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A review by amandasbookreview
The Swift and the Harrier by Minette Walters
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Yet, in view of her dislike of war, she found it ironic that it was conflict that had allowed her skills to be appreciated. In peace, women were considered inferior, under siege, they were granted the same status and authority as men.”
THE SWIFT AND THE HARRIER
Thank you, NetGalley, Minette Walters, and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this book! It will release on July 12th, 2022.
I have had Minette Walter’s books on my shelf for a long time. I have her Black Death duology: The Last Hours, and The Turn of Midnight. In fact, they are on my Summer Reading List and I had intended to read them before jumping into The Swift and the Harrier. But, time is limited and so The Swift and the Harrier is my first Minette Walters book, but it will not be my last!
The book begins in England, in 1642. The Parliamentarians and Royalists are rising against each other in what would be known as the English Civil War. This civil war was mainly due to differences in governance and religious freedoms. At this time the Catholics were under attack in the never-ending rivalry between Protestants and Catholics. Jane Swift has refused all the suitors thrown her way and has been trained by a physician and has chosen the position of neutrality in the war. It doesn’t take long for her to make a name for herself and has come to the assistance of Lady Alice a staunch Parliamentarian but quite a force. This is how Jayne meets the footman, William Harrier. It is a dangerous time to choose a side and many families are split by their political views. Jayne is determined to stay neutral, but her heart is not.
This is such an immersive historical fiction! The book goes from the beginning of the English Civil War to the execution of the king. Since it goes through so much history, there are some moments that may feel repetitive or feel too long, but I actually enjoyed reading about the back-and-forth strategy and how it affected the people of England with the pillaging and battles. There are quite a few real historical figures that come into play in this book as well which always adds to the realism of the story.
It was fascinating to see Jayne in an unusual position for a lady at the time. Many women would sell home remedies to become midwives, but few, if any were actually trained. But Jayne’s knowledge becomes the centerpiece of this novel. For those looking for a love epic, that is more of a background plot. The true plot is Jayne using her knowledge whenever she can to help those around her even though she is deemed inferior. But throughout this novel, many men will come to see her value and worth.
The book begins in England, in 1642. The Parliamentarians and Royalists are rising against each other in what would be known as the English Civil War. This civil war was mainly due to differences in governance and religious freedoms. At this time the Catholics were under attack in the never-ending rivalry between Protestants and Catholics. Jane Swift has refused all the suitors thrown her way and has been trained by a physician and has chosen the position of neutrality in the war. It doesn’t take long for her to make a name for herself and has come to the assistance of Lady Alice a staunch Parliamentarian but quite a force. This is how Jayne meets the footman, William Harrier. It is a dangerous time to choose a side and many families are split by their political views. Jayne is determined to stay neutral, but her heart is not.
This is such an immersive historical fiction! The book goes from the beginning of the English Civil War to the execution of the king. Since it goes through so much history, there are some moments that may feel repetitive or feel too long, but I actually enjoyed reading about the back-and-forth strategy and how it affected the people of England with the pillaging and battles. There are quite a few real historical figures that come into play in this book as well which always adds to the realism of the story.
It was fascinating to see Jayne in an unusual position for a lady at the time. Many women would sell home remedies to become midwives, but few, if any were actually trained. But Jayne’s knowledge becomes the centerpiece of this novel. For those looking for a love epic, that is more of a background plot. The true plot is Jayne using her knowledge whenever she can to help those around her even though she is deemed inferior. But throughout this novel, many men will come to see her value and worth.