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Fenland #1
Flood
Violence, greed and betrayal threaten the remote communities of East Anglia in the seventeenth century, when ruthless and unscrupulous speculators steal their common lands, while fanatic Puritans bring accusations of heresy and witchcraft. Granddaughter of a local hero, Mercy Bennington moves out of the shadow of her elder brother to become a leader of the protestors, finding the strength to confront the enemies who endanger the survival of her village and her own life. Yet the violence wreaked upon the fragile fenlands unleashes a force no one can control – flood.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
97 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Ann Swinfen
46 books217 followersAnn Swinfen spent her childhood partly in England and partly on the east coast of America. She read Classics and Mathematics at Oxford, where she married a fellow undergraduate, the historian David Swinfen. While bringing up their five children and studying for an MSc in Mathematics and a BA and PhD in English Literature, she had a variety of jobs, including university lecturer, translator, freelance journalist and software designer.
She served for nine years on the governing council of the Open University and for five years worked as a manager and editor in the technical author division of an international computer company, but gave up her full-time job to concentrate on her writing, while continuing part-time university teaching. In 1995 she founded Dundee Book Events, a voluntary organisation promoting books and authors to the general public.
Her first three novels, The Anniversary, The Travellers, and A Running Tide, all with a contemporary setting but also an historical resonance, were published by Random House, with translations into Dutch and German. Her fourth novel, The Testament of Mariam, marked something of a departure. Set in the first century, it recounts, from an unusual perspective, one of the most famous and yet ambiguous stories in human history. At the same time it explores life under a foreign occupying force, in lands still torn by conflict to this day. Her latest novel, Flood, is set in the fenlands of East Anglia during the seventeenth century, where the local people fought desperately to save their land from greedy and unscrupulous speculators.
She now lives on the northeast coast of Scotland, with her husband (formerly vice-principal of the University of Dundee), a cocker spaniel and two Maine Coon cats.
She served for nine years on the governing council of the Open University and for five years worked as a manager and editor in the technical author division of an international computer company, but gave up her full-time job to concentrate on her writing, while continuing part-time university teaching. In 1995 she founded Dundee Book Events, a voluntary organisation promoting books and authors to the general public.
Her first three novels, The Anniversary, The Travellers, and A Running Tide, all with a contemporary setting but also an historical resonance, were published by Random House, with translations into Dutch and German. Her fourth novel, The Testament of Mariam, marked something of a departure. Set in the first century, it recounts, from an unusual perspective, one of the most famous and yet ambiguous stories in human history. At the same time it explores life under a foreign occupying force, in lands still torn by conflict to this day. Her latest novel, Flood, is set in the fenlands of East Anglia during the seventeenth century, where the local people fought desperately to save their land from greedy and unscrupulous speculators.
She now lives on the northeast coast of Scotland, with her husband (formerly vice-principal of the University of Dundee), a cocker spaniel and two Maine Coon cats.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 6, 2016
What a wonderful chance find this book was. I've been wanting to read something about the Fens in the 17th century, when the ancient way of life of the Fenlanders was washed away to satisfy the greed of those in power, since reading something about it in a book by Norah Lofts, years ago, but I've never been able to find anything. Then I chanced upon this book via a random passing tweet (on Twitter). So glad I did!
The book starts with the very end of the old way of life, when the people of Ann Swinfen's fictional village celebrate old traditions, the bringing in of the May and the beating of the village boundaries, for the last time ~ except that they don't know that the way they live is about to be consigned to a memory of a golden, uncomplicated past. Mercy, the heroine of the novel, says "Why can we not be left to ourselves, here in the Fens, to grow our food, and rear our animals and mend our houses, troubling no one? We need no courts or kings or parliaments." Something that might be echoed by many communities before and since.
As the dreaded 'drainers' move in, life becomes more treacherous for Mercy, her family and friends every day, and is made harder still by unclement weather, failing harvests, and the presence of Matthew Hopkins, witchfinder general.
