I really enjoyed reading The Swift and the Harrier and I would certainly recommend it to readers who love historical fiction.
The core plot is a love story and it is clear from the blurb which characters will end up together. However this doesn't in the least detract from the merit of the tale because in some ways it is incidental to the value of the book as a whole.
What I particularly liked about Minette Walters' writing is the way it transported me back in time to the English Civil War. Her research, which was reflected in the novel, enabled her to bring to life what it was like to live in this turbulent time and broadened my knowledge of this historical period.
The story is written from the perspective of female physician, Jane Swift, who is expected to assist the both soldiers and the untrained men who have been caught up in the war, whilst being viewed with disdain for breaking the female mould of the time. It also introduces the difficult idea of maintaining neutrality in a kingdom split in two.
Take the time to read this book and you won't regret it.
The core plot is a love story and it is clear from the blurb which characters will end up together. However this doesn't in the least detract from the merit of the tale because in some ways it is incidental to the value of the book as a whole.
What I particularly liked about Minette Walters' writing is the way it transported me back in time to the English Civil War. Her research, which was reflected in the novel, enabled her to bring to life what it was like to live in this turbulent time and broadened my knowledge of this historical period.
The story is written from the perspective of female physician, Jane Swift, who is expected to assist the both soldiers and the untrained men who have been caught up in the war, whilst being viewed with disdain for breaking the female mould of the time. It also introduces the difficult idea of maintaining neutrality in a kingdom split in two.
Take the time to read this book and you won't regret it.