Readers of Philippa McGregor and C J Sansom will love Walters’ gripping, historical novel that weaves politics, intrigue and romance during England’s bloody Civil War.
Set between 1642 and 1649, Charles I’s God-given authority to rule is being defended by the Royalists whose rights and privileges are under challenge by the Puritans or Parliamentarians. Lead by Cromwell they demand a more democratic rule but Charles I refuses to relinquish his power and forms alliances with German and French armies and ultimately the Scots, to defeat the uprising.
Into the mix Walters gives us an unlikely but extremely admirable heroine: Jayne Swift, an intelligent, educated woman from a Royalist family who has trained as a physician. Because of her sex, Jayne is unable to fully practise her skills but she soon builds a reputation for her extraordinary healing powers. Unlike her father, and brothers who participate in the civil war, Jayne refuses, however, to take sides, remaining bipartisan in whom she treats. Jayne soon finds her medical skills land her in some dark and dangerous adventures where William Harrier is a constant and mysterious presence.
I read The Swift and the Harrier through the night, becoming increasingly caught up in the storytelling: the history, cast of characters; in the siege of Lyme Regis and in the eventual fate of the swift and the harrier.
Reviewed by Karen Williams
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Miles away from the “cosy” confines of preconceived notions of what an English murder-mystery author should be, Minette Walters can be found, glass of wine in hand, explaining the finer details of plumbing in a larder sink…
Web bookmarks for Minette’s research can run the gamut from brain trauma to the anti-war campaign, paedophilia and racist propaganda…
And, along with husband Alec, she’s only too happy to engage in ‘full and frank’ conversations about any topic you care to name, punctuated at regular intervals by her infectious laugh …
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