Beautiful Star & Other Stories

by Andrew Swanston

History is brought alive by the people it affects, rather than those who created it.

In Beautiful Star
This is a moving and affecting journey through time, bringing a new perspective to the defence of Corfe Castle, the battle of Waterloo, the siege of Toulon and, in the title story, the devastating dangers of the life of the sea in 1875.

Genres: Short Stories, Historical Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2014

About the author

Andrew Swanston read Law at Cambridge University, and held various positions in the book trade, including being a director of Waterstone & Co, and chairman of Methven’s plc, before turning to writing. Inspired by a lifelong interest in early modern history, his ‘Thomas Hill’ novels are set during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the early period of the Restoration. Incendium is the first of two novels set in the 1570's and Waterloo:The Bravest Man describes the vital defence of Hougoumont at the battle. Beautiful Star and Other Stories will be published in early 2018. He lives with his wife in Surrey.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Stories based on actual human experiences in the past. Loved very much all but one story (and that was just because it fell in a historic period I don't care for so all my fault), hence 4.5 stars.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, what a book!

The 7 stories in contains are mini novels in that when I finished, not only was I overwhelmed with a need to watch Sharpe  again, but also the feeling that I had read 7 books.

Richly detailed and so well researched, you felt as if you were walking The Shore with Julia, waiting for her family to sail home, helping Eilmer construct his fabulous wings or watching the witch 'trial' of Jane Wenham.

I have never really read as many historical novels as I have this year, and that is by and large due to the magnificent work by fellow bloggers and independent publishers taking risks on books that have not been taken on by the larger ones. As I have read throughout Domevember, and throughout August with a focus on Eye Books, independent publishers produce books that have a huge heart in them and behind them, urging them out into the world. I would never have come across a book such as this had I not been made aware of publishers like Dome Press and that, to me, is a real tragedy.

Without Dome, I would never have been whisked from the 2nd century through to the 18th, on a whsitlestop tour of monumental events as seen through the eyes of the ordinary folk in the street. In the title story, I felt I was earning so much about fishing and the dependence of a town on its one central trade, sending the men and boys off every Drave to fish the seas and anxiously awaiting their return ,it made me reflect on the mining community of our town and its relience on a potentially fatal trade to provide sustenance for our families.

The meeting of faith and science in tale 'The Flying Monk' in the person of 2nd Century monk Eilmer, obsessed with the ability to fly and the Icarus myth, framed against being one of a hnadful of people to see a comet twice in their lifetime was truly a wonderful story.

My favourite, by a very narrow margin, is 'A Witch And A Bitch' which is the tale of Jane Wenham and her trial for witchcraft. Her history is littered with misunderstandings and miscommunication wherein it was easier to brand her a witch on the flimsiest of pretences than to actually see her as a person in need. Abandoned by her family and outcast form her village, her granddaughter first meets her when she turns up to their cottage with a piece of cake on her seventh birthday. Her mother's reaction? Burn it! She peddles the lies and half truths that are commonly held to her daughter but as she grows, Emily wants to know more for her own self. She is the only one to sit and listen non judgementally to Jane , as she awaits her sentecncing, and what is told is a tale as old as time. A woman without a family, one who plies the only trade that she knowsand as such, is pilloried. On the other side of this is a society of small minds who tend to go along with the popular opinion and with witchfinder Matthew Hopkins still being within living memory, it suits the populace to believe in witches. Not only does it support the message of the Bible, it helps keep people in line and stop them questioning too much, After all, if those in authority are willing to believe the ridiculous claims of the populace, surely that reinforces the legitmacy of witches and their need to be murdered?

It reminded me of series 2 of 'Inside Number 9' episode 'The Trial Of Elizabeth Gadge' where the absurdity of the claims being made by so called authority figures became comedic to the point where it paradoxically intensified the horror that these women were facing death. The ludicrous becomes terrifying very very quickly when you realise being foudn innocent means death by drowning and if, by some token, you held your breath long enough to sustain yourself, you would then be set on fire.

