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The Highway Trilogy #1
Shadow on the Highway
May 1651. England has been in the midst of a civil war for nearly ten years. The country has been torn in two, and the King is getting ready to make his last stand against Cromwell’s New Model Army.
Abigail Chaplin, a young mute girl, has lost her father to the parliamentarian cause. But with her family now in reduced circumstances, she is forced to work as a servant at a royalist household - the estate of Lady Katherine Fanshawe.
Abi is soon caught up in a web of sinister secrets which surround the Fanshawe estate. The most curious of which is the disappearance of Lady Katherine late at night.
Why are her husband’s clothes worn and muddy even though he hasn’t been home for weeks? How is she stealing out of the house late at night when her room is being guarded? And what is her involvement with the robberies being committed by the mysterious Shadow on the Highway?
‘Shadow On The Highway’ is based on the life and legend of Lady Katherine Fanshawe, the highwaywoman, sometimes known as ‘The Wicked Lady’. It is the first book in ‘The Highway Trilogy’.
Abigail Chaplin, a young mute girl, has lost her father to the parliamentarian cause. But with her family now in reduced circumstances, she is forced to work as a servant at a royalist household - the estate of Lady Katherine Fanshawe.
Abi is soon caught up in a web of sinister secrets which surround the Fanshawe estate. The most curious of which is the disappearance of Lady Katherine late at night.
Why are her husband’s clothes worn and muddy even though he hasn’t been home for weeks? How is she stealing out of the house late at night when her room is being guarded? And what is her involvement with the robberies being committed by the mysterious Shadow on the Highway?
‘Shadow On The Highway’ is based on the life and legend of Lady Katherine Fanshawe, the highwaywoman, sometimes known as ‘The Wicked Lady’. It is the first book in ‘The Highway Trilogy’.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2014
97 people are currently reading
1797 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Swift
37 books539 followersI am a novelist living in the Lake District in England. I write historical fiction but read widely - contemporary and classic fiction. I choose my books carefully, so I don't read many duds. If I do, they are not reviewed here, as a gesture of respect to other writers.
I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com
I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 20, 2015
3 1/2
This little book surprised me! And in a good way. I'm not a fan of YA, it just not my thing. But this book was an exception. When I saw that not only did it have to do with a highwayman, but also a deaf girl, I was hooked.
And I wasn't disappointed. I feel that Abigail's deafness was handled well, and in no way degrading. I loved how she could read lips. She made it look so easy that I wished I could be half so good at understanding people's whispers. I enjoyed seeing the beginnings of Sign Language and it made me want to pick it up again. Abigail and her struggles were so real, that when she was frightened I completely understood. I can only imagine the terror being in the dark must have held for her, since then she couldn't see people or "hear" what they say.
As for the other characters, they were well rounded. Everyone had faults or quirks that made them more or less likable, as the case may be. Abigail's brother was a spitfire, he was what I'd call a revolutionist. He thought that by joining a group called The Diggers, he could bring unity to all.
Lady Katherine was haughty and downtrodden by turns. I grew to like her, when at first I felt she was just a spoiled little girl. (She was 16/17 and married, but didn't feel it to me). I should mention, she has an abusive Uncle/Father-In-Law who beats her. We are treated to a spectacle of that, which I thought was a bit much for a YA, but maybe I'm just out of touch with YA books.
We have Abigail's story, her difficulties and triumphs, Lady Katherine's wild choices that shape the whole book, as well as her family and family servants that twist her around their fingers.
I loved the author's note at the back, it talked about The Diggers, Sign Language, The Fanshawes and a legendary highwayman connected with the real life Fanshawes.
Would I read the next books? Yes, I think I would.
PG For a few Bloodys and the beating and an attempted rape. My spoiler is just an irritation I have with one of the characters, but it contains serious spoilers.
This little book surprised me! And in a good way. I'm not a fan of YA, it just not my thing. But this book was an exception. When I saw that not only did it have to do with a highwayman, but also a deaf girl, I was hooked.
And I wasn't disappointed. I feel that Abigail's deafness was handled well, and in no way degrading. I loved how she could read lips. She made it look so easy that I wished I could be half so good at understanding people's whispers. I enjoyed seeing the beginnings of Sign Language and it made me want to pick it up again. Abigail and her struggles were so real, that when she was frightened I completely understood. I can only imagine the terror being in the dark must have held for her, since then she couldn't see people or "hear" what they say.
As for the other characters, they were well rounded. Everyone had faults or quirks that made them more or less likable, as the case may be. Abigail's brother was a spitfire, he was what I'd call a revolutionist. He thought that by joining a group called The Diggers, he could bring unity to all.
