Subject
Great Britain -- History -- Civil War, 1642-1649 -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Frederick Marryat
The Children of the New Forest
"The Children of the New Forest" by Frederick Marryat is a children's novel published in 1847. Set during the English Civil War, it follows four orphaned Beverley children who escape Parliamentary soldiers by hiding in the New Forest. Believed dead after their home is burned, they learn to survive as foresters under a local verderer's guidance. As they adapt from genteel life to wilderness living, the eldest son Edward matures through adventures involving a sympathetic Roundhead family, military service, and romantic complications, all while concealing his true identity.
Frederick Marryat
The Children of the New Forest
"The Children of the New Forest" by Frederick Marryat is a children's novel published in 1847. Set during the English Civil War, it follows four orphaned Beverley children who escape Parliamentary soldiers and take refuge in the New Forest. Disguised as a forester's grandchildren, they must abandon their aristocratic upbringing and learn to survive off the land. As they mature into self-reliant foresters, the eldest son Edward becomes entangled with both Royalist causes and a forbidden romance, leading toward an uncertain future.
Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge
The Pigeon Pie
"The Pigeon Pie" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a historical novel set in the early 17th century during the tumultuous times of the English Civil War. The story focuses on the Woodley family, particularly on the poignant struggles of Lady Mary Woodley and her children as they navigate the chaos of a nation divided, all while keeping the hope for their royalist ideals alive against overwhelming odds. The opening of the novel introduces us to the serene yet charged atmosphere of Forest Lea House, where young siblings, including Charlie, Eleanor, and Lucy, play amidst fears of the ongoing war. Walter, their older sibling, famously longs for glory in battle, while the looming presence of war weighs heavily on the household as their father has gone to fight for King Charles. Through lively conversation and playful banter, the children express their hopes and dreams, but the harsh realities soon seep in as they learn of their father's welfare and the fate of the kingdom. Deborah, the maid, serves as a voice of concern amid the children's innocence, revealing the tension between the desires for bravery and the fears of life during wartime. As the clash between royalists and parliamentarians escalates, the Woodley family's strength and unity will be tested, setting the stage for a gripping tale of loyalty and resilience.
G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
Friends, though divided: A Tale of the Civil War
"Friends, Though Divided: A Tale of the Civil War" by G. A. Henty is an historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the events leading up to the English Civil War and explores themes of loyalty and friendship amidst a backdrop of national conflict. The narrative introduces two young boys, Harry Furness and Herbert Rippinghall, who grapple with their differing familial loyalties—Harry's allegiance lies with the Royalists while Herbert's is with the Parliamentarians—just as tensions rise between the warring factions of the kingdom. The opening of the novel sets the stage on the eve of the war, as Harry and Herbert, along with a young girl named Lucy, engage in a thoughtful conversation about the political landscape of their time. They discuss the complexities of their respective positions, referencing their fathers' differing views on the monarchy and Parliament. This conversation serves as a microcosm of the greater societal divide, showcasing the innocence of youth caught in a turbulent political sphere. Amidst their discussions, there is a palpable camaraderie and hope for continued friendship despite their differences, a theme that Henty aims to explore further as the civil conflict unfolds.
Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman
The Young Cavalier: A Story of the Civil Wars
"The Young Cavalier: A Story of the Civil Wars" by Percy F. Westerman is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, the story focuses on young Humphrey Markham, who grapples with his desire to fight for his royalist father's cause while navigating the turmoil surrounding him. The beginning hints at themes of bravery, loyalty, and the challenges of youth amidst war’s chaos. The opening of the story introduces readers to Humphrey Markham, a fifteen-year-old boy stuck at school during the summer holidays due to the outbreak of civil war in 1642. Frustrated by being away from his family and home, Humphrey dreams of joining his father, who has gone to serve the King. Alongside his friend Ralph Granville, he experiences a series of events that reveal the looming conflict, including a public speech by a rebellious mayor inciting the townsfolk against the King. After witnessing increasing tensions and military movement, the boys make a pivotal decision to leave school and join the royalist cause, thanks to an encounter with a colonel bearing urgent royal dispatches. This sets the stage for their forthcoming adventures and the trials they must face.
Frederick Marryat
Uudenmetsän lapset
"Uudenmetsän lapset" by Frederick Marryat is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book is set during the tumultuous times of the English Civil War, specifically in the year 1647, focusing on the lives of the children of Colonel Beverley who tragically become orphans after their father's death in battle. The story centers around these children—Edvard, Alfred, Alice, and Edit—who find themselves in a perilous situation as they navigate the dangers of the war-torn landscape and their desperately changing lives. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the chaotic backdrop of the English Civil War, with King Charles I in conflict with Parliament. The opening chapters depict the tragic demise of the Beverley family patriarch, leading to his children becoming orphans. Their only guardian is the loyal old gamekeeper, Jaakko, who takes on the responsibility of not only protecting the children but also teaching them to fend for themselves. As the story unfolds, tension builds when Cromwell's soldiers threaten their safety, propelling Jaakko to act swiftly to safeguard the children while dealing with the dreams and ambitions that stir within the young hearts of Edvard and his siblings. The narrative promises an engaging blend of bravery, survival, and the challenges of growing up amidst adversity.