The allegorical and very modern tone of this story, like the others, holds relevance and synchronicity with the events of today where we may not being faced with a literal invasion, but we are, however, on the brink of very troubling times. Ideas are becoming dangerous again, women are being pushed back into a place where they are defending their rights to choose bodily autonomy against a system which denies them this. Whole towns and villages are in ruins after their industry and business are being outsourced to countries where it can be done more cheaply.. The lining of a madman's purse is an eternal theme no matter what the time frame.

All of these stories are so beautofully written that they pull you in and immerse you in one historical setting after another, without overlapping or repeating or losing the reader- an that is quite some feat for a slow and plodding reader to keep up with and find so much to enjoy. I did think I might struggle with nautical terms and not knowing as much history as I would like, but, as I have found, it has ignited a fire and a yearning to know more. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who have enjoyed Bernard Cornwell and Nathaniel Philbrick  and even those who have never read anything from a historical writer before. 'Beautiful Star' is a wondrous book full of characters that will not be easily shaken off.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Beautiful Star, the author has taken what might have been considered footnotes in history and fashioned them into compelling, character-driven stories. I felt the stories really came alive when the author unleashed his writer’s imagination to conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of the period and to populate the historical fact with believable characters.

I simply devoured the stories in Beautiful Star and found something to enjoy, wonder at or be intrigued by in each of them.

In the title story, ‘Beautiful Star’, set in a Fife fishing village in 1875, the reader gets a wonderful insight into the lives of the fishermen and their families. There is fascinating detail about the craft of ship building (including the local boats known as Fifies), the seasonal nature of life in the village driven by the movement of shoals of fish and the colourful itinerant workers who flock to St Monans during ‘the Drave’, when the herring shoals congregate in the Forth of Fife. My favourite amongst these were the ‘fisher lassies’, who arrive to gut, sort and pack the herring. Spending most of their time up to their elbows in fish guts and salt, the leisure time of these tough, hardworking women is spent knitting, often while going for an evening stroll.

The fisherman prove to be superstitious folk with intriguing customs like starting every voyage with dry feet (prepare to be amazed by how this is achieved). But then, if you were setting sail in small boats for long periods of time then you'd probably be superstitious as well. In fact, the dangers of the sea and the potential impact on individual families and the whole village of disaster become all too clearly revealed. The story may be set in 1875, before satellite tracking and modern safety rules, but it still made me think of fisherman today and the perils they face on the open sea.

In ‘The Flying Monk’ we learn that experimentation with manned flight goes back further than you might think and did not start with the Wright Brothers. The protagonist of this story, a monk called Eilmer, also witnesses two sightings of Halley’s Comet. Such astronomical events were often viewed as harbingers of disaster. Observing the comet in 1066, the author has Eilmer remark, ‘It is a sign from God. Mark it well and be prepared. England’s enemies will come soon.’ He wasn’t wrong, was he?

A few highlights from other stories. In ‘HMS Association’, set in 1708, instinctive, local knowledge of the sea is dismissed resulting in tragedy, emphasising the limitations of navigation in inclement weather at the time. In ‘A Witch and a Bitch’, set in 1730, there is a reminder of how accusations of witchcraft were often directed at women viewed as ‘different’. As the accused woman remarks, “If they want to hang me, they will. An old woman on her own, they’ll find reasons enough if they choose.” In ‘The Castle’, set in the latter part of the English Civil War, the chatelaine of Corfe Castle steadfastly tries to carry out a vow made to her dead husband to defend the castle from Parliament’s forces. In the end, her future is determined by a man who thinks he knows better what’s good for her. No change there then. I particularly liked ‘A Tree’ set in 1651, probably the most impressionistic of the stories. In it, events of the Restoration are seen through the eyes of a 7-year-old boy who has a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger whilst perched in a tree.

