I was excited to receive an ARC (early review copy) for Requiem For A Knave, written by the uber talented Laura Carlin. Here’s my review:

Told from the perspective of the ageing, Alwin of Whittaker, Requiem For A Knave is an intelligent, historical tale which cleverly examines modern day themes and issues.

As an eighteen-year-old, Alwin is lean and strong, but inexperienced and naïve, having travelled no further than his local area. He lives with his mother and grandfather, with the Father Oswald, a holy man, as his male role model. Tending the farm suits Alwin, but his life is turned upside down when on her deathbed, his mother reveals there are family secrets she has been forced to keep. She urges Alwin to leave the cottage in search of the truth.

What follows is a beautifully told tale which explores identity, family relationships, the right and wrongs of tradition, and love. It is an adventure, a mystery and a romance, woven together by nimble fingers.
The language the author uses carries the reader along, words effortlessly gliding from one page to the next. If the page is a river, the words are leaves floating downstream, but don’t be misled – the ease with which Requiem For A Knave can be read is testament to the author’s skill.
There are moments of pure tenderness, times of breath-taking tension, and a feel to the story that is palpable. The rhythm and language put me in mind of Hardy and Elliot, and at times, Stoker. As a reader, I have lived Alwin’s life, witnessed everything he witnessed. Felt his every emotion. I was lost in his world and I was happy to be there.

Requiem For A Knave is an authentic, beautiful and page-turning novel that is a joy to read.
It will stay with me for some time.

Thank you to Laura Macdougall for the advance copy.

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