Of Wheat and War

Congratulations Margaret, as in The Rebellious Oak this is a brilliant mix of authentic historic vizualisation with the artistry of creating a gripping and rewarding reading experience. But this time you do it even better, and weave in social struggles, bigotry against witchcraft, against wanton violence, and of course semi slavery and oppression by the ruling classes. Some things have not changed today!' All the best with this one. I would change the title to 'Can't Pay Wont Pay, 1381', or similar

Margaret, you do all the right things in this masterly historical novel. First, authenticity, skilfully set in the frame of English history. In addition, pathos,revulsion, and the horrors of poverty and plague, matched with the comforts, privileges, prejudice - and more revulsion at the greed of John of Gaunt's noble guests, alongside their persecution of any peasant in whom they can find, or invent, cause for oppression.
High stars and on my watch list, hoping for more from you.
David Grant,
"Pompey Chimes". (a very different part of English history)

Your subtly powerful artistry of words drew me into your story almost before I knew it. This is the first pre-1900 historical novel I’ve read here that reads naturally without a self-conscious, laboured feel of the author giving a history lesson. It seems to me you understand that for historic storytelling to be credible, one must write as if one is in that time and not as if one is in the future trying to educate an audience about the past. Bravo! For that—and for engrossing me completely.

You are a very talented story teller and your writing never fails to impress and immerse the the reader. Well researched and written with insight and feeling that very few authors could emulate.

Margaret, this is lovely writing. It flows beautifully, the vivid descriptions of the plague and its victims harrowing, yet of the time. I read several chapters with ease, the peasants vs taxes and the ruling party's endless need of warfare is a good plot line. The story is gritty and feels authentic, I am rating it high stars, keeping it watchlisted and returning soon to read more! best regards, Andrew Esposito / Killing Paradise

Wonderful descriptive passages bring the destitution and poverty of a peasant's life in 1831 England to life. Another jewel from the pen of Margaret Anthony. Backed with pleasure.

Meg Wearing

a little starburst for you this a.m.

Notice? It needs to be published.

This is a fine book and deserves to be noticed.

Love the title. Catchy and memorable.
I love this period in time and reading about it. You conjure up some wonderfully detailed images. I particularly liked it when Ranulf looked over at the sleeping form of his father. That's how the poor lived and, in most books on the medieval time-frame, this isn't portrayed as well as you have done - so thank you for this read.
have given it 6 stars and it's on my watchlist.
Kaye x

This book deserves a top ranking

Margaret:
A well told story and one of the best on the site. I felt as though I was there. On my W/L and I will read the rest soon. High stars!
Shirley Grace
The Devil's Stepchild
Sinja
Turnips and Tulips

Dear Margaret, this is so beautifully written I can see why you are at the top of your game. Everything about this read is delightful and engaging, high stars a triumph of words. Karen.

Congratulations Margaret, as in The Rebellious Oak this is a brilliant mix of authentic historic vizualisation with the artistry of creating a gripping and rewarding reading experience. But this time you do it even better, and weave in social struggles, bigotry against witchcraft, against wanton violence, and of course semi slavery and oppression by the ruling classes. Some things have not changed today!' All the best with this one. I would change the title to 'Can't Pay Wont Pay, 1381', or similar

Your writing paved the way for amateur like myself. Your presentation and speeches are immaculate

Wow, Margaret, I'm totally hooked! This is absolutely brilliant and I will be the first in line to buy this when (and I mean when, not if) this is published. You've certainly done your research here. It is one of the best historical novels I've read on this site and it will be on my shelf on my next shuffle. Poor Ranulf! and the poor baby; that part upset me a little! I don't know what else to say apart from you're an excellent writer who deserves to see this in print. This is written in one of my favourite eras and you've created a brilliant story that I'd be proud to have in my collection! Six stars and, as I said, on my shelf very soon. All the very best with this, well done.

Emma - Sally of Spring Row.