The book’s description states that ‘history is brought alive by the people it affects’. I think the final story in the collection, ‘The Button Seller and the Drummer Boy’, set at the Battle of Waterloo, illustrates this really well. It’s easy to forget that war, as well as bringing death and destruction, is also a source of business opportunity for some. Such is the case for our button seller, whose travels through France and Belgium in search of orders for his company’s buttons for military uniforms, brings him to the site of the battle as it rages. He is confronted by the realities of war; that smart uniforms bearing the correct regimental buttons mean nothing in the face of bullets, sabres and cannon fire and will ultimately end up being valued only by those plundering bodies.

I really loved Beautiful Star & Other Stories and would recommend the collection for any lover of history (I think it might even convert some people who think history is dull) and those for whom the lives of the people who fought in a battle are more interesting than the battle itself. I really hope Andrew is true to his answer to my final interview question and writes another collection soon.

My grateful thanks to The Dome Press for my review copy, in return for my honest and unbiased review.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book consists of a few novella/short stories. So yes I will review each one with a few short sentences then.

Beautiful Star
I think I liked this one the most *thinks about it* Most definitely. It is about a fishing village and how a new ship is being made. All while we as the reader know there will be a terrible storm. The devastation it caused since everyone relies on their families. It was sad and good and based on real people.

The flying Monk
Did you know that in the 11th century a monk named Eilmer tried to fly using wings? I sure did not! Omg, this guy needs a movie. Sure, sure, only monks in it, but still so interesting. Very cool.

HMS Association
A short one about a man being pressed into the war. Honestly people, listen to fishermen!

The Tree
Another short one about two men and a boy in a tree. Kind of like a nice little interlude.

The Castle
Another fascinating tale. Lady Mary Bankes held this castle against Parliamentarian forces and she would not give in. You go girl!

A witch and a bitch
The more I read the sadder I got. People are cruel. Sure she did not always make good choices, but the way people hounded on a woman alone and old. "My cow died. She is a witch!" I really liked the granddaughter in this one.

The Button seller and the drummer boy.
I fear the one where I could muster the least bit of interest. Dunno why really. Since it did have promise.

Conclusion
These are people lost in the pages of history. I sure had not heard of any of them. But I am glad I have now. Also, some would make awesome movies.

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of seven richly historical short stories.

I really enjoyed the Beautiful Star collection. I especially liked the way in which these historically accurate narratives are given added depth and warmth by the personal viewpoints, particularly those written in the first person. I felt as if I had a better understanding of the past through the eyes of these characters. So often history is the story of the rich, the influential and the famous and I appreciated that those less renowned were brought alive for me and given centre stage.

I also enjoyed the quality of the writing. Andrew Swanton writes with a tone that matches extremely well the eras of the stories. His use of the senses adds a realism and colour. Penny’s smelling like a ‘rotten haddock’ for example leaves the reader in no doubt about her! In fact, the descriptions in the opening story, Beautiful Star were my favourites because I could picture the boat building process so vividly. That said, it was Emily’s story in A Witch and A Bitch that I found most moving and disturbing. I think it’s because we don’t appear to have moved on very far in our treatment of those who seem ‘other’ since the 1700s when this narrative is set.

There’s an unsentimental reality, a harshness and a sadness behind so much in this collection that reading these stories made me grateful I am who I am living when I do.

This is quite an eclectic mix of stories and I think there is something in Beautiful Star and Other Stories for all readers to enjoy. Certainly they are historical in context, but they are about humanity and that’s what appeals most to me.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2018/01/08/...

[James Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really torn between 3 and 4 stars for this, as some of the stories were excellent and engaging, such as ‘The Flying Monk’, ‘The Castle’ and ‘A Witch and a Bitch’. However a couple of the other stories didn’t catch me in the same way. No doubt others reading this would feel totally different, but that’s the same with any collection of short stories really.

[Chirag · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good for the fan of historical fiction. This book is based on true incident happened around Europe. It's collection of seven different stories, Good for them Who like to emerge their selves into the characters of stories.

