY, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
Wow! You’ve found some great women to inspire your latest book characters. Just started reading and I can’t wait to finish!
Thanks, Alissa, for being one of my Advance Readers. I’m excited to hear what you think of the sisters’ story!
Just finished reading Sisters of Castle Leod. Very impressive research. Great writing. I especially enjoyed your bits of family history. The Authors Note was great because I ended the book wondering what was history and what was your creativity.
Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks so much for your comments! After the re-release of my historical suspense thriller THE BEAUTY DOCTOR in January 2024, there is another Mackenzie story scheduled for later in the year. Working hard on it now…
I have just ordered the book about the sisters as I will be taking a clan gathering tour there next July so doing a bit of research and came across your book . I can’t wait to read it
Fiona, thank you so much for your interest in my novel! I hope your trip to Castle Leod is as wonderful as mine was. If you haven’t yet read my article that appears on clanmackenzie.org (“The Countess and the Barefoot Dancer”), I hope you will check it out. More background on my research into the Mackenzie sisters. BTW, if you have finished reading my book by the time you see this reply, I would love to hear your thoughts about it!