Lady Katherine was haughty and downtrodden by turns. I grew to like her, when at first I felt she was just a spoiled little girl. (She was 16/17 and married, but didn't feel it to me). I should mention, she has an abusive Uncle/Father-In-Law who beats her. We are treated to a spectacle of that, which I thought was a bit much for a YA, but maybe I'm just out of touch with YA books.
We have Abigail's story, her difficulties and triumphs, Lady Katherine's wild choices that shape the whole book, as well as her family and family servants that twist her around their fingers.
I loved the author's note at the back, it talked about The Diggers, Sign Language, The Fanshawes and a legendary highwayman connected with the real life Fanshawes.
Would I read the next books? Yes, I think I would.
PG For a few Bloodys and the beating and an attempted rape. My spoiler is just an irritation I have with one of the characters, but it contains serious spoilers.
August 25, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Shadow on the Highway marks my second encounter with author Deborah Swift. I read A Divided Inheritance last year and really enjoyed it so I was pretty excited about taking on her latest release when it was offered by both Endeavour Press and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.
I've never been one to shy away from giving my honest opinion and I'm not about to start now, so I have no trouble admitting it took me a few chapters to get into this one. Swift lays a lot of groundwork early in the novel which is probably why I had trouble losing myself in the story, but once it takes off, the book proved quite interesting.
I can't believe I'm writing this, because I rarely find authors who can pull it off, but Swift's handling of the political situation in England was my favorite aspect of the novel. She explores the subject matter naturally, explaining the essentials without bombarding the reader with excessive exposition.
There is nice contrast between Abigail and Lady Katherine which I really liked. I wasn't sold on the romantic elements of the piece, but that's just me. It isn't bad or poorly executed by any means, I just don't think it added a whole lot to the piece. Still, it's its early in the series and Swift might turn it into something really interesting moving forward.
Shadow on the Highway is young adult lit, but I found it worthwhile. Definitely something I'd recommend to younger fans of historic fiction or even those interested lighter fact-based narratives.
Shadow on the Highway marks my second encounter with author Deborah Swift. I read A Divided Inheritance last year and really enjoyed it so I was pretty excited about taking on her latest release when it was offered by both Endeavour Press and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.
I've never been one to shy away from giving my honest opinion and I'm not about to start now, so I have no trouble admitting it took me a few chapters to get into this one. Swift lays a lot of groundwork early in the novel which is probably why I had trouble losing myself in the story, but once it takes off, the book proved quite interesting.
I can't believe I'm writing this, because I rarely find authors who can pull it off, but Swift's handling of the political situation in England was my favorite aspect of the novel. She explores the subject matter naturally, explaining the essentials without bombarding the reader with excessive exposition.
There is nice contrast between Abigail and Lady Katherine which I really liked. I wasn't sold on the romantic elements of the piece, but that's just me. It isn't bad or poorly executed by any means, I just don't think it added a whole lot to the piece. Still, it's its early in the series and Swift might turn it into something really interesting moving forward.
Shadow on the Highway is young adult lit, but I found it worthwhile. Definitely something I'd recommend to younger fans of historic fiction or even those interested lighter fact-based narratives.
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August 20, 2014Don't you love it when a book on your wishlist has a free promotion? This one has been on mine, and it's FREE today for Kindle! 8/20-14
February 17, 2015
4.5 stars
I didn't realise when I bought this that it was a YA novel, as the blurb doesn't say so, but I thought I'd read it anyway as I've read another of Deborah Swift's books and thought it excellent.
Set right in the middle of the English Civil War, Shadow on the Highway is about deaf lady's maid Abigail Chaplin, who is taken into service by Lady Katherine Fanshawe, a girl of around her own age. However, Katherine is far from in control of Markyate Manor, as Abi is to find out.
This is one of those 'half fact, half fiction' stories that I love; I didn't realise exactly how much was fact until I read the historical notes at the end of the book (I think it's probably better to read them afterwards, when they mean more). I love Ms Swift's work; the research is so complete but the details are never laboured; she assimilates her knowledge of the times so smoothly, so that a picture of the time is painted almost immediately. Her books are so very readable. One thing I very much appreciated about this novel was the way she put questions in the reader's mind about certain characters' backgrounds early on, but does not answer them until much later.
I became more aware of this being a YA novel in the last quarter, though before that I think it could have been meant for any age. I'm not really into YA as a rule, but I think I'll still have to get the next one in the series - and what a marvellous way to learn about history for teenagers; this is far more interesting than any history lesson I sat through. It brings the time to life, which is what learning history should be about, isn't it?