[Nicole Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted on The Bibliophile Chronicles

Some days there’s nothing I love better than curling with a good historical fiction and enveloping myself in a different time period. When I was offered the chance to review Beautiful Star & Other Stories I jumped at the chance, not only because I love Andrew Swanston’s Incendium, but because something I’ve read very little of is historical fiction short stories. This collection has seven different tales, all from differing time periods and locations. I thoroughly enjoyed each one, giving a fascinating snapshot of that time period.

The stories are all in some way based on a true event or a true person, and that made the stories all the more enjoyable, knowing that I was learning about stories that are not often talked about. Each story was richly described with a very personal narrative voice. They were vivid and unique, dealing with a variety of themes from friendship and family, to loyalty and courage.

Of the seven stories there were a few that particularly stood out for me. I loved the story of Lady Mary Bankes, who defended Corfe Castle when it was sieges by Parliamentarian forces. This was something I had never heard of, and after doing my own research I am now eager to go and visit the ruins. I also loved the story of the young monk who dreams of learning to fly, as well as the story of a young boy who meets Charles I in a rather unexpected place. It’s the mark of incredible writing that each time period and setting comes alive, and that is definitely the case with Beautiful Star and Other Stories.

Richly detailed and thoroughly researched, Beautiful Star and Other Stories is a wonderful mix of stories. Full to the brim with realism and human voices, it is everything a historical fiction fan could ask for.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fascinating book of seven historical fiction short stories which have their basis firmly in truth and the author has used his considerable skill with words to bring to life these events which have been completely overlooked.

All of the stories sit very comfortably together and are easy to read in one sitting. Beautifully reminiscent of the era in which they are set, each story gives a vibrant account of a forgotten time and gives weight to the argument that our connection to history is always with us.

I found some of the stories very moving, particularly the treatment given to Jane Wenham, an unfortunate old woman who is notoriously known as the Witch of Wenham. I found the title story, Beautiful Star to be especially poignant and the whole shipbuilding and fishing industry was brought so vividly to life that I could almost taste the tang of sea salt and savoured the smell of wood smoke and timber. However, it's the story of The Button Seller and the Drummer Boy which I found to be the most interesting and couldn't help but be immersed in each of their stories and of the consequences of their actions.

I think this is a real hidden gem of a book which will appeal, not just to history lovers, but also to those interested in well written short stories.

[Stephen Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looked at this book because I thought that being based on actual historical events would add interest to the collection of short stories, and it looked fairly easy to read. I would say that it met my expectations. It was easy to pick up and read a few pages, and I've got an insight into how people lived at various points in history. The one problem I found was that, since the stories were generally based around a single historical event, the plots seemed fairly linear. A lot of description of ordinary life, then something happens, then back to ordinary life. I guess that's fair enough for short stories though.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit, I was a tad disappointed when I started reading because I still had The Maze at Windermere stuck in my head. This is more, shall we say simplistically written than the above work. That is not say that this is a poorly written novel, but that the writing style is not what I expected and it took some time to get used to.

One of the best things about Beautiful Star is that each short story is based on a true, under-known historical event and it's apparent through his writing that Swanston wants to do them justice. Even The Flying Monk is treated with a certain respect as opposed to someone who might in today's society be considered a laughingstock.

My favorite short stories in this collection were Beautiful Star- the titular story-, The Tree, and The Castle. The other stories, like HMS Association and The Button Seller and the Drummer Boy, were good technically but couldn't hold my interest, and A Witch and a Bitch could have been better than it actually was, though it did hold my attention. I also found The Flying Monk to be interesting but not as memorable as my favorites.

Continue reading this review on my blog here: https://bookwormbasics.blogspot.com/2...

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are seven short stories, all of which are historical fiction and focus on time periods that I'm interested in. My favourite stories from this collection include: Beautiful Star, The Tree, The Flying Monk and A Witch and A Bitch. If you like historical fiction then check out this interesting, entertaining short story collection! *gifted for review

[Sandy Carruthers · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting little book of the Fisher folk.

A light read of every day hard grind of the fishing. The huge risks and great skills of salesmanship that these families had to undergo for small rewards.