I don't think I've seen any mention in any review of the book, but I found it full of subtle references to Irish/Celtic mythology, maybe in the same way that the Irish music was adapted by the Appalachian settlers over time, the stories were nicely adapted, altered to fit the context of the novel. certainly not a masterpiece of literature, but good fiction. I look forward to reading Black Flower, and I'll let you know what I think of it then. Maybe some time I'll drag Cold Mountain out again and write up the references to Celtic myths I come across, would like to hear Frazier's comments on this.