I am really enjoying reading 'Of Wheat and War'. I have read up to chapter 5 and your prose is faultless. The historical details enrich the story rather than overwhelm it. I look forward to reading the rest of the book. I am happy to put this on my bookshelf.
SK

Margaret,
I have only scratched the surface by reading the first two chapters but I will definitely be reading more. There is little to add to that already said by previous reviewers but on a personal level, I love it. The quality of your writing stands out so clearly. If I have to be picky, there are a few commas missing but maybe this isn't your most recently-edited version and I'm certain that they will be picked up in due course.
I look forward to reading more and wish you huge success with it,
Tiara.

Margaret,
I found the book gripping from the very first sentence, so intense was the scene of the plague wreaking havoc that I had no choice than to follow it through to Renulf burying his folks. "Of Wheat and War" is well crafted with intricate detail that captures both colour and tenor of the time. Your characters are sympathetic and worth every ounce of cheering on, as they struggle to make the most of their meager options. Thank you so much for the captivating read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

You must have done a lot of research. Whenever I read a story about what European nations called peasnats, it amazes me how it lasted so long. However, I like your narrative. The p[rose when you need it flows smoothly. Ye way to judge if the prose is good is that it has to sounbd like Gregory Peck or Ccharleston Heston is reading and you prose does. I'm giving it five stars which is more than I usuyally give but you deserve it. Good luck

I loved Margaret Anthony's "Spirit of the Butterfly" and her new book does not disappoint. In the first chapter the reader is quickly drawn into the era and caught up in the horror of the plague.

Chapter 2 is more comfortable to read but shows another side of England's history where those in the privileged class take advantage of the poor and down trodden. Such is life and the work is very authentic and well researched.

Betty K "The Tea Merchant's Challenge"

Don't mind if i have a look at the number 1 book. This is remarkable, stylish writing Margaret, and clearly a subject of which you know a great deal. For me, the detail makes the work authentic, and your attention to detail is excellent, from the wooden sabots they wore to the reed coverings on their floors. You describe the desperate, ghastly conditions very eloquently and this is self evidently been a labour of love for you to write.

I offer you the very best wishes and hope that your work makes it to the Editor's desk- as it deserves- you may have a fistfull of stars from me.

regards

Cyrus

I read your first two chapters and thought that is a commendable opening to an historical novel. You have just the right mix of dialogue and narration and manage to add vivid description without being drawn into unnecessary and lengthy waffle. I'm no expert, but I suspect your knowledge of herbcraft is genuine.

You could perhaps do more to get the reader inside Ranulf's head and thus convey more of his thoughts of the sights, smells and sounds around him. This would also serve to make the point of view more clear. Here and there, a well-placed comma or two would work wonders. More importantly, There are quite a few redundant words which could be removed to improve the pace. For instance;

'As' is used twice in the opening paragraph and could be cut in both instances.

Shortly afterwards you write "she said as she turned (to go) back into the house"

"with too few labourers (who were) still on their feet"

"Surly spirals of (thin) smoke drifted around the room before (they found their way -WHY NOT JUST ESCAPING) through (the) gaps in the rotted (reeds of the) thatch.

"When she held them out (to him) the muted scents of (the) bay and sage were easily overpowered by the (strength of) pungent lavender stalks.

The words in brackets add nothing to the descriptive power of your words and can all be cut. There are many more examples and removing them will make a huge improvement.

I hope my observations help in some small way and I wish you lots of luck.

Linton :-)

Margaret,
returning your read, thanks again for that.
This is well thought out, nicely plotted, meticulously researched writing. The story is compelling from the start, there is a well drawn contrast between the rich and poor in Chp1 and Chp2. Ranulf is a haunting character from the beginning, the bit when he notices the fly come out of his brother's mouth (and his reaction) is very powerful.
I felt that the short pitch and the first paragraph of the long pitch sounded a bit too campaigning, in fact they could be the pitch for a non-fiction book on the period. Might be better with more human interest to pull us in. The short pitch should really be about Ranulf and the long pitch could start from the second paragraph. Readers will be more interested in the human stories than the historical, socio-economic context, so use that to draw them in.

