Product Description

Cavalier and Roundhead battle it out in the turbulent setting of the English Civil war and provide the background for this classic tale of four orphans as they face adversity, survival in the forest, reconciliation and eventual forgiveness. This is the first enduring historical novel for children, which conjures up as much magic today as it did on first publication. The freedom from adult constraint allied with the necessary disciplines to survive in a hostile world make for a gripping read.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26486 in Books
• Published on: 1993-05-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
With their father killed fighting for King Charles and their mansion home burnt down by the Roundheads, the four orphaned Beverley children find refuge with old Jacob Armitage, a forester and loyal servant of their father's. In his cottage, deep in the New Forest, the children quickly have to learn hunting, housekeeping and the crafts of living off the land. When Jacob dies, the children are left completely alone to fend for themselves but despite being at constant risk of discovery, Edward, the eldest, is determined to help restore the king and regain his own inheritance.

Captain Marryatt's exciting Civil War adventure has gripped readers for generations. An adventure story filled with heroism, excitement and suspense it is also a tale of survival and loyalty set in a fascinating historical context. (Ages 9 to Adult)

Customer Reviews

An honest and lovely read for all ages
I was given this book when I was 7 or 8 and for reasons best known to my juvenile personality decided not to read it, probably because I was an ungrateful little sod.

Flash forward twenty years and I discovered this book still in pristine condition on a bookshelf and thought it time I did justice to the kind family friend who had laid it in my possession all those years ago. The main protagonist is my namesake, Edward, and it was with a tear in my eye that I realised this is probably one of the reasons said family friend bought this book for me. Yet another reason to feel guilty at my lack of gratitude.

I do enjoy reading children's books from the 19th century as they are often written in a style and use of vocabulary more advanced than what you find in many modern thrillers and this book is no exception. The reader of this, whether they are young or old is not read down to and will be very quickly sucked in to the story of the children's lives.

The children themselves are likeable characters and it's admirable to watch them stand up for their principles and engage with the adults with a maturity above their years. Plus their honest attitude and complete lack of prejudice really takes you into their world. I kept thinking to myself how today's 15 year olds (or even me at that age) would cope with living off the land and the lack of a Playstation.

The only thing I will say is that some attitudes have inevitably dated which I couldn't help noticing, not least being the fact that the boys hunt and the girls cook, plus the distrust of the gipsy boy. The continual issue throughout of Edward having to pretend to be of less than noble birth reminds the reader of the clear class society existing in the 17th century (when the book is set). Perhaps this isn't too different to today's world and essentially the children in the book set a good example even if they do perhaps look down their noses occasionally.

My favourite childrens book
As a child this was my favourite book - and I have never tired of reading it. Thank you Amazon for anabling me to order it to enjoy once again. Unlike WH Smiths - you had it in stock....

It was an exciting story, and it made you want to read on.
This was a good book,but it was quite hard to understand in some places.We would not recommend it to under eight year olds.However the book was interesting and gripping throughout, you were always left wondering what was going to happen next.

Our favourite character was Jacob Armitage because he was so friendly and caring to the children by taking them in and looking after them. What happened to him was very sad. Our worst character was Abel Corbould because he was mean and selfish. He also tried to kill Edward who was the hero in the story.

We thought the children in the story were well behaved and did their duty for Jacob Armitage, such as, cooking the dinner, collecting eggs, cutting wood and they go hunting for food.

Overall, we thought the book was an interesting and intriging read.