I didn't realise when I bought this that it was a YA novel, as the blurb doesn't say so, but I thought I'd read it anyway as I've read another of Deborah Swift's books and thought it excellent.
Set right in the middle of the English Civil War, Shadow on the Highway is about deaf lady's maid Abigail Chaplin, who is taken into service by Lady Katherine Fanshawe, a girl of around her own age. However, Katherine is far from in control of Markyate Manor, as Abi is to find out.
This is one of those 'half fact, half fiction' stories that I love; I didn't realise exactly how much was fact until I read the historical notes at the end of the book (I think it's probably better to read them afterwards, when they mean more). I love Ms Swift's work; the research is so complete but the details are never laboured; she assimilates her knowledge of the times so smoothly, so that a picture of the time is painted almost immediately. Her books are so very readable. One thing I very much appreciated about this novel was the way she put questions in the reader's mind about certain characters' backgrounds early on, but does not answer them until much later.
I became more aware of this being a YA novel in the last quarter, though before that I think it could have been meant for any age. I'm not really into YA as a rule, but I think I'll still have to get the next one in the series - and what a marvellous way to learn about history for teenagers; this is far more interesting than any history lesson I sat through. It brings the time to life, which is what learning history should be about, isn't it?
January 31, 2020
Shadow On The Highway is an historical fiction tale and is book one of The Highway Trilogy which is set during the English Civil War.
Abigale Chaplin is deaf, but her family are struggling to survive after her father is lost in the war, and Abi must now take a job as a servant at the local manor. Markyate Manor is the home of Lady Katherine Fanshawe, whose greedy family leave her to live alone with just three servants.
Abi and Katherine form an unlikely friendship and become involved with some local supporters of the Digger movement, a group who try to set up a commune. However, as the Civil War comes closer, they find themselves stuck between the two fighting sides. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fdn
Abigale Chaplin is deaf, but her family are struggling to survive after her father is lost in the war, and Abi must now take a job as a servant at the local manor. Markyate Manor is the home of Lady Katherine Fanshawe, whose greedy family leave her to live alone with just three servants.
Abi and Katherine form an unlikely friendship and become involved with some local supporters of the Digger movement, a group who try to set up a commune. However, as the Civil War comes closer, they find themselves stuck between the two fighting sides. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fdn
August 13, 2014
Set in seventeenth century England as the horrors of the Civil War are laying waste to people and land alike, Shadow on the Highway is narrated by Abigail Chaplin, unwillingly posted to Markyate Manor as a servant girl after her family is plunged into reduced circumstances. Abigail is a fascinating first person narrator, for, as well as being inexperienced, shy and diffident, she is also profoundly deaf – a disability the poor girl is convinced must be a divine punishment for something she did in earlier years.
Abigail becomes maidservant to the young and fiery Lady Katherine Fanshawe – a character loosely based on a real historical figure who was known (and depicted on screen as ‘The Wicked Lady’ by such actresses as Margaret Lockwood, if I remember rightly) to have been a covert, cross-dressing highway robber. Lady Katherine is no easy mistress, and Abigail struggles both with the outrageous workload she is expected to manage, and with Lady Katherine’s mercurial and often reckless behaviour. Abi’s deafness is both blessing and curse in this situation. I very much enjoyed the contrast between the two characters – Abi’s good sense and tender-heart contrasts well with Katherine’s often unthinking and hot-headed courage. Both girls, in very different ways, have much to overcome in their lives and Deborah Swift explores their responses to their challenges with great energy.
Deborah Swift always tells a good story: her prose is sure and lyrical, her research is thorough (though always worn lightly) and her characters are convincing and engaging. There’s romance and a satisfying ending here, but also grit and a realistic depiction of poverty and violent struggle. This is – as you would expect for the teen market – an accessible historical read, and one which I’m sure will encourage young hist-fic dabblers into further forays into the genre, as well as pleasing those of us who are happily ensconced there.
Abigail becomes maidservant to the young and fiery Lady Katherine Fanshawe – a character loosely based on a real historical figure who was known (and depicted on screen as ‘The Wicked Lady’ by such actresses as Margaret Lockwood, if I remember rightly) to have been a covert, cross-dressing highway robber. Lady Katherine is no easy mistress, and Abigail struggles both with the outrageous workload she is expected to manage, and with Lady Katherine’s mercurial and often reckless behaviour. Abi’s deafness is both blessing and curse in this situation. I very much enjoyed the contrast between the two characters – Abi’s good sense and tender-heart contrasts well with Katherine’s often unthinking and hot-headed courage. Both girls, in very different ways, have much to overcome in their lives and Deborah Swift explores their responses to their challenges with great energy.