You are using an omnicient narrator, so shifts in point of view are to be expected, I just felt that there were too many shifts and it was a little disconcerting at times. Particularly at the beginning of chp 1 where the point of view seems to shift a lot. Even Dickens sticks with a point of view for a few paragraphs before he switches! Just a thought, but I quite understand if you disagree, it's a very subjective point.

Hope that doesn't sound too negative, there is certainly a lot to recommend your work. It is an interesting period to explore and the book has a strong moral thread throughout. Your characters are well drawn too and you have a beautiful turn of phrase.
5 stars from me,
Sharda.

You are an excellent writer, Margaret. Your first chapter, from the start, involves the senses. I smelled the stench. You painted sickness I could visualize. You appealed to my fears and emotions as a mom and as a woman and as a feeble mortal. Great chapter. Great ending that propels the reader into the story. Will be back to read on very soon :) High stars based on what I've read so far.
T.Donna
(Margaret, although our genres are different, would you have a moment to look at my story titled No Kiss Good-bye about escaping from communist Romania and the resulting complications during a prolonged immigration to the U.S. I would appreciate any feedback you could offer)

Really enjoyed this, Margaret. Highly starred and kept on my watchlist for further reading.

The writing feels very polished with very few typos/formatting errors etc to make me stumble. I did notice that some of the compound adjectives appear to be missing their hyphens (‘Ten-year-old,’ ‘half-closed’ etc) and occasionally the text felt like it was a bit short on commas (eg. ‘Foetid and stagnant [comma],’ ‘Crouched on the floor [comma],’ ‘Warmed from the walk [comma],’ etc) but, other than that, I found this to be an extremely smooth, reassuringly immersive read.

The prose is a joy to read with a good mix of simple and direct storytelling to move the plot along and more involved, subtly lyrical phrasing (eg. ‘wizened apples were plucked from a shelf to ride with the bread and some lank carrots’ ‘a pale blush of pink appeared under his collar’ ‘Its sides laced by scrubby heath’) to evoke a specific atmosphere or allow the reader an immediate, vivid insight into a character’s mood/mindset etc. I particularly like the way you use phrasing/sentence structure etc which hints at the C14th setting but never becomes so arcane/impenetrable as to make the read a chore. Clever stuff.

The sense of time and place in general is clear and convincing with just enough period/cultural detail to root the reader in the moment without ever getting in the way of the narrative. This isn't an area of history I know much about (ask me about Stalin or Hitler and, thanks to my rather rigid, comprehensive education, I could wax tedious for hours on end!!), but I didn’t doubt for one moment any of the historical references or incidental detail which is testament to the persuasiveness of your storytelling skills. Terrific stuff.

The various characters in the novel feel real and fully formed and work well off each other. I like the shifts in narrative perspective in the opening chapters – a good way to put the human story at the heart of the novel into a broader, socio-political context. It’ll be interesting to see how Ranulf’s story gradually commingles with that of the other revolutionaries as the novel progresses.

The dialogue – as with the prose – feels very much ‘of the period’ without ever becoming off-puttingly obscure and works well to drive the various scenes and flesh out the characters of the different speakers.

The chapters themselves seem very well structured with a good blend of action/dialogue/character introspection and nicely underplayed climactic plot hooks to encourage the reader to read on. The plot feels well thought-out and original and, with its mix of action, intrigue, political machination, historical realism etc, should appeal to a broad cross-section of readers.

I do think, however, that you should lose the references to Thatcher/the Poll Tax riots etc at the start of the novel and in your short pitch. For me, the enjoyment of reading historical fiction lies in being transported wholesale back to another age, immersing myself fully in a world which bears little relation to my modern life. The last thing I want, therefore, is to be reminded of events which took place thirty-odd years ago just as I’m about to immerse myself in a C14th setting. You’ve worked so hard to conjure this extremely real and involving fictional world, why risk undermining all your hard work by beginning the novel with a mental image of Maggie Thatcher??

