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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, The Tombstone Maker’s Daughter by Amanda Taylor vividly portrays the harsh realities of mid-17th century Puritan England after Charles I’s execution.
The Tombstone Maker’s Daughter
Amanda Taylor, a name synonymous with evocative historical fiction, returns with her seventh novel, “The Tombstone Maker’s Daughter,” and it’s a journey you won’t soon forget. Stepping into the heart of Oliver Cromwell’s Puritan regime, Taylor masterfully paints a vivid portrait of England in the years following the dramatic execution of Charles I.
Building on her well-deserved reputation for crafting compelling characters and weaving intricate narratives, Taylor takes us on a starkly contrasting journey. We’re drawn into the serene beauty of Cornwall, only to be plunged into the ravaged, post-war chaos of London. This is a world where the plague casts a long, dark shadow, and the rigid, censorious Interregnum grips the nation in its unforgiving hold.
“The Tombstone Maker’s Daughter” isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a deeply human story. Taylor skillfully blends meticulously researched historical events with intimate, personal narratives, creating a tapestry that resonates with both history buffs and those who crave a tale rich in romance, intrigue, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
The novel opens with the chilling echo of Charles I’s final words: “I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible crown, where no disturbance can be.” Yet, disturbance is precisely what defines this era. With Charles II’s eventual restoration looming in the distance, we are immersed in the immediate chaos and uncertainty of a nation grappling with its identity.
Enter Sir Thomas Huck, a Royalist army doctor returning to Cornwall from exile. His face bears the scars of the Civil War, a constant reminder of the conflict’s brutal legacy. But his heart still yearns for Iben Hartmann, the tombstone maker’s daughter.
And what of Iben? This free-spirited woman, once vibrant and full of life, is now a mystery, her affections shifting like the tides. One moment, she’s filled with love, the next, with bitter resentment. Taylor expertly crafts her character, leaving us to wonder what trials and tribulations have shaped her into this enigmatic figure.
The contrast between the idyllic Cornish landscape and the harsh realities of post-war England is a powerful motif. Taylor’s prose paints a vivid picture of both worlds, capturing the beauty of the natural world and the grim realities of a society struggling to rebuild.
The plague, a constant threat, adds a layer of tension and urgency to the narrative. The fear and uncertainty it breeds mirror the political and social turmoil of the time.
Amanda Taylor
Beyond her seven captivating novels, including the latest historical drama, “The Tombstone Maker’s Daughter,” Amanda Taylor’s life is a testament to diverse passions and achievements. A graduate of the English education system, she transitioned from magazine work to award-winning poetry, demonstrating her literary prowess. Her athletic spirit shines through nine years of county-level squash and a successful English Channel relay swim, showcasing a remarkable blend of intellectual and physical dedication.
Find more from Amanda Taylor now:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/438hv8A
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4bjKCYx
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3EY3yQI
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