Deborah Swift always tells a good story: her prose is sure and lyrical, her research is thorough (though always worn lightly) and her characters are convincing and engaging. There’s romance and a satisfying ending here, but also grit and a realistic depiction of poverty and violent struggle. This is – as you would expect for the teen market – an accessible historical read, and one which I’m sure will encourage young hist-fic dabblers into further forays into the genre, as well as pleasing those of us who are happily ensconced there.
March 14, 2016
Shadow on the Highway is a book about which I am in two minds. On the one hand, I liked the characters and was interested to learn what would happen to them; on the other hand, I expected much more to be made of the highwaywoman story line, which was a fairly minor part of the tale. The prose was, on the whole, very readable; however, several comma splices caught my eye and they are one of my editing pet peeves. I understand this is the first of a planned trilogy, and I would consider coming back to read book two, in the hope the highwaywoman plot becomes more prominent then. In any case, this is a good light read for historical fiction fans.
I received this book as a free EPUB review copy as part of Endeavour Press' Historical Fiction digital event in April 2016.
I received this book as a free EPUB review copy as part of Endeavour Press' Historical Fiction digital event in April 2016.
Read
March 5, 2016I didn't care for the simplistic writing style of this novel. I made it over a third of the way into it and realized I just wasn't invested in the characters enough to find out what happened to them. They were are a little too stereotypical for my tastes.
July 6, 2015
I was disappointed in this book. I thought the writing was simplistic even for a "young adult" book. The highwayman aspect of the plot was practically nonexistent. I did like that the main character was deaf as it gave the story a unique twist.
March 11, 2018
I liked the idea behind this; a female highwayman and an MC that is deaf. But I found the writing to be too young for me.
September 8, 2017
This is a brilliant premise for a book. The story is based on Lady Katherine Fanshawe, a real life figure reputed to be an infamous highway-woman. The book follows the story of a maid pressed into service in her household.
It starts out nicely. The maid, Abi, is deaf from an illness in childhood, and her arrival at the house is full of turmoil and upset. The house itself is topsy turvy, with none of the usual things that happen in a refined house hold of the day.
We soon find out a lot more is happening behind the scenes. The Lady Katherine is mercilessly beaten by her step father, in a loveless marriage, and a prisoner in her house.
Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends. After that it just takes a turn for the bizarre. The are so many interactions that are completely anachronic. They just wouldn't have happened in the time that this story is set.
There are several bits that seem to just be throw in for good measure without any build up. None of the details are woven into the story. If something has to be, it suddenly is, without being alluded to at all previously.
Her deafness is not an intricate part of the story. It would be the same book if she could hear. It made no difference to the story and shouldn't have been included. I don't mind a deaf heroine, but there needs to be a literary purpose for it, not just to make her a special snowflake.
Super happy ending, even though nothing is actually resolved at all.
All in all, it started very well, but turned into drivel as it went along. Very disappointed, but I do think the author has potential. The good bits were nicely written.
It starts out nicely. The maid, Abi, is deaf from an illness in childhood, and her arrival at the house is full of turmoil and upset. The house itself is topsy turvy, with none of the usual things that happen in a refined house hold of the day.
We soon find out a lot more is happening behind the scenes. The Lady Katherine is mercilessly beaten by her step father, in a loveless marriage, and a prisoner in her house.
Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends. After that it just takes a turn for the bizarre. The are so many interactions that are completely anachronic. They just wouldn't have happened in the time that this story is set.
There are several bits that seem to just be throw in for good measure without any build up. None of the details are woven into the story. If something has to be, it suddenly is, without being alluded to at all previously.
Her deafness is not an intricate part of the story. It would be the same book if she could hear. It made no difference to the story and shouldn't have been included. I don't mind a deaf heroine, but there needs to be a literary purpose for it, not just to make her a special snowflake.
Super happy ending, even though nothing is actually resolved at all.
All in all, it started very well, but turned into drivel as it went along. Very disappointed, but I do think the author has potential. The good bits were nicely written.
June 19, 2021
Swift is a consistently excellent writer of historical fiction. SHADOW ON THE HIGHWAY is a brief, enjoyable read. As the audience is YA, it is less complex and in-depth as her adult novels but nonetheless a satisfying read.