William Henry Giles Kingston
The Boy who sailed with Blake
"The Boy Who Sailed with Blake" by W.H.G. Kingston is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War in the 1650s, the story follows the young protagonist, Ben Bracewell, along with his friends Lancelot Kerridge and Dick Harvey, as they become embroiled in the conflict between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists. With a focus on the valor and experiences of the characters, the novel explores themes of heroism, conscience, and the struggle for civil and religious liberties. At the start of the narrative, the boys find themselves on a fishing trip off the coast of Lyme when they hear the bells of Saint Michael's, signaling the arrival of a military presence. The opening chapters introduce their community's fears regarding a Cavalier attack, as Colonel Blake arrives with his troops to defend the town. As tensions mount, Ben and his friends engage in preparation for potential conflict, illustrating both their youthful enthusiasm and the serious stakes surrounding them. The boys' determination to contribute to the defense of their home shows their dedication to the cause and sets the stage for the historical events that unfold throughout the story.
Beulah Marie Dix
Merrylips
"Merrylips" by Beulah Marie Dix is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a lively young girl named Sybil Venner, affectionately nicknamed Merrylips by her family due to her cheerful disposition. Set in the idyllic English countryside of Wiltshire two centuries prior, the narrative captures her spirited childhood at Walsover Hall as she grapples with the expectations of being a girl, contrasting them against her adventurous yearnings often reserved for boys, particularly in the context of her family's involvement in the tumultuous political landscape of their time. At the start of "Merrylips," we are introduced to the titular character who dreams of adventure beyond the confines of her family's estate. She is depicted as the youngest and most adored child in her large family, joyfully engaging in wholesome activities like playing with her brothers or exploring the extensive grounds of their home. However, as Merrylips confronts her mother’s strict expectations of femininity, the story foreshadows her longing to break free from these societal norms. The opening chapters set the stage for Merrylips’ journey as she navigates familial love, the tension of impending war, and her desire to be brave and adventurous, hinting at the transformational experiences that lie ahead in her life.
Emma Leslie
Hayslope Grange: A Tale of the Civil War
"Hayslope Grange: A Tale of the Civil War" by Emma Leslie is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds during the turbulent times of the English Civil War in 1644, focusing on the Drury family living in the idyllic village of Hayslope, which is deeply affected by the conflict between the King and Parliament. The main character, Harry Drury, is torn between loyalty to his father and his growing political beliefs, which reflect the complex morality and struggles of the era. At the start of the tale, readers are introduced to the Drury family, as they welcome Harry back from London amidst the backdrop of civil unrest and personal turmoil. The atmosphere is heavy with worry, reflecting the gloom overshadowing the village due to the ongoing war. Harry's return prompts an exploration of family dynamics, love, and loyalty, particularly with Maud Harcourt, who harbors feelings for him. The opening sets the stage for Harry's internal conflict regarding his principles and the expectations of his father, leading to tensions that hint at larger confrontations as the war progresses. Through rich descriptions and emotive dialogues, the narrative invites the reader to ponder themes of duty, honor, and the true cost of loyalty in troubled times.
G. I. (Grace Isabelle) Whitham
Dick Chester : $b A story of the Civil War
"Dick Chester: A Story of the Civil War" by G. I. Whitham is a historical adventure novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the English Civil War, it follows the orphaned young baronet Dick Chester and a ragged, resourceful companion named Giles as they defy Roundhead forces to hold Dent Castle for the King, testing courage, loyalty, and honor. The opening of the novel shows Captain John Dent abandoning Dent Castle just as enemy cavalry approaches, prompting eleven-year-old Dick to swim the moat back into his home and, with the unexpected help of Giles, resolve to defend it. After a tense parley and a lesson in honor (Dick is stopped from firing on a flag of truce), the besiegers shoot down the royal flag, which Dick promptly rehoists; Giles then risks a sortie, brings in a wounded enemy, and learns artillery is coming. The pair draw lots and Dick slips out by night to reach the royal camp at Lumley, where skeptical officers mock him until Giles’s master—clearly the highest authority present—recognizes a shared token and orders Dent relieved. Immediately afterward, Dick vanishes through a secret panel, kidnapped by John Dent’s agents; fed lies by Master Purvis and carried south under guard, he is even confronted by a staged “Royalist” threat meant to break his spirit, setting the stakes for his rescue and the fate of Dent.
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