In short, an extremely stylish, vivid, persuasive piece of historical fiction. thanks and best of luck. P

I love the contrast between the first two chapters, the plague and poverty of the peasants and the excess of the nobles is handled really well and the parallels with more modern events make the book more relevant. This is really well written with great characters, Ranulf's introduction is very emotional and I can't wait to see what becomes of him. I will definitely read the next few chapters when I get the chance.
Melissa
Lessons in the Dark

Well written Good combination scenario with historical cliffes. very Good.

Margaret,
What can I say?
I was totally taken in with the atmosphere you have skillfully created and portrayed in your writing of a long time past. It was perfect.
I personally try to choose my words carefully when writing in a historic fashion like this but I have to say I am in awe of your use of words. As I state in my profile about 'Frankenstein' I adore the use of 'less than the norm' words, those which are very rarely found in modern day dics / thers. This came as a blessing..a joy to read Margaret..well done.
I wish you all the very best with this... I have only read the prerequisite amount befitting a comment but I would gladly settle down on a sunday afternoon and read the whole damn thing.
David x
ps I'll read it all..but don't tell everyone. D
Shelved and highest rated.

I think this is a very skillful historical novel. You manage to set the scene and create the period convincingly wihtout even seeming to do so. I like the character of Runulf. Ch. 2 is masterly I think with the nobles enjoying their luxury meal, described in detail while discussing taxing the peasant. I assume the sympathetic character will play a big role later. I loved the hiss of the oil burning in the rushlights and the way John of Gaunt tips over the chess board so idly, a neat metaphor I thought. I found the first sentence of Ch. 3 rather confusing. Also I had to guess that the boy mentioned was Ranulf - thought I supposed it was obvious. You summed up his childhood very neatly, giving a vivid impression of his early life in just a few words. I liked them neglecting the hairs on their chins. How old is Ranulf when we resume the story after this - I supposed in those days he would become an old man very early. The story develops more with Hanna's abortion care f for Sabina. Very intriguing. I will keep the book on my watchlist to read more. A really authentic historical novel.

this is an ideal piece of historic fiction. a good plot carries this story through.
j

This is a lovely work. Ranulf is an appealing character. You set the scene very deftly and establish his family and therefore his loss also. I really like the last line of chapter one.

Then in chapter two, you produce a skilful scene with several characters. I get the historical context without being spoon fed - that's great.

There were a couple of sentences that took me out of what was otherwise a very smooth read:
'Always quick to berate him for things, he found her silence strange - I was confused by the subject of the sentence
Use of bloom-blushed peach and rose-hued pomegranate in one sentence.
'Not only the Archbishop of Canterbury...' Not only was he - maybe?
Only mentioned because it says you are editing currently on your profile! Hope that's okay.
Very enjoyable reading.
Thanks,
Kate

Margaret, you do all the right things in this masterly historical novel. First, authenticity, skilfully set in the frame of English history. In addition, pathos,revulsion, and the horrors of poverty and plague, matched with the comforts, privileges, prejudice - and more revulsion at the greed of John of Gaunt's noble guests, alongside their persecution of any peasant in whom they can find, or invent, cause for oppression.
High stars and on my watch list, hoping for more from you.
David Grant,
"Pompey Chimes". (a very different part of English history)

Your subtly powerful artistry of words drew me into your story almost before I knew it. This is the first pre-1900 historical novel I’ve read here that reads naturally without a self-conscious, laboured feel of the author giving a history lesson. It seems to me you understand that for historic storytelling to be credible, one must write as if one is in that time and not as if one is in the future trying to educate an audience about the past. Bravo! For that—and for engrossing me completely.

Hi Margaret,
You definitely know how to tell a story. Love the descriptions and your research weaves into the story very well. Will continue reading but will back and star now. You must be proud of yourself.

Ruth2904
To Dream Again

You are a very talented story teller and your writing never fails to impress and immerse the the reader. Well researched and written with insight and feeling that very few authors could emulate.

It is good to see you making slow but sure progress up the charts. This book deserves more notice.

