Yes, I am still here, and yes I am still reading. But with the credential program, working in first grade, and the RONE Awards for InD’Tale Magazine– my updates are minimal. I have a backlog of reviews that I need to post. I am sitting here at gymnastics class for my son and my school’s website won’t open, so I figured this is the perfect opportunity to write a review.

The Last Hours by Minette Walters is the first book in the Black Death duology. A little morbid considering our current times?-Maybe. The year is 1348 and the Lady Anne of Develish takes charge when her horrid husband leaves on a trip to another demense. That is when news of the pestilence arrives. Lady Anne was educated by nuns and takes matters into her own hands with the help of the serfs to prevent death in their own community. But she is a woman, and by taking charge with the serfs she makes enemies of the priest, steward, and even her own daughter. Quarantine only makes things worse and now the threat of limited resources looms. Soon someone must venture out for resources and to see if anyone else has survived.

It is important to note that this book was published in 2017. Many would find the similarities to our current pandemic eerie. We see the same arguments that we have seen in the last couple of years. The same, as “we shouldn’t have to adhere to government limitations,” or “what about our rights.” They even dive into the logistics of the actual pestilence. No one knew what was causing it originally and many believed it was a punishment from God. Guess what? I have heard that argument too about our current pandemic. But I love how Lady Anne thinks ahead. She knows she has to be careful because she is a woman. She is educated, and went against the law, and educates her serfs. She hopes that this pestilence could end serfdom and that the community of laborers will be able to go forth and create their own path.

The descriptions of the plague are gruesome and maybe those who have worked on the frontlines may want to skip this book, because it may be triggering to them. I think Minette Walters did a wonderful job at bringing history alive and making connections to our current reality. It is so important that we learn from our past to prevent it from reoccurring. However, my favorite aspect of this book is how this community sees how every person has worth and they are all worth saving.