A True Hero: A Story of the Days of William Penn

by William Henry Giles Kingston

"A True Hero: A Story of the Days of William Penn" by William Henry Giles Kingston is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book centers around a Quaker family that leaves England in search of a new life in America during the late 1600s, amidst the political and religious turmoil of the time, particularly under the reign of James II. The narrative focuses on the challenges faced by dissenters like the Quakers, capturing their struggle for freedom of worship and the pursuit of liberty. The opening of the book introduces the oppressive atmosphere in England, where dissenting sects are persecuted under restrictive laws, such as the Conventicle Act. Characters are drawn from a gathering outside a Quaker meeting house, highlighting their determination to assert their right to worship freely despite the looming threat of authority. Young William Penn makes a striking entrance as a central figure advocating for peaceful resistance to injustice. As the narrative unfolds, we learn more about the interpersonal dynamics among key characters, including Captain Mead and others, who are caught up in their fight for freedom against a backdrop of societal decay and conflict. This sets the stage for both personal and collective struggles that will be explored throughout the story.