Subject
Great Britain -- History -- Restoration, 1660-1688 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Rafael Sabatini
Fortune's Fool
"Fortune's Fool" by Rafael Sabatini is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the tumultuous life of Colonel Randal Holles, a soldier whose past haunts him as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of post-Restoration England. The story delves into themes of fortune, love, and the consequences of one's ancestry, against the backdrop of societal upheaval. The opening of the novel introduces Martha Quinn, the proprietor of a tavern called the Paul’s Head, amidst the backdrop of an unstable England grappling with war and plague. Colonel Holles, a handsome but shabbily dressed man, has taken refuge in her establishment, escaping the burdens of his past, when Martha sets her sights on him as a potential husband. As they engage in playful banter, we learn of Holles’s precarious financial situation and his hopes of reconnecting with influential figures from his past, specifically the Duke of Albemarle, who might offer him the military employment he desires. Thus, the stage is set for a tale that weaves personal ambition with the shifting tides of fortune and societal change.
Anne Manning
Cherry & Violet: A Tale of the Great Plague
"Cherry & Violet: A Tale of the Great Plague" by Anne Manning is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set during the tumultuous times of the Great Plague and the English Civil War, revolving around the lives of two central characters, Cherry and her childhood companion, Violet. The book explores themes of love, resilience, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. At the start of the tale, the narrator, Cherry, reflects on her childhood reminiscences, offering a glimpse into her family's life on London Bridge in the early 17th century. The opening chapters introduce key family members, including her father, a hairdresser, and her mother, as well as her cousin Mark, who harbors feelings for Violet. The narrative also touches upon significant events such as a devastating fire on the bridge and the experience of a double tide, foreshadowing the upheaval that will accompany the plague. The relationships among Cherry, Mark, and Violet begin to develop as personal feelings intertwine with the historical context, setting the stage for future conflict and emotional turmoil.
Ronald MacDonald
The Sword of the King
"The Sword of the King" by Ronald MacDonald is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is narrated by Philippa Drayton, who reflects on her childhood and the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of love, duty, and bravery within the familial and political turmoil of her time. Central to the narrative is her relationship with Master Edward Royston, which evolves against the backdrop of the English Civil War and its aftermath. The opening of the novel introduces us to Philippa Drayton, who begins recollecting a childhood memory that highlights her bond with Master Edward Royston when they were young. As a five-year-old, Philippa is rescued by Ned during a troublesome moment with her nurse, sparking a friendship that grows into affection over the years. Their interactions reveal the innocence and charm of childhood, but also hint at the underlying political tensions of the time. As the opening progresses, we delve into Philippa’s family history and relationship dynamics while setting the stage for the complicated events that will unfold due to their intertwined lives amidst the backdrop of staunch royalist loyalties and the repercussions of war.
Elizabeth Rundle Charles
On both sides of the sea : $b A story of the Commonwealth and the Restoration
"On Both Sides of the Sea: A Story of the Commonwealth and the Restoration" is a historical novel likely written in the mid to late 19th century. The book dramatizes the period surrounding the English Civil War, the execution of King Charles I, and the dawning of the English Commonwealth, focusing on the experiences of intertwined Royalist and Parliamentarian families. The story unfolds primarily through personal recollections and diaries, immersing readers in the ethical dilemmas, sorrow, and political strife of the era, with characters such as Olive, Roger, and Lettice at its center. The opening of the novel plunges the reader directly into the emotional turmoil of the day King Charles I is executed, as recounted by Olive. The narrative vividly portrays the silent, grief-stricken city, the stark division between Royalists and Commonwealth supporters, and the inner conflicts of those entangled personally and politically in the seismic national events. This somber historical backdrop is deepened by Lettice’s diary, which explores her crisis of faith following her mother’s death and grapples with moral uncertainty brought on by the king’s execution—particularly as it tears her apart from Roger, whom she loves. As the story progresses, through additional chapters and shifting viewpoints, the novel expands on the challenges of the new Republic, the rise of unrest, and the spiritual and political questions confronting families and soldiers alike. The opening thus sets a tone of intimate reflection woven through tumultuous historical change, providing a multi-faceted look at a turning point in English history.
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