My main reaction as I read this book was that it should have been published before the Puritan Princess. It would have made so much more sense historically to follow Cromwell and his family from the beginning of the Civil Wars and then to the Protectorate rather than the other way round.
I expect there must have been a reason, although I can't figure what it might be. At all events the book follows the rise of Cromwell and Henry Ireton , their military and political achievements up to and beyond the death of Charles I. All this is told through the eyes of Bridget, Cromwell's eldest daughter. She shares with us her aspirations as a young girl and her marriage to Henry Ireton, her father right-hand man and her subsequent growing love for him.
The book moves at a good pace and I found the descriptions of grief and bereavement particularly moving.
Although the fate of women in the 17th century is mentioned, this is not a "feminist" book and Bridget is well aware of what can be expected of women at that time; however, she does try to find fulfilment for her ideas in her own way. From that point of view she can hardly be called a rebel.
As in the Puritan Princess, the portrayal of Cromwell as a family man, the love he has for his children and grandchildren is endearing and does not conform to the generally received ideas one has of him.
I wonder if there will be a 3rd novel taking us to the Restoration? I hope so and will look out for its publication.
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