Subject
Great Britain -- History -- Richard II, 1377-1399 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Warwick Deeping
The King Behind the King
"The King Behind the King" by Warwick Deeping is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Fulk Ferrers, a young forester tasked with protecting the beloved deer in the forest of Black Gill, and his unexpected encounter with a mysterious woman named Isoult of the Rose, who seems to embody both danger and allure. The narrative is set against a backdrop of social upheaval, hinting at tensions between the common folk and the nobility. The opening of the novel introduces Fulk as he patrols the forest under the light of a full moon, highlighting his vigilance and dedication to his lord's protection. In a tense encounter, he surprises Isoult, who is caught poaching. Their interaction reveals both their fiery personalities and sets the stage for a complex relationship filled with challenge, sparks of attraction, and political intrigue. As they navigate their roles—Fulk as the steadfast protector of the deer and Isoult with her mysterious agenda—the story hints at deeper conflicts brewing within the societal landscape of their time, suggesting that their destinies may be intertwined in ways they have yet to understand.
Mrs. O'Neill
The Bondman: A Story of the Times of Wat Tyler
"The Bondman: A Story of the Times of Wat Tyler" by Mrs. O'Neill is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. Set in the late 14th century, during the time of the Peasants' Revolt in England, the story primarily revolves around the themes of social class, bondage, and the fight for freedom. The main characters introduced include Stephen Holgrave, a newly freed yeoman who grapples with his newfound status and his love for Margaret, the betrothed of another man, Thomas Calverley, who is a squire of the powerful Baron de Boteler. At the start of the narrative, the scene is set in Sudley Castle, where Holgrave swears fidelity to his lord, which highlights the feudal system's structure. The opening chapters introduce Holgrave's marriage, the constraints of serfdom through characters like Margaret, and the dynamics of power and jealousy illustrated by Calverley’s unrequited love for Margaret. This tension escalates as Calverley’s ambitions and class prejudices threaten Holgrave and his family, foreshadowing conflict rooted in social hierarchy and personal vendettas. The stage is thus established for exploring the lives of characters affected by the oppressive social structures of their time, emphasizing their struggles for autonomy and recognition in an inequitable society.
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