May 1500
Ma had said she would give the cordwainer man a baby - the thing he could not get from his dull-as-ditchwater wife - and we would get a roof in return. That baby-child would be born, and when it was out then the cordwainer would discard the woman called his wife... and we would live there in that neat stone house...
The Blurb
Born a vagabond, Tibb Ingleby has never had a roof of her own. Her mother has taught her that if you’re not too bound by the Big Man’s rules, there are many ways a woman can find shelter in this world. But now her ma is gone.
As she journeys through the fields and forests of medieval England, Tibb discovers that there are people who will care for her, as well as those who mean her harm. And there are a great many others who are prepared to believe just about anything…
So, when the opportunity presents itself to escape the shackles society has placed on them, Tibb and her new friends conjure an audacious plan: her greatest trickerie yet. But before they know it, their hoax takes on a life of its own, drawing crowds - and vengeful enemies - to their door.
A tale of belief and superstition, kinship and courage, A Little Trickerie introduces a ragtag cast of characters and an unforgettable, endearing and distinctly unangelic heroine.
My Review
I can honestly say that this book is unlike anything I have previously read. It is set during the reign of Henry VII but is not about the Tudor dynasty.
Instead, it is about a vagrant girl called Tibb Ingleby. Her story is told during a time when vagrancy was illegal and, if caught, could end with a V branded onto her forehead. She is orphaned at a young age and is left without an adult to guide her, and must make her own way in life through whatever means possible.
Tibb is probably, without question, the most lovable book character I have ever come across. She is vibrant and unique and, as readers, we are able to view Tudor England through her eyes.
Her descriptions are uncompromisingly honest but told with humour. She is critical of religion for the way it punishes those who do not comply with its strictures, and rails against its inequalities. She loves those who care and trusts them wholeheartedly.
The author writes brilliantly, portraying Tibb's world with depth and humour. I savoured every single word of this book, and was indeed sorry when it came to an end. I almost felt bereft when I had to let Tibb go on the final page. She is a character that will stay with me for a long time.
I borrowed this book from the library, but I will be buying myself a copy as I know I will want to read this again. It was a joyous book to read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. It will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction, but this can equally be enjoyed by a much wider audience too. If you fancy something different, then I think you will love this book as much as I did.
Book Details
ISBN: 978 0241646076
Publisher: Fig Tree
Formats: e-book, audio, hardback and paperback
No. of Pages: 384 (paperback)
Purchase Links
About the Author
Rosanna Pike is a former teacher and diarist for The Evening Standard who lives in south-west London with her family. She is a graduate of Curtis Brown Creative and the Faber Academy. Her debut novel, A Little Trickerie was an instant Sunday Times’ bestseller.
You can also find Roseanna at:
(author photo and bio courtesy of Paper Literary)
(all opinions are my own)
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