Book Review
Book review:
The Chronicles Of Brother Cadfael
by Ellis Peters
Cadfael is kind, shrewd, and a little bit mischievous. Once a soldier in the Crusades; now a monk, Cadfael's favourite thing is tending his herb garden in the Abbey and brewing remedies for sickness...
...except for solving the odd murder. When the town sheriff and the abbey authorities together turn for him to help, his soldiering blood stirs and he’s more than happy to leave his garden, ride off and do some investigating - or meddling. Whatever it takes to bring about a happy ending for the goodies, justice for the baddies, and kindness for the repentant.
Each book is a stand-alone story and there is no need to read them in order. The stories are set in 12th century England during the civil war between the Empress Maud and King Steven. The first chapter or two in most of the books covers some of the real history of the time (via Cadfael discussing the politics of his day with his cronies), and if you’re not interested in these details you can skim-read until the action starts properly. The stories have a vivid, authentic medieval flavour. The way the church and state operated, the people, occupations, food, buildings, gardens and even the medicines Cadfael concocts all ring genuine. You can almost smell the livestock, hear the battles, feel the cool darkness of the tall stone buildings and the heat coming off the cobbles in the great court.
Cadfael mysteries are often available from second hand shops and book fairs. This is a hopeful, optimistic, warm-hearted series, with enough plot twists and moments of high drama and action to keep things moving. Recommended for anyone over 15 (occasional adult themes among minor characters, depending on the story).