This book is so well researched, I relished every word, every description; if only there were pictures, too! All the characters are so alive (I particularly liked eel fisherman Nehemiah, and soldier George), the story is a real page turner and I was completely engrossed, doing that 'just one more chapter' at three in the morning thing. It taught me a lot about a subject, time and place that fascinates me, too. I have just downloaded the sequel, and will be beginning it as soon as I have posted this review.
Highly, highly recommended; historical fiction at its best.
The book starts with the very end of the old way of life, when the people of Ann Swinfen's fictional village celebrate old traditions, the bringing in of the May and the beating of the village boundaries, for the last time ~ except that they don't know that the way they live is about to be consigned to a memory of a golden, uncomplicated past. Mercy, the heroine of the novel, says "Why can we not be left to ourselves, here in the Fens, to grow our food, and rear our animals and mend our houses, troubling no one? We need no courts or kings or parliaments." Something that might be echoed by many communities before and since.
As the dreaded 'drainers' move in, life becomes more treacherous for Mercy, her family and friends every day, and is made harder still by unclement weather, failing harvests, and the presence of Matthew Hopkins, witchfinder general.
This book is so well researched, I relished every word, every description; if only there were pictures, too! All the characters are so alive (I particularly liked eel fisherman Nehemiah, and soldier George), the story is a real page turner and I was completely engrossed, doing that 'just one more chapter' at three in the morning thing. It taught me a lot about a subject, time and place that fascinates me, too. I have just downloaded the sequel, and will be beginning it as soon as I have posted this review.
Highly, highly recommended; historical fiction at its best.
June 15, 2014
For me, the sign of good historical fiction is being able to learn about a period of history while being entertained, and Ann Swinfen’s novel, Flood, does just that.
As the author transports us to the wild beauty of the fenlands, where the land-owners, and the fens themselves, are threatened by unscrupulous speculators, I learned what it was like to live in these remote fenlands of East Anglia; about the Puritan fanaticism of the seventeenth century Cromwell period, and the witch-hunting and corrupt political system.
Told through the eyes of the novel’s heroine, Mercy Bennington, the reader quickly sympathises with her, and her farming family, when exploitative and unethical drainers move in to drain the fens and enclose the common land, having no idea of the environmental impact of their actions. In the fight to protect their lands and homes, Mercy emerges as a feisty protestor, willing to risk her own life to protect the livelihood of her community.
Meticulously researched, and beautifully told, I would highly recommend Flood to historical fiction fans who enjoy an action-packed, suspenseful, and heart-warming tale. The novel's sharp environmental message, too, is very well-timed.
As the author transports us to the wild beauty of the fenlands, where the land-owners, and the fens themselves, are threatened by unscrupulous speculators, I learned what it was like to live in these remote fenlands of East Anglia; about the Puritan fanaticism of the seventeenth century Cromwell period, and the witch-hunting and corrupt political system.
Told through the eyes of the novel’s heroine, Mercy Bennington, the reader quickly sympathises with her, and her farming family, when exploitative and unethical drainers move in to drain the fens and enclose the common land, having no idea of the environmental impact of their actions. In the fight to protect their lands and homes, Mercy emerges as a feisty protestor, willing to risk her own life to protect the livelihood of her community.
Meticulously researched, and beautifully told, I would highly recommend Flood to historical fiction fans who enjoy an action-packed, suspenseful, and heart-warming tale. The novel's sharp environmental message, too, is very well-timed.
April 6, 2014
I was swept away by FLOOD.
I read portions of hundreds of books every year, as part of the research for my own historical novels. I rarely review books because it wouldn’t be fair to the authors to rate or recommend their work after reading a few chapters or gleaning the info I needed. Flood, by Ann Swinfen, beat the odds because it was both great background information on culture and environment of the 17th century (my field of study), but it was beautifully constructed and a story well told. I read the entire book in only a few sittings.
