I knew why they sent me instead of Elizabeth to Markyate Manor, though they thought I hadn't understood.
When Ralph asked Mother, I saw her lips say, "They can't afford Elizabeth."
If they whisper their mouths make the shapes even more clearly than when they just talk. And I'm deaf, not stupid. I listen with my eyes, that's all.
***
Abigail Chaplin has always been unable to find a position as a maidservant like other girls, because she is deaf. So why do the rich Fanshawes of Markyate Manor seem so anxious to employ her? And where exactly does her mistress, Lady Katherine, ride out to at night? Shadow on the Highway is based on the life and legend of Lady Katherine Fanshawe, the highwaywoman, sometimes known as The Wicked Lady. A tale of adventure and budding romance set in the turbulent English Civil War, this is a novel to delight teens and adults alike.
***
This was a most enjoyable novel and it has much to commend it.
Set during the seventeenth century, in itself a fascinating period in British history, it contains all the historical events of the period that a reader would expect; the Civil War, Revolution and highwaymen, to mention just a few. The author has clearly well researched the period and she writes about it in a way that it becomes very real to the reader.
In terms of the characterisation, the author makes it pretty clear who we are meant to sympathise with and who we are not. The main character, Abigail, is extremely likeable and it was a joy to get to know her. She was well rounded and completely believable. Her deafness was described with sensitivity, and although it has previously been a stumbling block in Abigail's life, it was heartening to see how she overcomes her limitations.
As the maid to Lady Katherine Fanshawe, the reader observes the differing and changeable dynamic between them. Based on a real life character, nee Katherine Ferras, also known as the "wicked lady," we observe a transformation in her character and it was fascinating to read.
This book is the first in a trilogy and I am definitely intending to read the second book, Spirit of the Highway.
ISBN: 978 1500549831
Publisher: Create Space
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No. of Pages: 294 (paperback)
Before publishing her first novel, Deborah worked as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV. She also developed a degree course in Theatre Arts at the Arden School of Theatre, where she taught scenography and the history of design.
In 2007 she took an MA in Creative Writing at Lancaster University, and since then has juggled writing with teaching. Deborah has been published by St Martin’s Press, Pan Macmillan, Endeavour Press, Headline Accent and Sapere Books.
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