Abigail, the narrator is feisty, fearless, hearing impaired young woman whose family has fallen on hard times during the 17th century British Civil War. Devoted to her family, determined to help support them, she is employed as a housemaid at the local royal manor house. Lady Katherine Henshawe, based on an historical figure, is at first tyrannical, then mysterious and eventually befriends Abigail. Conflict and challenge confront the young women throughout the narrative.
The author incorporates historical subjects: the war between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers, the attempt to create a utopia, the Diggers and early exploration and application of communication techniques for the hearing impaired. These are deftly interwoven into the storyline without bogging the reader down with too much detail and information.
I look forward to the next two novels in this trilogy. Likely more adversity and adventure are in store for our heroines!
Abigail, the narrator is feisty, fearless, hearing impaired young woman whose family has fallen on hard times during the 17th century British Civil War. Devoted to her family, determined to help support them, she is employed as a housemaid at the local royal manor house. Lady Katherine Henshawe, based on an historical figure, is at first tyrannical, then mysterious and eventually befriends Abigail. Conflict and challenge confront the young women throughout the narrative.
The author incorporates historical subjects: the war between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers, the attempt to create a utopia, the Diggers and early exploration and application of communication techniques for the hearing impaired. These are deftly interwoven into the storyline without bogging the reader down with too much detail and information.
I look forward to the next two novels in this trilogy. Likely more adversity and adventure are in store for our heroines!
March 10, 2025
Abi Chaplin is deaf but can read lips. Shes been sent to work as a maid for Katherine Fanshawe. Set in the time of Cromwell and the civil war and also highwaymen.
Although this book is meant for the young adult market I drawn to it because of Katherine Fanshawe. Shes gone down in history as a highyway robber and has been portrayed in films such as The Wicked Lady. I have an interest in highway men so was looking forward to this book.
I was disappointed with this book for two reasons. The first being is that the author didnt seem to explore enough of the theme of the highway men or woman as the case maybe. I was expecting more of Katherine s exploits on the road which in the book didnt happen. Only briefly did Katherine go out as a highway robber.
My second niggle is that i couldn't see the point of making Abi deaf. Her chatty narrative was pleasant enough and a lot of times I had forgotten that she was deaf, and didnt get the feel of a deaf girl.
The story was ok but not what I was expecting. I can see where it would appeal to the YA market. For me it just didnt happen.
Stand and deliver it wasn't.
Although this book is meant for the young adult market I drawn to it because of Katherine Fanshawe. Shes gone down in history as a highyway robber and has been portrayed in films such as The Wicked Lady. I have an interest in highway men so was looking forward to this book.
I was disappointed with this book for two reasons. The first being is that the author didnt seem to explore enough of the theme of the highway men or woman as the case maybe. I was expecting more of Katherine s exploits on the road which in the book didnt happen. Only briefly did Katherine go out as a highway robber.
My second niggle is that i couldn't see the point of making Abi deaf. Her chatty narrative was pleasant enough and a lot of times I had forgotten that she was deaf, and didnt get the feel of a deaf girl.
The story was ok but not what I was expecting. I can see where it would appeal to the YA market. For me it just didnt happen.
Stand and deliver it wasn't.
June 14, 2019
Pretty good
This fictional depiction of 17th century life during civil war in England centers on Lady Fanshawe, a notorious highwayman.
The story from a romance novel aspect fit the bill. I enjoyed the interplay of characters in that regard, although I'm a bit sceptical regarding anything of this nature possibly occuring. This did feel like a reach given the societal norms of the era.
The main character and narrator Abigail is so sweet and I felt bad for her treatment as an idiot by others due to her being deaf. Her intelligence seems to outshine everyone else in the story as she works as a maid in the Fanshawe house under very stressful circumstances.
There really isn't much about the notorious highwayman in this book, but maybe the next book of this series will shine some light on the subject.
As a historical romance novel, I would recommend it.
This fictional depiction of 17th century life during civil war in England centers on Lady Fanshawe, a notorious highwayman.
The story from a romance novel aspect fit the bill. I enjoyed the interplay of characters in that regard, although I'm a bit sceptical regarding anything of this nature possibly occuring. This did feel like a reach given the societal norms of the era.
The main character and narrator Abigail is so sweet and I felt bad for her treatment as an idiot by others due to her being deaf. Her intelligence seems to outshine everyone else in the story as she works as a maid in the Fanshawe house under very stressful circumstances.
There really isn't much about the notorious highwayman in this book, but maybe the next book of this series will shine some light on the subject.
As a historical romance novel, I would recommend it.