Great treatment of an obscure event. Well done.

I really like the concept of this - clever to compare such different eras.

As others have said, there's some editing to be done, and there are lots of people on this site, more qualified than me to help with this.
However, once the niggles have been ironed out, the story will really come to the fore.

I'll pop you on my shelf soon.
Good luck!
Diana
Pascual's Birthday

A long overdue return backing - thank you, Margaret.

This is a great story Margaret - such vivid descriptive passages - I can see the plague-ridden bodies and smell the stench of dirt and disease. As for taxing the poor, nothing ever changes does it! A brilliant book and a great read. Backed with stars and on w/l.

Kate Grimes- LIZZIE- CUPPA TALES- TALES OF WILLOW GREEN- ANNIE

Excellent, Margaret. I can see why this is racing up the charts. The end of ch3 is astonishing. "onto your pallet and your dress up". Humanity through history.

A super read. An illumination of a forgotten period and the spirit of man against the system.

Of Wheat and War is very well written and the language used seems perfect to me. We hear of the fat cats bleeding the peasants dry and still looking for more.[ sound familiar ] "Drink to fat coffers" [ Irish bankers came to mind ] This may be a tale from times long past but its very easy to relate to it.
What will become of poor Hannah, I hope we get to find out.
Completed all chapters and highly stared.
All my best wishes with this book.
Olive.

I love the historical detail and your tilte drew my attention immediately :)

Historic Fiction /review - yet another chapter full of action, (5) energy, and wonderful description. Unfortunately, the head hopping is here in abundance. You could sort this out by having Ranulf as the narrator, hidden as he is though, he would need to have sight of Bampton from the off and able to hear the voices inside the tavern, as well as witness ane report the fracass. He could do so using all the descriptions as he knows all the players well.

There is a couple of other things:- You start off by having the horseman marked as a stranger and then very soon we learn he isn't at all, but well known to Ranulf and all the others alike. Perhaps you could change this to 'marked him as a man of wealth,'

There was also a repetition of 'obvious. Consulting my thesaurus, of all the alternatives, two seemed good candidates: with a subtle but patent hint of.... or, with a subtle but visible hint of...

Other than these small edits I cannot praise you enough. Wonderful work. I feel I am in the company of an extra special writer. Can't wait to read more...

Historic Fiction Review: Chapter four takes us deeper into Hanna's and Ranulf's lives and hints at awful things to come due to Hanna's calling and the uprising the peasants talk of. As before the detail and the descriptions give this authenticity and take the reader by the scruff of the neck and make them experience life as it was. I am loving it. Once again I did find a small digression into head hopping. At the end of Sabina's visit you go into her head and give her feelings, perhaps you could try something like:-

'This will take care of things if we need it,' From a drawer under her work bench she took an instrument. It had a wide part that fit comfortably into her hand and a long thin rod honed to a point so fine you could harldy see the tip. To this, fastened by a thin plait of woven hemp, hung a shard of bone resembling a carpet needle. She turned to show it to Sabina. Sabina's eyes opened wide with horror and Hanna saw a shiver tremble through the young girl's body. She hadn't meant to put a fear into her, 'Don't look so worried, girl, you'll not feel a thing.'

This is just an example but does keep the POV with Hanna.

Again, right at the end of the chapter, the POV shifts from Hanna to Ranulf. This is one way that could be fixed:-

'Good.' she replied, but still she could see he hadn't told her all. She watched him pondering for a moment, then as if he made his mind up it would do no harm to share it with her he lifted his head, 'There's more, wife. A man I know stopped me as i was about to leave the tannery. His face bright with excitement, he asked me if I'd heard the news then said: "the...