Flood is a fictional story set in real events of the mid-1640s, the hostile takeover and destruction of centuries-old family farms and businesses located in England’s East Anglian fens, which are seasonal wetlands, rivers, canals, and saltwater/freshwater marshes. The rich and powerful believe themselves entitled to take livelihoods and lives in their pursuit of profit. And the people they come against will not be victims.
When Swinfen describes village customs or the extended-family relationships in a small village, she uses imagery that stimulates the senses: the stink of skinned eels, the unexpected delicacy of a wildflower, the trusting nuzzle of a dairy cow, the sharp dig and long-term cramps of torture restraints.
The author used the events surrounding the real Witchfinder General, who tortured and killed hundreds of innocent men and women in the 1640s. The protagonist and her friend were accused of witchcraft and Swinfen describes the experience of one who survived the testing and trials.
The book’s action and romance began early, but they were both carefully paced. The conflict and drama steadily simmered to a boiling point—ironically, in freezing flood waters. The characters weren’t too holy or too evil, and weren’t predictable. I would have liked an unambiguous resolution or epilogue at the end of the book, but since real life is usually unresolved, I can draw my own conclusions, or research the end of the scheme for myself. (And I did.)
The genius of Swinfen’s 17th-century Flood story is that it so closely parallels the politics and economy of the 21st century. (I don’t think she intended that—the book is not a political thriller.) I compared yeoman farmers and small business owners, the “Adventurers” and the One Percent vulture capitalists, the rape of the environment (fens then and mineral or fuel mining now), the economically depressed villagers and the long-term unemployed, the soldiers who joined the military for one reason and were virtually enslaved for another reason, the corrupt courts, the politicians bought off by corporations and plutocrats, the marriage of religion and government causing oppression, protesters trying to take back a lifestyle and heritage stolen from them—why does this sound so familiar? But Swinfen’s fictional story in real events rings true four centuries later because although cultures change, people do not.
I bought the Kindle edition. But I wish I’d bought the book, which is more substantial in my opinion. Flood is a keeper. Highly recommended! (5/5 stars)
I read portions of hundreds of books every year, as part of the research for my own historical novels. I rarely review books because it wouldn’t be fair to the authors to rate or recommend their work after reading a few chapters or gleaning the info I needed. Flood, by Ann Swinfen, beat the odds because it was both great background information on culture and environment of the 17th century (my field of study), but it was beautifully constructed and a story well told. I read the entire book in only a few sittings.
Flood is a fictional story set in real events of the mid-1640s, the hostile takeover and destruction of centuries-old family farms and businesses located in England’s East Anglian fens, which are seasonal wetlands, rivers, canals, and saltwater/freshwater marshes. The rich and powerful believe themselves entitled to take livelihoods and lives in their pursuit of profit. And the people they come against will not be victims.
When Swinfen describes village customs or the extended-family relationships in a small village, she uses imagery that stimulates the senses: the stink of skinned eels, the unexpected delicacy of a wildflower, the trusting nuzzle of a dairy cow, the sharp dig and long-term cramps of torture restraints.
The author used the events surrounding the real Witchfinder General, who tortured and killed hundreds of innocent men and women in the 1640s. The protagonist and her friend were accused of witchcraft and Swinfen describes the experience of one who survived the testing and trials.
The book’s action and romance began early, but they were both carefully paced. The conflict and drama steadily simmered to a boiling point—ironically, in freezing flood waters. The characters weren’t too holy or too evil, and weren’t predictable. I would have liked an unambiguous resolution or epilogue at the end of the book, but since real life is usually unresolved, I can draw my own conclusions, or research the end of the scheme for myself. (And I did.)
The genius of Swinfen’s 17th-century Flood story is that it so closely parallels the politics and economy of the 21st century. (I don’t think she intended that—the book is not a political thriller.) I compared yeoman farmers and small business owners, the “Adventurers” and the One Percent vulture capitalists, the rape of the environment (fens then and mineral or fuel mining now), the economically depressed villagers and the long-term unemployed, the soldiers who joined the military for one reason and were virtually enslaved for another reason, the corrupt courts, the politicians bought off by corporations and plutocrats, the marriage of religion and government causing oppression, protesters trying to take back a lifestyle and heritage stolen from them—why does this sound so familiar? But Swinfen’s fictional story in real events rings true four centuries later because although cultures change, people do not.