August 17, 2019
Another wonderful book by Deborah Swift. Her writing is easy-reading with storylines that have twists and turns that kept this a page-turner for me. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this trilogy. If you want to disappear into another life and time for a couple of 'me' hours, this is definitely for you. I recommend it.
February 7, 2019
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"It wasn't until I started looking through the reviews that I realised this was aimed at the Young Adult market ...it is just as suitable for 'older' readers."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"It wasn't until I started looking through the reviews that I realised this was aimed at the Young Adult market ...it is just as suitable for 'older' readers."
August 14, 2021
Good tale
Wow,what a tale when a females life was not her own and all she had was controlled by greedy men. Lady Katherine was an optimist and a very daring young lady not typical of her contemporaries. A good read .
Wow,what a tale when a females life was not her own and all she had was controlled by greedy men. Lady Katherine was an optimist and a very daring young lady not typical of her contemporaries. A good read .
May 25, 2023
Another great series by Deborah Swift. Deborah brings to life a wonderful tale in 17th Century England. Her ability to create characters and spin a historical fiction tale is breathtaking. The unique twist at the end will bring a smile. On to book two in this captivating trilogy.
July 7, 2017
Pretty good. Intense. I probably would have liked it more if I'd been in a different mood when I read it. 3.5*
August 24, 2018
Easy read
A good story. Quick easy read based on the story of the lady highway man, Katherine Fanshawe. I may try the follow-up.
A good story. Quick easy read based on the story of the lady highway man, Katherine Fanshawe. I may try the follow-up.
October 1, 2018
Intriguing
Slow to get going but then had me hooked. Atmospheric writing at its best with loveable and relatable characters. Look forward to next instalment
Slow to get going but then had me hooked. Atmospheric writing at its best with loveable and relatable characters. Look forward to next instalment
November 13, 2021
Nice historical novel
It's a nice reading, interesting background of the dark part of England's history, very realistic story and characters, a page turner.
It's a nice reading, interesting background of the dark part of England's history, very realistic story and characters, a page turner.
January 8, 2022
Looking forward to the next book
February 20, 2022
Review to follow.
July 5, 2022
Exciting page turner, can’t wait to read the next two in this triology.
June 10, 2023
service, love and war
A classic Deborah Swift novel, vivid with descriptions, passionately told and always with the wisdom of women committed to devotion and the duties of nurture.
A classic Deborah Swift novel, vivid with descriptions, passionately told and always with the wisdom of women committed to devotion and the duties of nurture.
August 25, 2023
Quite simply this was a great read and looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy set during the English Clvil War tells the story of two strong women
March 10, 2023
2.5 stars
September 15, 2014
Shadow on the Highway is an exciting peek into the English Civil War from both sides of the fighting as well as from the viewpoint of those left at home to fend for themselves. I was impressed with how the author was able to highlight the greed and corruption on both sides of this coin and how this English war ripped apart families and communities. No one seems better equipped to represent this dividing of loyalties and the chaos that swirled through England during this time than young Abigail, a girl caught between the parliamentarian leanings of her family and the royalist household she finds herself ensconced in.
Abigail was by far my favorite character. You can't help but feel terrible for all she has had to go through: the guilt she feels over causing the fire that destroyed her family's home and the belief that the illness that caused her deafness was retribution for her actions; the sadness over losing her father and the hard life this left her mother and siblings in; the feeling that she has to stick it out and take whatever abuse she receives at the Fanshawe household because she has very few choices in life and needs to do what she can to help her family. With all of this she is stuck in the middle of all the varying beliefs and dangers around her, made to keep secrets from everyone and forced to find a way to survive, and all without being able to hear a thing! It was remarkable seeing her use her other senses to navigate the world around her and I got a great delight when she would let her anger and jealousies surface and act out in what little ways she could safely do.
My least favorite character would have to be Lady Katherine Fanshawe. She was bossy, stubborn and used poor Abi to get her way without taking into consideration what problems her demands might cause. Even when we see her in a more sympathetic light - seeing her being used by first her step-father and then the manor's overseer, the physical abuse she is made to suffer through for not doing what she is told, etc. - Katherine would turn around and threaten or cajole Abi into doing something or helping her to do something that could get them both into a lot of trouble. By the end she does show herself to be a better, more humble person that initially expected but I would have preferred that to happen a lot sooner. Being that this is the first in a trilogy and the final book is slated to be from Katherine's perspective I am hoping she will redeem herself in full when she gets to tell her own story.
