Book Review
Jul. 29th, 2022 06:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariThe Town House
by Norah Lofts
This solid historical novel takes place in England at the end of the 14th century. It centers around Martin Reed, a runaway serf who rises to become a successful wool merchant. The story start in Martin's youth and continues through to his granddaughter's youth. Martin expands his home as his business and family expand, and as tragedies and joys come in their turn.
The Town House was a smaller, quieter, and more intimate historical novel than many of the others I've read. Most of the action takes place in one part of Suffolk, and none of the characters are historical figures. On the contrary, they are from the lower classes. Even the nobles are from the lower end of the aristocracy. The story itself also focuses on ordinary life rather than great events. Yet the book was engrossing - the characters were complex and compelling and Lofts has a lot of insight into people's motivations and how they cope with grief and pleasure.
by Norah Lofts
This solid historical novel takes place in England at the end of the 14th century. It centers around Martin Reed, a runaway serf who rises to become a successful wool merchant. The story start in Martin's youth and continues through to his granddaughter's youth. Martin expands his home as his business and family expand, and as tragedies and joys come in their turn.
The Town House was a smaller, quieter, and more intimate historical novel than many of the others I've read. Most of the action takes place in one part of Suffolk, and none of the characters are historical figures. On the contrary, they are from the lower classes. Even the nobles are from the lower end of the aristocracy. The story itself also focuses on ordinary life rather than great events. Yet the book was engrossing - the characters were complex and compelling and Lofts has a lot of insight into people's motivations and how they cope with grief and pleasure.