I bought the Kindle edition. But I wish I’d bought the book, which is more substantial in my opinion. Flood is a keeper. Highly recommended! (5/5 stars)
July 17, 2018
I love fictional stories set against true historical facts. Flood tells the story of Fenlanders in 17th century East Anglia whose hard working but peaceful way of life is compromised by those who believe they are entitled to profit by whatever means necessary.
Mercy Bennington, her parents and brother farm on the Norfolk Fens, as have generations of their ancestors. Fifteen years ago, before the war, her grandfather lead an attack against the drainage works that were damaging the largest area of the Fens. Now livelihoods are being threatened again under Cromwell’s government. This puritanical and sombre regime endangers not only the delicate balance of life on the Fens but also the Fenlanders very existence, through drainage and commandeering their land, crops and livestock. In addition, the new laws forbid people marrying in church or baptizing their children and dreadful punishments are meted out to those found defying the Puritan rules.
As the men are brought in to drain the land, with no care for the consequences to the village, its inhabitants or the environment, Mercy, her family and friends resort to desperate measures which threaten not only the family, but also the villagers. Flood is told from Mercy’s first person perspective, so it’s very easy to feel sympathy for the untenable position the Fenlanders find themselves in, and justify their reactions.
People not only have to deal with the destruction of their lands, property and lifestyle but also the growing threat of being charged with witchcraft. The witch-finder Matthew Hopkins, along with his second in command, travel the country, spreading panic and following up on accusations caused by villagers turning against each other for the flimsiest of reasons.
With wonderful attention to detail, Ann Swinfen’s rich descriptions of village life and the remote beauty of the fens conjure up vivid images of an area and lifestyle I knew next to nothing about. The narrative is engrossing, researched and written extremely well, perfectly evoking a time of oppressive government rule and uncertainty. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction and those that just like a cracking story.
‘It seems they can do what they please. Was not the War fought to overthrow the tyranny of a king? It seems tyranny still stalks the land.’ ~ Mercy Bennington
Mercy Bennington, her parents and brother farm on the Norfolk Fens, as have generations of their ancestors. Fifteen years ago, before the war, her grandfather lead an attack against the drainage works that were damaging the largest area of the Fens. Now livelihoods are being threatened again under Cromwell’s government. This puritanical and sombre regime endangers not only the delicate balance of life on the Fens but also the Fenlanders very existence, through drainage and commandeering their land, crops and livestock. In addition, the new laws forbid people marrying in church or baptizing their children and dreadful punishments are meted out to those found defying the Puritan rules.
As the men are brought in to drain the land, with no care for the consequences to the village, its inhabitants or the environment, Mercy, her family and friends resort to desperate measures which threaten not only the family, but also the villagers. Flood is told from Mercy’s first person perspective, so it’s very easy to feel sympathy for the untenable position the Fenlanders find themselves in, and justify their reactions.
People not only have to deal with the destruction of their lands, property and lifestyle but also the growing threat of being charged with witchcraft. The witch-finder Matthew Hopkins, along with his second in command, travel the country, spreading panic and following up on accusations caused by villagers turning against each other for the flimsiest of reasons.
With wonderful attention to detail, Ann Swinfen’s rich descriptions of village life and the remote beauty of the fens conjure up vivid images of an area and lifestyle I knew next to nothing about. The narrative is engrossing, researched and written extremely well, perfectly evoking a time of oppressive government rule and uncertainty. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction and those that just like a cracking story.