Possibly the most fascinating aspect of Shadow on the Highway for me was the introduction of aspects of the English Civil War I had never heard of before. For example, The Diggers were a group of Englishman during this time who tried to live in what we would now call communes, living off the land in a state of equality for all and the sharing of all goods and properties. By having Abi's brother Ralph (who will be the centerpiece of the second book in this trilogy) advocating for a Digger's community on their village's common land we the reader are able to walk into this fascinating segment of history and see how these radical thinkers of the time tried desperately to make a place for themselves in a country placing so many restrictions and demands on their freedom.
One of the aspects of historical novels I cherish the most are the historical notes many authors put at the back of the book, letting the reader know where they have stuck to the true events discussed and where they have embellished to advance the story in some way. Deborah Swift's historical notes are delightful and prompted me to want to learn more about the English Civil War, the real life Lady Katherine Fanshawe, the 17th century advancements in helping non-hearing children communicate and so much more. This rounding up of the themes and characters discussed in the story really solidified the story for me and has me excited to read the next two books in the trilogy.
Being that this is categorized as a YA novel I think it will appear to young readers just learning about the English Civil War as well as readers well versed in this era. I have enjoyed Deborah Swift's writing before and this was no exception. I very much look forward to the next two books in this trilogy!
Abigail was by far my favorite character. You can't help but feel terrible for all she has had to go through: the guilt she feels over causing the fire that destroyed her family's home and the belief that the illness that caused her deafness was retribution for her actions; the sadness over losing her father and the hard life this left her mother and siblings in; the feeling that she has to stick it out and take whatever abuse she receives at the Fanshawe household because she has very few choices in life and needs to do what she can to help her family. With all of this she is stuck in the middle of all the varying beliefs and dangers around her, made to keep secrets from everyone and forced to find a way to survive, and all without being able to hear a thing! It was remarkable seeing her use her other senses to navigate the world around her and I got a great delight when she would let her anger and jealousies surface and act out in what little ways she could safely do.
My least favorite character would have to be Lady Katherine Fanshawe. She was bossy, stubborn and used poor Abi to get her way without taking into consideration what problems her demands might cause. Even when we see her in a more sympathetic light - seeing her being used by first her step-father and then the manor's overseer, the physical abuse she is made to suffer through for not doing what she is told, etc. - Katherine would turn around and threaten or cajole Abi into doing something or helping her to do something that could get them both into a lot of trouble. By the end she does show herself to be a better, more humble person that initially expected but I would have preferred that to happen a lot sooner. Being that this is the first in a trilogy and the final book is slated to be from Katherine's perspective I am hoping she will redeem herself in full when she gets to tell her own story.
Possibly the most fascinating aspect of Shadow on the Highway for me was the introduction of aspects of the English Civil War I had never heard of before. For example, The Diggers were a group of Englishman during this time who tried to live in what we would now call communes, living off the land in a state of equality for all and the sharing of all goods and properties. By having Abi's brother Ralph (who will be the centerpiece of the second book in this trilogy) advocating for a Digger's community on their village's common land we the reader are able to walk into this fascinating segment of history and see how these radical thinkers of the time tried desperately to make a place for themselves in a country placing so many restrictions and demands on their freedom.
One of the aspects of historical novels I cherish the most are the historical notes many authors put at the back of the book, letting the reader know where they have stuck to the true events discussed and where they have embellished to advance the story in some way. Deborah Swift's historical notes are delightful and prompted me to want to learn more about the English Civil War, the real life Lady Katherine Fanshawe, the 17th century advancements in helping non-hearing children communicate and so much more. This rounding up of the themes and characters discussed in the story really solidified the story for me and has me excited to read the next two books in the trilogy.
Being that this is categorized as a YA novel I think it will appear to young readers just learning about the English Civil War as well as readers well versed in this era. I have enjoyed Deborah Swift's writing before and this was no exception. I very much look forward to the next two books in this trilogy!
September 8, 2014
I do love Deborah Swift's writing. She has a way of telling elegant, yet exciting stories based on unique individuals who are imagined to have lived around true factual people and she sets the scene amid harrowing historical circumstances while maintaining to keep most of her prose lyrical and light. Yet, though the setting is usually dire, she additionally has a wonderful way of show how commoners or the serving class, or even noblewomen, could overcome great internal strife based on external prisons. That she made sure all was present within her newest historical, also cataloged as YA, didn't surprise and I utterly enjoyed reading SHADOW ON THE HIGHWAY.
Historically, the wealthy Lady Katherine Fanshawe did exist, though I'm certain that most people prior to picking up this book know little about her life. At least not the every day reader, though she did lead a life exciting enough to become a legend. Her seventeenth century claim to fame, though for her it was just a way out of her eternal struggle of being treated like meat and used for her money by her husband and father-in-law, was that she became a highwaywoman, known as The Wicked Lady!
