'The Eagle and the Raven' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel set during the Roman conquest of Britain, focusing on the Boudiccan revolt and the betrayal of Caradoc Caractacus. The story follows Caradoc, the chief's son of the Catuvellauni, as he leads the native British tribes in their fight against the Roman invaders. The novel beautifully captures the sense of time and place, immersing the reader in the ancient Britons' desperate struggle for freedom against Roman domination. The battle scenes are vividly described, evoking the sights and sounds of clashes between tribes and Romans, leaving the reader breathless and emotionally invested in the characters' hardships.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with Caradoc's idealism contrasted by Boudicca's fiery nature, each contributing uniquely to the overarching themes of resistance and identity.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs rich, descriptive prose that immerses readers in the historical setting, with well-developed characters and an epic storytelling style.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on Caradoc's resistance to Roman rule, culminating in Boudicca's rebellion, showcasing themes of freedom and the struggles of ancient tribes.

Setting:

The novel is set in ancient Britain amidst the Roman invasion, with vivid descriptions that bring the landscapes and culture to life.

Pacing:

The pacing starts off slow, gradually building momentum until it becomes gripping, particularly in the concluding chapters.

CARADOC PUSHED HIS WAY through the dense thicket of briars and found himself out in the open at last, free of the forest’s somber shadows. With a sense of weak relief, he sheathed his sword, hugged hi...

Notes:

The book is set during the Roman conquest of Britain and mainly follows Caradoc, a warrior fighting against the Romans.

Boudicca, a famous figure in British history, appears only towards the end of the book despite being featured prominently on the cover.

Caradoc is depicted as the first uniter of native British tribes against Roman rule.

The novel emphasizes the theme of the struggle for freedom, resonating with contemporary issues of choice and oppression.

The story is described as immersive, with detailed scenes that depict the horrors of war and the emotions of the characters involved.

Eurgain is characterized by her fierce devotion, Gladys represents love, and Aricia carries the emotional scars of the past, each adding depth to the narrative.

The author, Pauline Gedge, is known for her historical fiction, particularly set in ancient Egypt, but also offers a rich perspective on Celtic history in this book.

The narrative spans approximately 30 years, covering conflicts before and during Boudicca's rebellion against Roman forces.

The writing is noted for its lack of filler content, keeping readers engaged throughout the 700 pages.

The book illustrates the environmental and cultural backdrop of ancient Britain, highlighting locations like the Catuvellauni forests and Brigantia hills.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of war, violence, and oppression, as well as family betrayal which could be sensitive for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Spanning three generations, this historical novel tells the tale of Boudicca, the most famous warrior of ancient Britain, and Caradoc, the son of a Celtic king, who sets out to unite the people of the Raven and lead them against Rome.

Caradoc's objective is not easily accomplished as the Roman army advances into Britain, raping Celtic women and burning villages to the ground. His efforts are also met with fierce opposition from Aricia, the vain queen of a northern tribe who swears allegiance to the Romans after Caradoc slights her, and from Gladys, Caradoc's warrior sister who falls in love with her Roman captor.

Unfortunately, Caradoc's endeavors are left unresolved when he is taken prisoner, but Boudicca, a strong-willed woman, ultimately takes up the cause that was Caradoc's legacy.

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The Eagle and the Raven

Pauline Gedge