‘It seems they can do what they please. Was not the War fought to overthrow the tyranny of a king? It seems tyranny still stalks the land.’ ~ Mercy Bennington
August 11, 2016
If you ever wanted to read an extraordinarily riveting novel---action-filled and tender by turns-- while learning what it was like to live in England during the Cromwell years, don’t miss Ann Swinfen’s latest novel Flood, set during the seventeenth century in the remote fenlands of East Anglia! Under Cromwell, joyless Puritan fanaticism reigns with a focus on witch-hunting and destruction of beautiful centuries-old churches, not to mention the emergence of a corrupt government that turns a deaf ear to the reasonable concerns of citizens seeking redress for wrongs. Against this background, the plot, suspenseful and exciting, pits entitled land-owners against the disastrous encroachments of unscrupulous speculators ignorant of the environmental consequences of their actions. The lovely descriptions of the fenlands are elegantly written with an eye for detail that transports the reader to a ready understanding of its need for salvation. The characters are unforgettable. The reader becomes immersed in their lives, seen through the eyes of the novel’s strong heroine Mercy Bennington as she navigates the hair-raising twists and turns of her struggles and challenges as the story progresses. In some respects this is a coming of age story about Mercy---wise for her years, grounded in love and loyalty for family, friends, and the fenlands themselves. As Mercy matures, the love that develops between her and Gideon becomes increasingly important to the brilliantly conceived plot.
I literally could not put this novel down. Dynamic, suspenseful, fascinating from both a human and historical viewpoint, beautifully and masterfully written, this novel cries out for a sequel!
I literally could not put this novel down. Dynamic, suspenseful, fascinating from both a human and historical viewpoint, beautifully and masterfully written, this novel cries out for a sequel!
October 20, 2018
Flood is a seventeenth century English historical fiction. It is set in the fenlands of East Anglia.
Oliver Cromwell now rules England and brings new religious regulations to the people. In the fenlands the government is pushing through enclosure of common lands, but the new drainage channels will change the natural water flows of water that the people of the area rely on.
Not willing to become victims, eighteen year old Mercy, a farmer's daughter, and her family join other villagers to fight back.
An interesting story that features the plight of the local people. This book also touches on Matthew Hopkins and the gruesome witchfinder trials.
Overall a good book for those interested in the era or the location.
Oliver Cromwell now rules England and brings new religious regulations to the people. In the fenlands the government is pushing through enclosure of common lands, but the new drainage channels will change the natural water flows of water that the people of the area rely on.
Not willing to become victims, eighteen year old Mercy, a farmer's daughter, and her family join other villagers to fight back.
An interesting story that features the plight of the local people. This book also touches on Matthew Hopkins and the gruesome witchfinder trials.
Overall a good book for those interested in the era or the location.
November 16, 2024
This is a superb book of historical fiction about the lives of ordinary people in the Fens at the time of the English Civil War in the 1640s. There are many exciting incidents as the inhabitants find themselves driven out of their farmlands by entrepreneurs who drain the watery Fens in order to free up land for Dutch settlers (as happened in real life). The heroine participates in local actions against the settlers and finds herself accused of witchcraft. We learn in detail of her experiences as she is interrogated and "swum" in Lincoln by Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General. The book rises to a dramatic conclusion as it starts to rain heavily and the new drains cannot cope.
June 16, 2017
Well written
Very colorfully told story. Very descriptive. What a difficult existence. Amazing his people who call themselves Christians can be so hateful. And to think these same Puritans came to America because they were exiled......I definitely understand why! Religious and political intolerance. How one human can be so devoid of true feeling is beyond my understanding.
This author is very good at showing what life under Cromwell in England was like. Definite must read.
Very colorfully told story. Very descriptive. What a difficult existence. Amazing his people who call themselves Christians can be so hateful. And to think these same Puritans came to America because they were exiled......I definitely understand why! Religious and political intolerance. How one human can be so devoid of true feeling is beyond my understanding.
This author is very good at showing what life under Cromwell in England was like. Definite must read.
June 26, 2023
Interest historical piece and part one of a series by Ann Swinfen.
Based in the fenland area of Lincolnshire after the English Civil war and covering the enclosures of common land, religious persecution (obligatory in virtually every historical novel), witch trials and brutal enforcement of the new rules by the New Model Army.
Enjoyable and educational but I probably won't continue with the series.
