The Familiars is an unusual story which doesn't quite fit into the usual mould for historical fiction. Althoug carefully researched for historical detail, the main character has a curiously twenty first century outlook. I don't regard this as a flaw but an asset. Who hasn't imagined being in the setting of a historical fiction and wondering what they would do?
Fleetwood Shuttleworth is a young bride who takes as much freedom of thought and movement as she can. She has strong instincts concerning justice, marriage, parenthood, herbal medicines, poverty, hunting, prison welfare, deceit, fidelity. She is stubborn, opinionated, ingenious, athletic, brave, impetuous. And pregnant.
My hardcover copy is a thrill to the senses with its handsome cover and absolutely sumptuous gilded jacket. The intricacy and jewel-like colours of the design are a real luxury, enjoyed time and again. There's also a map of the part of Lancashire around the Pendle Hills where the story is set, during the reign of James I of England.
Fleetwood Shuttleworth is a young bride who takes as much freedom of thought and movement as she can. She has strong instincts concerning justice, marriage, parenthood, herbal medicines, poverty, hunting, prison welfare, deceit, fidelity. She is stubborn, opinionated, ingenious, athletic, brave, impetuous. And pregnant.
My hardcover copy is a thrill to the senses with its handsome cover and absolutely sumptuous gilded jacket. The intricacy and jewel-like colours of the design are a real luxury, enjoyed time and again. There's also a map of the part of Lancashire around the Pendle Hills where the story is set, during the reign of James I of England.