Swift's book begins as a deaf maid, Abigail (who is Swift's main character and purely fictional), is purchased as a maidservant for the Fanshawe household. This book is set during the English Civil War, and coupled with those already difficult times, Abigail being deaf does not give her an easy road to being accepted in somewhere for work. That she is deaf as a reason to be bought as a servant doesn't occur to her, she just knows she is cheap.
Swift's book brings to light not only the condition of women during this period, even though independently wealth were mere pawns and treated almost like slaves themselves. However, Swift also brings to readers the realization that most of these women were so highly intelligent as to operate quite a lot behind the scenes of their awful possessive and rule-mongering husband's eyes. I am encouraged by how Swift always makes it a point to showcase women in dire circumstances and how they overcome them with such courage and bravery. In this instance, she has a mission and she's also seeking love. As Abi begins to see the workings of the "games" that the men, and also her Lady, play in this life, she begins to question Katherine. I loved watching their friendship and loyalty grow.
The adventure, intrigue, suspicion, and covert operations in this book really propel this book forward. It's a quick adult read, but I great YA novel for the fact that it would keep older teens reading and help them gain an interest in history from early on, without bogging them down with heavy political details. There are factual situations in the book that would promote further learning, such as the English Civil War, the Diggers (a movement that believed in equality for all and started the first "commune"), and the deaf and the first indication of a universal language of sign.
Swift's Shadow on the Highway is interesting enough because it's seeped in the legend of a woman who sneaks out at night in male clothing and robs travelers, yet it shows the woman behind the legend through her blossoming friendship with her servant girl. As both learn about themselves, and what they can accomplish, the book shows depth and their personalities complement each other in a way that makes you feel a connection yourself. The romance is not overly done, due to it being YA I was pleased by this myself, but there is enough forbidden romantic intrigue to keep the pages moving.
Swift brings layers of historical and imaginative detail to her stories and I highly recommend as a light read for any adult and for teenagers interested into foraying into historical fiction. Swift is always a must-read!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Historically, the wealthy Lady Katherine Fanshawe did exist, though I'm certain that most people prior to picking up this book know little about her life. At least not the every day reader, though she did lead a life exciting enough to become a legend. Her seventeenth century claim to fame, though for her it was just a way out of her eternal struggle of being treated like meat and used for her money by her husband and father-in-law, was that she became a highwaywoman, known as The Wicked Lady!
Swift's book begins as a deaf maid, Abigail (who is Swift's main character and purely fictional), is purchased as a maidservant for the Fanshawe household. This book is set during the English Civil War, and coupled with those already difficult times, Abigail being deaf does not give her an easy road to being accepted in somewhere for work. That she is deaf as a reason to be bought as a servant doesn't occur to her, she just knows she is cheap.
Swift's book brings to light not only the condition of women during this period, even though independently wealth were mere pawns and treated almost like slaves themselves. However, Swift also brings to readers the realization that most of these women were so highly intelligent as to operate quite a lot behind the scenes of their awful possessive and rule-mongering husband's eyes. I am encouraged by how Swift always makes it a point to showcase women in dire circumstances and how they overcome them with such courage and bravery. In this instance, she has a mission and she's also seeking love. As Abi begins to see the workings of the "games" that the men, and also her Lady, play in this life, she begins to question Katherine. I loved watching their friendship and loyalty grow.
The adventure, intrigue, suspicion, and covert operations in this book really propel this book forward. It's a quick adult read, but I great YA novel for the fact that it would keep older teens reading and help them gain an interest in history from early on, without bogging them down with heavy political details. There are factual situations in the book that would promote further learning, such as the English Civil War, the Diggers (a movement that believed in equality for all and started the first "commune"), and the deaf and the first indication of a universal language of sign.
Swift's Shadow on the Highway is interesting enough because it's seeped in the legend of a woman who sneaks out at night in male clothing and robs travelers, yet it shows the woman behind the legend through her blossoming friendship with her servant girl. As both learn about themselves, and what they can accomplish, the book shows depth and their personalities complement each other in a way that makes you feel a connection yourself. The romance is not overly done, due to it being YA I was pleased by this myself, but there is enough forbidden romantic intrigue to keep the pages moving.
Swift brings layers of historical and imaginative detail to her stories and I highly recommend as a light read for any adult and for teenagers interested into foraying into historical fiction. Swift is always a must-read!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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