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A Quiet Mediocrity
Thomazine and Thankful (...For, or otherwise, His Deliverance) Russell have been married for almost six years. With a perfect house, two perfect children, and an almost perfect husband, she should be the happiest woman alive.
In the bitter winter of 1668, six years after their unlikely marriage, Thomazine and Thankful Russell find themselves confronting the joys and challenges of family life in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Russell, a scarred veteran of the Civil War and former exile in the Dutch Republic, seeks to bring the tradition of Sinterklaas to their children, much to Thomazine's dismay. The damaged, self-doubting man she married has grown into a successful businessman in his own right, and as Christmas approaches, tensions between tradition and change surface. Thomazine, practical and grounded, questions her place in a new world of wealth and social expectations that feels far removed from her humble roots. Meanwhile, Russell reflects on a life shaped by war, loyalty, and love, grounded in redemption and a hard-won sense of worth.
Set against the backdrop of Christmas in a lovingly detailed Buckinghamshire household, this heartwarming tale explores what it means to find belonging, build a home, and rekindle joy in the face of life's trials. Blending historical richness with tender domestic moments, A Quiet Mediocrity is a moving portrait of a family discovering the light that love and forgiveness can bring during the darkest season.
In the bitter winter of 1668, six years after their unlikely marriage, Thomazine and Thankful Russell find themselves confronting the joys and challenges of family life in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Russell, a scarred veteran of the Civil War and former exile in the Dutch Republic, seeks to bring the tradition of Sinterklaas to their children, much to Thomazine's dismay. The damaged, self-doubting man she married has grown into a successful businessman in his own right, and as Christmas approaches, tensions between tradition and change surface. Thomazine, practical and grounded, questions her place in a new world of wealth and social expectations that feels far removed from her humble roots. Meanwhile, Russell reflects on a life shaped by war, loyalty, and love, grounded in redemption and a hard-won sense of worth.
Set against the backdrop of Christmas in a lovingly detailed Buckinghamshire household, this heartwarming tale explores what it means to find belonging, build a home, and rekindle joy in the face of life's trials. Blending historical richness with tender domestic moments, A Quiet Mediocrity is a moving portrait of a family discovering the light that love and forgiveness can bring during the darkest season.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2024
About the author
M.J. Logue
26 books36 followersWriter, mad cake lady, re-enactor, historian.
Been slightly potty about the clankier side of Ironside for around 20 years, and lists amongst my heroes in this unworthy world Sir Thomas Fairfax, Elizabeth Cromwell and John Webster (for his sense of humour.)
When not purveying historically-accurate cake to various re-enactment groups across the country, M.J. Logue can usually be discovered practising in her garden with a cavalry backsword.
Been slightly potty about the clankier side of Ironside for around 20 years, and lists amongst my heroes in this unworthy world Sir Thomas Fairfax, Elizabeth Cromwell and John Webster (for his sense of humour.)
When not purveying historically-accurate cake to various re-enactment groups across the country, M.J. Logue can usually be discovered practising in her garden with a cavalry backsword.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 2, 2025
A Quiet Mediocrity - a quiet, short read ... and an absolutely fabulous one at that!
OK I admit, I adore Ms Logue's stories, she has a beautiful, unique style of writing, knows her history and conveys facts without a single nod to lecturing in an information-dump way. As a reader you are there, alongside the characters feeling their pain, their doubts, their certainties, their tears and their joy - and their confusion (for this period of English upheaval was very confusing for the King's supporters and for Parliament's).
Every character, every scene is an immersive experience, totally real, totally believable. It's almost like reading a biographical documentary, and in part this is because the characters are all flawed people in one way or another - so are very human and very reaal.
I fell for Thankful Russell when I first met him (several years ago now), because he is such a delightful oddity of a character. Not your usual soldier, not your usual post-war businessman, not your usual Intelligencer spy. I'm a Royalist in my English Civil War leaning, but not in the case of Ms Logue's retellings - I'm there with her motley crew of wonderful men (and women!)
My only criticism is that these latest tales are way too short - on the other hand, I'm always desperate to find out what happens next, so maybe the shortness isn't a bad thing after all!
I do hope we can be treated to more tales soon!
Very, very highly recommended!
OK I admit, I adore Ms Logue's stories, she has a beautiful, unique style of writing, knows her history and conveys facts without a single nod to lecturing in an information-dump way. As a reader you are there, alongside the characters feeling their pain, their doubts, their certainties, their tears and their joy - and their confusion (for this period of English upheaval was very confusing for the King's supporters and for Parliament's).
Every character, every scene is an immersive experience, totally real, totally believable. It's almost like reading a biographical documentary, and in part this is because the characters are all flawed people in one way or another - so are very human and very reaal.
I fell for Thankful Russell when I first met him (several years ago now), because he is such a delightful oddity of a character. Not your usual soldier, not your usual post-war businessman, not your usual Intelligencer spy. I'm a Royalist in my English Civil War leaning, but not in the case of Ms Logue's retellings - I'm there with her motley crew of wonderful men (and women!)
My only criticism is that these latest tales are way too short - on the other hand, I'm always desperate to find out what happens next, so maybe the shortness isn't a bad thing after all!
I do hope we can be treated to more tales soon!
Very, very highly recommended!
Displaying 1 of 1 review