One of those writers I so very much loved is Margaret Campbell-Barnes. She wrote beautiful books about certain episodes in English history. I have read most of her books in Dutch translation, but nowadays you can't find back those books in the public library.
While browsing for lost treasures, I came across Mary of Carisbrooke, one of the books I loved to read over and over.
What is the best about Ms. Campbell-Barnes's writing is that it is so very humane. She tells a story about some historical character from the viewpoint of ordinary people- who fall in love, are betrayed, do all the stupid things we all do.
Mary of Carisbrooke tells the story of Mary Floyd, daughter of Sergeant Floyd of the garrison at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. Her ordinary (but happy) life stops when King Charles I seeks refuge on the island. It is the period of Civil War. The governor, appointed by Parliament, is in doubt of what to do, but his second in command, Captain Rolph, has less scrupules.
Soon afterwards, Mary meets the men who are to form the court of the exiled King. Among them are two young men: Harry Firebrace and Richard Osborne. Mary falls in love with Firebrace, who 'forgets' to mention he is already married. He's the one to think out a plan to let the king escape the castle and seek refuge in France. But his plan is thwarted not once but twice.
When the king tries to climb through his window for the second time, Mary's father is killed by Rolph. The king is tranfered to England where he will meet his death.
In the end, it is Richard Osborne who can give Mary some solace. He has loved her ever since he came to Carisbrooke, and finally she finds she can also love him.
Together to go to Holland, where they are going to be part of King Charles II's court in exile.
A beautiful story, and well-written!
No comments:
Post a Comment