The Revolt

Reviewed by:

Connie Sikma, ECLA member and librarian at the 7th Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI

Title:

The Revolt: A novel in Wycliffe’s England

Author:

Douglas Bond

Publisher:

P&R Publishing

https://www.prpbooks.com/

Date:

2016

Format:

Book

Length:

264 pages

Overview:

Hugh West’all begins his story on August 26, 1346, his birthday. Using his words, he “was pressed into service of the army of King Edward III of England” to scribe the events of the war between the English king and the French king. Through the fictitious Hugh we witness the brutality of medieval warfare, the confusion of true Christianity, and the heart wrenching inequalities of the classes. It seemed like the end of the world. Corruption of the Church was at an all-time high, as was illiteracy and injustice, the black plague and needless wars ravaged the population. Hopelessness and despair hung over the western world. Where was God?

When Hugh returns to Oxford, as a student, it is there that his life intersects with the authentic historical character, John Wycliff. Through the plot, dialogue and relationships, we are given a window of the importance of the ground breaking work of this translator.

The story is dynamic from the beginning to the end. The dialogues and a few minor characters who have a front row seat in the hero’s life are the fictional elements that give the story movement and interest. You will have a bigger picture of the world and a better understanding of the precious heritage that you have from those who have gone before you.

Douglas Bond is a trusted author in the reformed community. His accurate historical fiction brings life to the turbulence of the 14^th century.

This book is written for the teen reader but I highly recommend it to adults as well. If you want to brush up on your history of the reformation painlessly, this is a good place to start.

Rating:

5 out of 5

Suggested audience:

Middle school through adult

Christian impact:

It gives the audience an excellent background of the spiritual darkness of the 14^th century, the impact of the scripture on literacy, morality and government, as well as the persecution for the Word of God to be available to the people.

Also includes:

-Map of 14^th century England

-glossary

-timeline

http://Amazon.com

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/