Based in the fenland area of Lincolnshire after the English Civil war and covering the enclosures of common land, religious persecution (obligatory in virtually every historical novel), witch trials and brutal enforcement of the new rules by the New Model Army.
Enjoyable and educational but I probably won't continue with the series.
October 2, 2017
Ann Swinfen does a wonderful job bringing the reader into her worlds. Her historical details are well researched. This particular book describes a bit of English history I really didn't know anything about. Makes me want to dig into that era of history more.
October 25, 2018
Emotional
What a rollercoaster of a book, it had me smiling, crying, hating, loving and learning about the people of the fens. Very descriptive writings take you along almost beside the characters.
What a rollercoaster of a book, it had me smiling, crying, hating, loving and learning about the people of the fens. Very descriptive writings take you along almost beside the characters.
July 17, 2017
Mercy is a terrific female protagonist. So refreshing! Thank you Ann Swinfen for a great story
August 4, 2017
Another fine historical novel by Ann Swinfen, set in the fenlands.
July 11, 2024
One of my favorite authors. I love historical fiction and she does a great job teaching history through fascinating characters and interesting locations.
June 9, 2023
Well written fascinating story about Cromwell trying to make money out of draining the common land on the fens and how it affected the villagers there - believable characters and a good story as well as new history I knew nothing about
February 20, 2017
Another riveting historical tale
With her usual detailed description of life in the times of which she writes, Ann Swinfen leads us along with the tale of courage and weakness, love and hate.
With her usual detailed description of life in the times of which she writes, Ann Swinfen leads us along with the tale of courage and weakness, love and hate.
March 8, 2014
What amazing serendipity to have published this book at this particular time! Swinfen's Flood is set on the English Fens in the early 17th century, just after the Civil War; but the parallels with the current situation on the Somerset Levels are very striking.
That said, this book stands on its own merits as a really absorbing read. Swinfen conjures up the conditions of life at that period in that place very vividly and makes us understand how that unique way of life is threatened by the draining of the fens and the enclosure of common land. This is done through the story of one family of yeoman farmers living in a fenland village and the various members of the family are fully realised characters. In particular, her heroine Mercy grabs our sympathy. She is a strong girl, feisty enough to appeal to a modern reader without stepping beyond the bounds of the conventions of the period.
The narrative arc of the book is powerful enough to keep us turning the pages and the description of Mercy's trial for witchcraft is blood-chilling. The story comes to a climax with the flood of the title, with a gripping account of Mercy's attempts to save the lives of both friends and those who might be accounted as enemies, and an ultimate tragedy. If the romantic finale is a little predictable it still leaves the reader satisfied and offers hope for the future.
Highly recommended.
That said, this book stands on its own merits as a really absorbing read. Swinfen conjures up the conditions of life at that period in that place very vividly and makes us understand how that unique way of life is threatened by the draining of the fens and the enclosure of common land. This is done through the story of one family of yeoman farmers living in a fenland village and the various members of the family are fully realised characters. In particular, her heroine Mercy grabs our sympathy. She is a strong girl, feisty enough to appeal to a modern reader without stepping beyond the bounds of the conventions of the period.
The narrative arc of the book is powerful enough to keep us turning the pages and the description of Mercy's trial for witchcraft is blood-chilling. The story comes to a climax with the flood of the title, with a gripping account of Mercy's attempts to save the lives of both friends and those who might be accounted as enemies, and an ultimate tragedy. If the romantic finale is a little predictable it still leaves the reader satisfied and offers hope for the future.
Highly recommended.
April 25, 2014
For me, the sign of good historical fiction is being able to learn about a period of history while being entertained, and Ann Swinfen’s novel, Flood, does just that.
As the author transports us to the wild beauty of the fenlands, where the land-owners, and the fens themselves, are threatened by unscrupulous speculators, I learned what it was like to live in these remote fenlands of East Anglia; about the Puritan fanaticism of the seventeenth century Cromwell period, and the witch-hunting and corrupt political system.
