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The Devil's Dye
The Devil's Dye is an intriguing story that will capture the imagination of readers who enjoy historical and contemporary fiction alike. Set in dark times, when conformity is essential and those who are free spirited are a danger, the story has a background of religious persecution and superstition.
The De Hems are a successful weaving family, invited to England by Queen Elizabeth in 1566. Settling in Norwich, this group of immigrants are known as The Strangers.
Jowan de Hem, the protagonist, is lively, young and full of human complexities. His turmoils and adventures are relatable and his relationships become the reader's own. When he marries innocent Eliza, the reader hopes all will be well but is soon aware of the challenges this relationship will have to face. Balancing poignancy with humour, this warm tale is beautiful in its simplicity and memorable in its many layers. It brings history to life, bringing new possibilities to the Black Shuck legends of East Anglia, as the story unfolds.
As Jowan struggles to contain his self-destructive desires, the focus of the story becomes as much Eliza's, as their love and loss, hope and tragedy create the final twist in the tale.
The De Hems are a successful weaving family, invited to England by Queen Elizabeth in 1566. Settling in Norwich, this group of immigrants are known as The Strangers.
Jowan de Hem, the protagonist, is lively, young and full of human complexities. His turmoils and adventures are relatable and his relationships become the reader's own. When he marries innocent Eliza, the reader hopes all will be well but is soon aware of the challenges this relationship will have to face. Balancing poignancy with humour, this warm tale is beautiful in its simplicity and memorable in its many layers. It brings history to life, bringing new possibilities to the Black Shuck legends of East Anglia, as the story unfolds.
As Jowan struggles to contain his self-destructive desires, the focus of the story becomes as much Eliza's, as their love and loss, hope and tragedy create the final twist in the tale.
Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2020
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Jeni Neill
3 books3 followersThe author has tried many creative outlets over the years, such as art in several mediums, ceramics, silver-smithing, floristry and landscape design. Writing, as an adult, had always been in the form of reports and record keeping, in her employment as both registered nurse and, more recently, a practice manager.
She did not expect that writing would be where her creativity would be found. But, inspired on visiting one of her daughter's university open days, the author decided to enrol on a local creative writing course.
The class stoked the ideas that had been kindling for many years. As her characters' personalities developed and her imagination began to flow, The Devil's Dye showed itself and began to take form. She discovered her passion for creative writing, and embraced the new found freedom to expose the stories she had always known in her head and enjoyed sharing with her children.
She did not expect that writing would be where her creativity would be found. But, inspired on visiting one of her daughter's university open days, the author decided to enrol on a local creative writing course.
The class stoked the ideas that had been kindling for many years. As her characters' personalities developed and her imagination began to flow, The Devil's Dye showed itself and began to take form. She discovered her passion for creative writing, and embraced the new found freedom to expose the stories she had always known in her head and enjoyed sharing with her children.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 9, 2020
Jeni Neill has created a compelling and vivid tale of sixteenth century life in East Anglia, the Netherlands and Italy. Through her colourful cast of characters and events, it is evident how much research Neill has done not only into the life of the 'Strangers' who came to Norfolk from the continent to escape persecution, but also the very essence of how people lived in that period. I very much look forward to her next offering.
September 27, 2020
The Devil’s Dye traces the fortunes of the de Hems, a Dutch family forced to flee Amsterdam in 1566 because of the increasing persecution of Protestants in the Spanish Netherlands. Queen Elizabeth I had invited thirty families, weavers by trade mainly, to settle in Norwich, where these refugees were known as Strangers. While the narrative follows the fortunes of the whole family, it concentrates on the son Jowan and his English wife Eliza. Jowan de Hem is an ambitious dyer, driven in his quest to obtain and master the rich dye indigo. Through the narrative the reader sees him grow from early adulthood to maturity, a complex man whose actions are not always laudable. His wife Eliza is a character it is easier to sympathize with, a hostage to the fortunes of her husband, forced to make the accommodations so many women had to in the past.
Neill vividly recreates the sights, sounds and smells of Norwich in the 1560s and 1570s as the Strangers battle against the resentments of some of the locals, their success and fortunes often depending on who held local office at any time. As well as Norwich, cities such as Amsterdam and Florence are brought to vibrant life. Neill also shows a detailed knowledge of fabric and colour as well as weaving and dyeing. For me, most of all, her beautiful descriptions of the surrounding Norfolk countryside reveal both her keen artist’s eye and her local knowledge.
Neill vividly recreates the sights, sounds and smells of Norwich in the 1560s and 1570s as the Strangers battle against the resentments of some of the locals, their success and fortunes often depending on who held local office at any time. As well as Norwich, cities such as Amsterdam and Florence are brought to vibrant life. Neill also shows a detailed knowledge of fabric and colour as well as weaving and dyeing. For me, most of all, her beautiful descriptions of the surrounding Norfolk countryside reveal both her keen artist’s eye and her local knowledge.
January 23, 2023
An engaging family historical tale. Lyrical and interesting description of life in the late 1500s. Coming from Norfolk I was especially interested in the portrayal of that area. Jowan and Eliza are believable characters, and I enjoyed learning about fabric dyeing and the sort of clothing worn at the time.
There were a few times when dips in the plot began to lose my interest but then it picked up again.
The ending was dramatic and satisfying. A credible explanation of Black Shuck?
There were a few times when dips in the plot began to lose my interest but then it picked up again.
The ending was dramatic and satisfying. A credible explanation of Black Shuck?
August 14, 2021
This is an excellent novel which cleverly intertwines historical fiction and folklore to produce a very readable and enjoyable book. It examines the plight of the immigrant and explores the role of religious persecution that led the intriguing Strangers to seek a future in England in 1566.
I particularly enjoyed the clever working of the Black Shuck legend into the story. The characters appear real and the reader is sure to find one that they can empathise with. Thoroughly recommended.
I particularly enjoyed the clever working of the Black Shuck legend into the story. The characters appear real and the reader is sure to find one that they can empathise with. Thoroughly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews