REVIEWS -Some recent 17th century related novels
I thought that would share my opinion of some recent 17th century related novels. Will be looking at 'The Wrecking Storm' , by Michael Ward, 'The Puritan Princess' by Miranda Malins, and 'The Last Protector' by Andrew Taylor. Hopefully they will show the range of different views of the British Civil Wars that fiction authors are currently exploring.
'The Wrecking Storm' - Michael Ward
Michael Ward's first novel. introducing readers to lead character Thomas Tallant -'Rags of Time'-was excellent. Superb portrayal of London on the eve of the Civil War, with incredible tensions cutting across the lives of the Tallant merchant family with their strong links to the Dutch United Provinces. facing growing unrest amongst unruly apprentices and the clandestine radical printing presses are making an impact. A couple of murders emerge in all the chaos. Having Elizabeth as Thomas Tallant's love interest, with her fascination with science and smoking a pipe, was a good move.
'The Wrecking Storm' is enjoyable, but very much a sequel to the first novel. Reminds me of 'the second album ' syndrome amongst rock groups. After the author devised such a fascinating take on the Civil War in the first book, it is harder to repeat the impact. The same themes are evident in both books. The author appears to be adopting quite a pro-Royalist line, which is perfectly in order as long as he can avoid turning the Parliamentarians, particularly the Puritans, into mere caricatures. It is a good read though. But I would suggest anyone new to this author's work should start with 'Rags of Time'.
Michael Ward is planning new website for the future. At the moment best to follow author on Twitter @mikewardmedia
The Puritan Princess -Miranda Malins
The author seems on a mission to present an alternative view of Oliver Cromwell and to focus on the lives of his family , particularly the younger daughter Frances in the last three years of the Interregnum. Cromwell is shown as a loving father, a conscientious ruler, who gained international respect. Someone who enjoyed music, the occasional bout of drinking and feasting. His court is depicted as cultured and vibrant, not a den of suffocating puritanism. And in 1657 Cromwell was clutching at power, faced by would be assassins such as Miles Sindercombe and Edward Sexby, along with Royalist and Radical factions, out to end his rule.
His family enjoy life at Whitehall and Hampton Court at weekends. The novel highlights the dilemma concerning whether Cromwell should go the whole hog and just become king and create his own dynasty. Whilst Frances is determined to marry a man that her father does not approve of so there is some romantic interest .Liked the way that Palace life seems unreal, the Cromwells were not born to rule. Within a year a series of fatal illnesses strike the family culminating in the death of Cromwell himself on 3rd September 1658. In 1659, the hold of the Cromwell family upon power, particularly with Richard Cromwell at its head, was severely weakened, and of course in 1660, they fell.
The whole saga is quite tragic, The contrast between the pomp of Cromwell's funeral procession with the poets writing their tributes to the humiliating revenge taken on his corpse at Tyburn Tree less than three years later, is well highlighted.
I found the first 100 pages quite intense. The author seems determined to demonstrate her considerable knowledge of history to the extent that it became more like a biography of the family. I love 17th century history, but began to wonder, whether the book should have been a non-fiction study of the subject. And how someone without any great enthusiasm for the era would take to it. But once the historical context had been explained, the story gained momentum,. And I couldn't stop reading the novel . Overall a success.
Author website is at https://mirandamalins.com/
This is the first James Marwood/Cat Lovett tale I have read- and number 4 in the series, with the fifth book out last month. I have no idea how the characters developed over the course of time. Found the point of view a bit all over the place, with a despised outcast Ferris introducing chapters in a modernist fashion.
The story centres round the fault lines that appeared during the Restoration in 1668; namely that there were still supporters of the Protectorate who will not accept the Restoration, often driven by religious motives. The failure of a costly and not particularly successful war with the Dutch did not help. And when Richard Cromwell appears in London on a supposedly innocent enough personal mission, he is gullible enough into being lured into being used by more powerful individuals, living up to his 'Tumbledown Dick' reputation,.And the Duke of Buckingham emerges as the arch manipulator and plotter- complete with thuggish accomplices. London appears in all its filth and fury. Whores, thugs, radicals, rioting apprentices, all play their part in the story. Few ordinary folk seem to inhabit the city. Interesting that both lead characters were children of radicals and not quite accepted by the new social order, and risked their loyalty being questioned. Charles II and Lady Castlemaine are featured in one scene. Entertaining and quite gripping plot. I made up my mind quite soon that want to read more from this series. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Author website is at http://www.lydmouth.co.uk/
Other blogs by Michael Bully
Both are no longer updated.
Now on Twitter A Burnt Ship@ShipBurnt
It's a great to see an increase of visitors to 'A Burnt Ship' from all over the world. Hope everyone stays as safe as well as can be expected during these difficult times.
Michael Bully
Brighton, 6th May 2021
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