The Children of the New Forest - Captain Marryat
First published 1847.
This classic adventure story tells of the Beverley children, who, following the death of their parents, the torching of their home, and the passing of their protector, must make a life for themselves in the New Forest, during the period of English history known as the Interregnum - from when Charles I was deposed (and executed) through to when Charles II reclaimed the throne.
Like many books of that era, Children of the New Forest doesn't have much in the way of an over-arching plot, preferring instead to gradually unfold various episodic stories at different paces. Thus, when Edward - the eldest child - makes an enemy of a particular verderer it seems as though this might be a major storyline going forward, however the verderer returns and is dispatched by the middle of the book. In a similar vein, at a certain point the storyline about life in the forest takes a backseat to the political unrest, and the story turns far more to focus on the struggles of Charles II and his army to regain the throne. On the other hand, other plotlines do burn in the background throughout the book, particularly in terms of Edward's possible romance with the daughter of someone who, at first glance, would be a likely enemy for our heroes.
If I was to suggest that the book had a theme, it would likely be that of honour and station in life. Although Edward and his siblings are playing the part of 'lowly' foresters, they are sometimes called out on that by their 'noble appearance.' In the same way, the introduction of a gypsy boy named Pablo leads our main characters to comment that the boy could be of use, but must be carefully looked after, "for he is of a bad race, and has not been brought up, I'm afraid, with too strict of honesty." (page 95). Our heroes also support both Charles I and II because kings are noble and 'should' rule, and they are themselves of noble birth. In this latter instance, there is some discussion on whether Charles I deserved to be at least held to account for his actions, and Edward does begin to change his view somewhat, but the idea that kings should be executed is not supported at any point by any of the main protagonists, even those who come from differing views to our heroes.
I enjoyed The Children of the New Forest. It was not what I was expecting (I actually thought I had read this book previously, and now realise I hadn't), but it was a fun diversion, and focusses in on an interesting period of history.
Completed 11 April 2021.
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