Caleb Field : $b A tale of the Puritans

by Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant

"Caleb Field: A Tale of the Puritans" by Mrs. Oliphant is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative explores the challenges faced by Puritan ministers in the tumultuous period following the Restoration of Charles II, specifically the plight of the main character, Caleb Field, and his daughter Edith as they navigate a society rife with persecution and danger due to their religious beliefs. The book delves into themes of faith, courage, and the moral dilemmas associated with devotion to one's faith amidst widespread fear and suffering. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the serene yet troubled setting of a humble shepherd's cottage in Cumberland, where Caleb Field, a devoted Puritan minister, is contemplating the dangers ahead. His daughter, Edith, waits anxiously for her father's return, knowing that he is a hunted man, banished for his beliefs. The conversation between father and daughter reveals their strong bond and their shared commitment to their faith, as Caleb prepares to risk his life to return to London to minister to the souls afflicted by the plague, even as he struggles with the prospect of leaving Edith alone. The opening chapters effectively set the tone for a story that intertwines personal sacrifice with broader socio-religious tensions of the time.