On the subject of POV I see that the review by Ann Campbell could leave you with a delema. As a reader and author, she sees no problem with the switching of point of view so you must be wondering who is right, and what you should do. In creative writing we are taught that to give each character a point of view in one scene is confusing to the reader and interferes with their overall experience of identifying with one character at a time. So, it is a matter of whether you are a rule follower, or not, I suppose, Margaret. But, as you asked me to take a look again at chapter one I did, and to me it is much better, from Ranulph's POV only. Though a couple of head hops haven't been addressed, they are only little ones, but I have taken the liberty of giving examples of how they could be sorted if you so wished:-

His Ma rocked the crib with her foot as she passed...

had no effect on his sleeping Da...

'Get the other end, Ranulf, and help me with this wood, it's too heavy for me.'
He did as she bid him to, but as they lifted the sodden...

Of course, I am only one reviewer, this is your book and your talent shines from it. You follow every other discipline so beautifully, to me it is a shame to not showcase your work to its very best by following this last one. Whatever you decide I will always be a fan and would buy your books as they come out. love, Mary

Hist.Fict.review.
Just read chaps 1-3, so far great. Excellent period detail, vividly presented. Agree w. earlier reviewers re. research etc. Wasn't bothered by differing POVs in chap 1. Giving Sarah's adult POV illustrates how grim things are. Look forward to reading more.

A very interesting way of writing a historical novel. I can tell the amount hours of research you have put in and it really shows well. However I thought pehapes there should been more written of modem history as well. Then the book could relate to a wider audience, apart from that I loved the history element and can see this book progress really well in the charts. Well done:)

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW Chapter three, and I am enthralled by this novel.

The research into the period is impeccable making the era live on the page with atmosphere and realism. You are a master of the show don't tell. The pace is just right and the characters are so well drawn.

My first comment on chapter one mentioned POV, I haven't come across any mistakes in this discipline in the second or third, but as you asked me to be more specific so as to help you see the errors for yourself I am honoured to help:

Whenever a feeling or thought is assigned to a character the author is giving them a POV.

In chapter one we have Sara turning her nose up at the stench -her POV
Then feeling a pain under her arm - her POV
Then she is ignoring the river water - her POV
In the same scene we have Ranulf not sure if she spoke to him or to herself - his POV
Then he sees his mother sitting on the bed holding her arm pit and doesn't understand why - his POV

As Sara dies I think it better to have the whole chapter from Ranulf's POV.

Have him watching her actions, seeing her turn her nose up and, as he gets a whiff, he knows why. She could tell him she has a pain under her arm, and to step out of the way of the water dripping from the log, or moaning at it wetting the floor,as long as it is Ranulf who relates to the action and not Sara.

Hope this helps, if you need further help with it, email me the first chapter mary.wood18@yahoo.co.uk

I love the premise of this book. I love history, albeit more modern, so it sounds like an interesting read. I added it to my watchlist and will read it when I get the chance. If you get the chance, read my book: http://www.authonomy.com/books/38677/the-pursuit-of-happiness-/

Historical Fiction Group REVIEW - Have just joined this group, hope you have too, anyway it demands we keep returning to review more and more of the work. A pleasure with this book.

This second chapter is wonderfully written, no POV problems. Just vivid writing which draws the reader into the period, I love the story taking me from the poor to the rich and so forth, of an era. To get both sides of the story really gives it depth. Margaret, you are a master of your genre and deserve so much success. Will return to read chapter three soon. Still on my shelf.

HF REVIEW - Wonderful. You pull your reader into the world of your characters so they feel they lived those times, can smell the same rotten stench, feel their pain and know their anguish. The world of the past comes alive.

I only have one nit and that is that you tend to head-hop instead of keeping the point of view with one character, this stops the identification of the reader with each character at a time. However, this is only one nit and will not stop me from giving this 5*, would have been six but for the POV prob. Will shelve for as long as poss at least a week, but I need to get known on the site again after returning from my battle with cancer so have to be active with my shelf. I have posted a new book, the one that kept me sane... 'To catch a dream'. Hope you have time to have a look, I welcome your valuable feedback. Thank you, love Mary

Mary, I read all of this a while back. I marveled then at your research and your skill at weavinga story into very real history. I like the theme too of history being repeated. Thank you for this lovely piece of literature.
Caroline