Subject
Great Britain -- History -- Restoration, 1660-1688 -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
When London Burned : a Story of Restoration Times and the Great Fire
"When London Burned: a Story of Restoration Times and the Great Fire" by G. A. Henty is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative is set in 17th century England, a period marked by the turmoil of the Restoration after the English Civil War and encompasses the tragedy of the Great Fire of London. The story follows the young protagonist, Cyril Shenstone, the son of a disillusioned Cavalier, as he navigates the challenges of life after his father's death, seeking to forge his own path in a world rife with adventure and adversity. The opening of the book introduces Cyril at a poignant moment in his life as he mourns the loss of his father, Sir Aubrey Shenstone, who is characterized as a brave yet reckless figure lacking the virtues necessary for responsible fatherhood. Living under the care of Lady Parton and her family, Cyril is portrayed as a reflective and resilient youth, aspiring to become a soldier despite the struggles of his family’s fallen nobility. As Cyril embarks on a journey of self-discovery and grapples with his ambitions amidst the backdrop of political upheaval, readers are drawn into the intricacies of Restoration England, foreshadowing the challenges he will face as the Great Fire looms ahead.
Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman
A Lad of Grit: A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea in Restoration Times
"A Lad of Grit: A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea in Restoration Times" by Percy F. Westerman is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the young protagonist, Aubrey Wentworth, against the backdrop of Restoration England, as he grapples with the aftermath of his father's brutal murder and embarks on a journey filled with adventure, danger, and aspirations of naval glory. The vivid depiction of historical events, characters, and settings provides an engaging glimpse into a tumultuous period marked by political intrigue and conflict. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Aubrey and his father, Owen Wentworth, as they return home from a fair, only to be drawn into a violent confrontation with a Roundhead soldier named Increase Joyce, who ultimately kills Owen. This traumatic event propels Aubrey into a world of challenges; he faces not only the emotional turmoil of loss but also the immediate threat of danger. The narrative sets the stage for Aubrey's growth as he contemplates his future, eventually leading him into the realm of seafaring and the pursuit of justice for his father, promising a tale rich in adventure and personal evolution.
Dorothea Townshend
A Lost Leader: A Tale of Restoration Days
"A Lost Leader: A Tale of Restoration Days" by Dorothea Townshend is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story takes place against the backdrop of the tumultuous political landscape in England during the mid-17th century, particularly during and after the execution of King Charles I. The narrative centers around Richard Harrison, the nephew of the executed General Harrison, as he navigates his loyalty to his uncle's ideals and the harsh reality of a world where those revolutionary aspirations lead to death and despair. The opening of the novel vividly sets the scene in December 1648, as the small town of Farnham bustles with a crowd eager to glimpse King Charles before his fateful journey to the scaffold. Richard, a young boy at this point, admires his uncle whom he idolizes, reflecting the tension between the royalists and the parliamentarians that culminated in the tragic events of the time. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at the burden of legacy and the impact of political loyalties as Richard grapples with the ramifications of his uncle's actions amid a society eager for retribution. The story captures the struggle between idealism and the bitter realities of a divided nation, setting the stage for Richard's journey through grief and disillusionment in a rapidly changing world.
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