ALERT! I'm working on the sequel, working title: Cromwell and Elizabeth - Civil War
My interest in Oliver Cromwell
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It is difficult to pinpoint when my interest in Cromwell started. When I retired from full-time teaching in 2011, I had more time to read and one of my focuses was on reading historical non-fiction and fiction. I came across some information about him and realised that his early life was centred in Huntingdon. This was convenient because I live near Kettering and it meant going to the places where he lived was convenient.
I soon realised that although there was plenty of information about Oliver, there was very little written about his wife, Elizabeth Bourchier. I studied feminist points of view at UCT, (Cape Town) as part of my ministerial studies. It was a tiny step to switch my interest to Cromwell's wife.
I am a committed Christian and although Christianity has changed throughout the centuries, there is no doubt that at the time of the Civil War in England religious fervour was running high. Anti-Catholic feeling was set against a background of the growing political strength of the Puritans.
The reaction to Oliver Cromwell is generally a bit like marmite. You either love him or hate him. I was interested in how a Christian woman can support and encourage a man so embroiled in regicide and civil war. Did she understand what he was involved in? Did she question him? How did he change over the years?
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REVIEWS
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly enjoyable historical event
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2020
If you love history this is a must, a truly good read.
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Top reviews from other countries
Michael Valderrama
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fine 17th Century Romance
Reviewed in the United States on 10 January 2021
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The language of Cromwell and Elizabeth is refreshing and delightful and allows the reader to truly get absorbed into the world of the 17th century. One can tell that the author's research was thorough and complete.
The book shifts between the points of view of Elizabeth Bourchier (the future Mrs. Cromwell) and Oliver Cromwell and depicts the events leading up to their marriage. Interestingly, Elizabeth's point of view is told from the first-person perspective, while Oliver's is told from the third.
While the story starts off slowly, patient readers are rewarded by a story that depicts an initially hesitant Elizabeth go giddy for her husband-to-be in an innocent, charming fashion.
The author is very good at description and uses the intricacies of the English language to bring out the full flavor of even the most subtle emotions. All in all, a good read
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