1346, Crecy, France
The branches folded over them, crackling like a dog biting on chicken bones. Raphael and his mother wriggled beneath low shrubs and coils of fern...
The Blurb
The Hundred Years' War comes to life in this spellbinding tale of love, betrayal and conspiracy …
A quest born on the battlefield will change a young boy’s destiny…
Rafi Dubois is five years old when his mother is murdered after the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Alone and lost, Rafi is given a token by the dying Englishman who tried to save his mother’s life: a half-broken family seal which he urges Rafi to return one day to Winchester.
Years later, when Rafi saves a wealthy merchant’s wife from a brutal robbery, he is rewarded with the chance to travel to England, taking the seal with him.
But when he reaches Winchester, Rafi finds himself in a turbulent world full of long-held allegiances, secrets and treachery. His path is fraught with danger and with powerful enemies working against him, Rafi falls in love with Edith, a market apothecary. But in doing so, Rafi unleashes a deadly chain of events which threatens to overwhelm them both…
The Herb Knot is a sweeping and passionate novel set in one of the most tumultuous times in English history, from a powerful new voice.
My Review
A book which is largely set in 14th Century Winchester, along with a great plot - what could be better?
This was a hugely enjoyable historical fiction book, which begins with five-year-old, Rafi Dubois, witnessing the death of his mother and younger brother by an Englishman on the battlefield of Crecy. When he witnesses the same man strike down one of his fighting allies, the dying Englishman gives Rafi part of a seal, requesting he return it to his father.
This occurrence is what propels the entire plot. Rafi knows that if he can find the murderer of this Englishman, he will equally discover the man who killed his mother and obtain retribution. This is the reason why Rafi travels to Winchester.
I liked Rafi very much. He is a brave, yet naive, young man who sets off on his errand. As the novel progresses, we observe how Rafi matures and becomes a little more worldly wise. However, he never strays from the essence of his character. He is trustworthy and loyal throughout.
Ms. Loftus has done an equally good job with her portrayal of the more minor characters. Each of them were fully developed and utterly believable. In the author's note at the end of the book, she explains which of the characters existed in history and which were based on her imagination.
The author has clearly researched the time and place in which the book is set thoroughly. I felt completely immersed in 14th century Winchester. I am fortunate enough to have visited there on a few occasions, and her descriptions all felt very authentic.
I enjoyed how she concluded the book, and it left me feeling very satisfied. There was a nice little twist at the end which I hadn't expected, and which finished off Rafi's story perfectly.
Anyone who enjoys medieval historical fiction will enjoy this book, especially if you like to have a little mystery thrown in. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it.
Book Details
ISBN: 978 0008755270
Publisher: HQ Digital/Harper Collins
Formats: e-book, audio and paperback
No. of Pages: 336 (paperback)
Purchase Links
About the Author
Jane Loftus gained a degree in 16th Century European and British history from Surrey before taking a postgraduate degree in modern political history. As a lone parent, she worked in Winchester Waterstones before returning to IT once her son was older.
Hugely passionate about the Middle Ages, she drew inspiration for this novel from the medieval layout of Winchester which has been painstakingly documented.
Jane is originally from London but has lived in Winchester for over twenty years. When not writing, she is usually out walking or watching costume dramas on Netflix - the more medieval the better. She also plays far too many rpgs.
You can also find Jane at:
(ARC and media courtesy of The Coffee Pot Book Club)
(all opinions are my own)