Told through the eyes of the novel’s heroine, Mercy Bennington, the reader quickly sympathises with her, and her farming family, when exploitative and unethical drainers move in to drain the fens and enclose the common land, having no idea of the environmental impact of their actions. In the fight to protect their lands and homes, Mercy emerges as a feisty protestor, willing to risk her own life to protect the livelihood of her community.
Meticulously researched, and beautifully told, I would highly recommend Flood to historical fiction fans who enjoy an action-packed, suspenseful, and heart-warming tale. The novel's sharp environmental message, too, is very well-timed.
As the author transports us to the wild beauty of the fenlands, where the land-owners, and the fens themselves, are threatened by unscrupulous speculators, I learned what it was like to live in these remote fenlands of East Anglia; about the Puritan fanaticism of the seventeenth century Cromwell period, and the witch-hunting and corrupt political system.
Told through the eyes of the novel’s heroine, Mercy Bennington, the reader quickly sympathises with her, and her farming family, when exploitative and unethical drainers move in to drain the fens and enclose the common land, having no idea of the environmental impact of their actions. In the fight to protect their lands and homes, Mercy emerges as a feisty protestor, willing to risk her own life to protect the livelihood of her community.
Meticulously researched, and beautifully told, I would highly recommend Flood to historical fiction fans who enjoy an action-packed, suspenseful, and heart-warming tale. The novel's sharp environmental message, too, is very well-timed.
December 17, 2020
Terrific book and loved it so much I immediately started Book #2 "Betrayal". It does have some sad events but they are tempered by positive ones as well. The characters have grit,resilience and greatly support each other in a distressing time period of the English Civil Wars.
Mercy and generations of her family have lived in this same place of the Fenlands. Long accustomed to a life where interdependence on others was the norm, they were thrust into a time of upheaval and unrest. Cromwell is now in charge, the King is imprisoned and nothing is as it always was.
The Fenlands required group effort and the village had long used common lands and areas for their existence. Unscrupulous of shoots of Cormwell's government had run amok and sold or leased lands to Dutch investors who proceeded to demolish the natural draining and dyke lands in a dangerous manner.
As the winter rains threatened new settlers and the long time occupants were thrown together for survival against a threatening flood. Common effort is required for survival as the book ends with everyone sequestered in the village church.
I am now off to the sequel to see what comes next. Very close to 5 Stars!
Mercy and generations of her family have lived in this same place of the Fenlands. Long accustomed to a life where interdependence on others was the norm, they were thrust into a time of upheaval and unrest. Cromwell is now in charge, the King is imprisoned and nothing is as it always was.
The Fenlands required group effort and the village had long used common lands and areas for their existence. Unscrupulous of shoots of Cormwell's government had run amok and sold or leased lands to Dutch investors who proceeded to demolish the natural draining and dyke lands in a dangerous manner.
As the winter rains threatened new settlers and the long time occupants were thrown together for survival against a threatening flood. Common effort is required for survival as the book ends with everyone sequestered in the village church.
I am now off to the sequel to see what comes next. Very close to 5 Stars!
February 19, 2014
Set in the 17th century English Fenlands, this is a story of exploitation, greed and courageous resistance. The story is told by Mercy Bennington, granddaughter of a local hero and 'trouble maker'. When drainers move in to take away their common lands and alter the finely balanced landscape, Mercy emerges as a feisty protestor, ready to risk her own life in order to preserve the livelihood and valued lifestyle of her community.
Impeccably researched, this is a fast moving yet layered drama which both informs and engages. Highly recommended.
Impeccably researched, this is a fast moving yet layered drama which both informs and engages. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2023
I am very sad that Ann Swinfen passed away at the age of 80 in 2018. She was a gifted storyteller. I recommend all of her books. Her standalone historical novels are some of the best I've ever read (The Rough Ocean and The Fens 2 book series). She is a true loss to the world of historical fiction...
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August 14, 2016not same level of character development as the Alvarez series while subject matter of Fenlands had potential
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