The plague is upon England and a child is born into this time. The plague cart comes to pick up the child, which has died, or so it appears. The carter who is driving the body to the plague pit where plague victims are buried hears it cry out. He saves the child for what will be an interesting future.
The child, now known as Tom, grows up to work in a shipbuilding yard. An investor sees him and takes an interest in him. The investor arranges for Tom to be taken to a printing shop where he is put to work, and is educated.
Later, England would be split in two when civil war breaks out. King Charles demanded more money from Parliament, but Parliament refused. Tom sides with Parliament. He goes on to discover that he might be the illegitimate child of a peer. He sets out to discover where his roots lie.
For fans of historical fiction, author Peter Ransley has created an intriguing read; well researched and one that you will enjoy and not want to put down. I am looking forward to the next two books that will come out as sequels to "Plague Child".
Throughly enjoyed this book and as above eagerly await the second installment I believe will be entitled "Cromwell's Blessing" (UK release March 2012). The book set an excellent background of time and place and created a real environment for the reader to be drawn into. If you like Historical fiction you will love "Plague Child".
ReplyDeleteP.S - Thank you for recommending it! x