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1645: The stage is set and the witch-hunt is about to begin…
1645: The stage is set and the witch-hunt is about to begin…
After his half-brother dies, aspiring playwright Nicholas Pearce is apprenticed to Judge William Percival, an infamous former witch-hunter who is under pressure to resume his old profession.
In a country torn apart by civil war, with escalating tensions between Catholics and Protestants, Royalists and Roundheads, and rumours of witchcraft, Nicholas hides a secret: the dead sing. He hears their secrets, but will he find the courage to speak up to save innocent lives, even if it means putting himself in great danger?
London, 1645
The author mentions that the book was written following an interest in King James I, known for unifying the Scottish and English crowns amongst other things. He was also known apparently for having close relations with his handsome male favourites.
James’s fascination with witch hunting it is said, stems from a visit to Denmark where the witch persecutions were in full force.
Much of the novel is based on facts and there were witch pamphlets still in vogue at the time the novel is set. The information about the witch trials is also based on real fact.
Mention is made of Matthew Hopkins. He was the infamous ‘witchfinder’ who killed many woman believed to be witches.
TheBookTrail’s bookreview of The Revels Stacey Thomas
Destination/location: London, York Author/guide: Stacey Halls Departure Time: 1645
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