LoveReading Says
LoveReading Says
September 2014 Debut of the Month.
Straddling the end of the Civil War and the death of Charles I, this is an interesting portrayal of the period. We follow Ruth, nursemaid to Oliver Cromwell’s children, who flees when her mother is charged with witchcraft. Finding service elsewhere, then friendship and eventually love, she is forever on the run in a novel with a surprise twist. Strong on insight into the troubled times and the sad plight of women, it is a very fine first novel, unusual and satisfying.
Click here to find out more about this book and the period in which it is set.
Sarah Broadhurst
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The Crimson Ribbon Synopsis
Based on the real figure of the fascinating Elizabeth Poole, The Crimson Ribbon is the mesmerising story of two women's obsession, superstition and hope. May Day 1646. The Civil War is raging and what should be a rare moment of blessing for the town of Ely takes a brutal turn. Ruth Flowers is left with little choice but to flee the household of Oliver Cromwell, the only home she has ever known. On the road to London, Ruth sparks an uneasy alliance with a soldier, the battle-scarred and troubled Joseph. But when she reaches the city, it's in the Poole household that she finds refuge. Lizzie Poole, beautiful and charismatic, enthrals the vulnerable Ruth, who binds herself inextricably to Lizzie's world. But in these troubled times, Ruth is haunted by fears of her past catching up with her. And as Lizzie's radical ideas escalate, Ruth finds herself carried to the heart of the country's conflict, to the trial of a king.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781472204226 |
| Publication date: |
11th September 2014 |
| Author: |
Katherine Clements |
| Publisher: |
Headline Review an imprint of Headline Publishing Group |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
368 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Historical Fiction
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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Press Reviews
Katherine Clements Press Reviews
The vibrant new voice of historical fiction - Suzannah Dunn
One of the most atmospheric and gripping historical novels I've ever read. The twists and turns kept me totally mesmerised...and the heroine, Ruth, is an utterly captivating character. The complex relationship between Ruth and Lizzie is wonderfully convincing, tender and devastating in equal measure right up to the last heart-breaking moment - Karen Maitland
Begins at a cracking pace, plunging the reader into the turbulent Civil War period and the terror of witchcraft that came with it. Ruth grows in resilience and pride as she faces loss, tough choices in love, political confusion and intimate betrayal... A compelling novel - Maria McCann
Impressive and inspirational...an original and entertaining story - Alison Weir
Author
About Katherine Clements
Katherine Clements has a passion for history and a degree in the subject. Until recently she worked for a national examination board, where she led the development and launch of the UK's first A level in Creative Writing. She has enjoyed success with her short stories and won a Historical Short Story Competition sponsored by Jerwood in 2012. The Crimson Ribbon is her debut novel.
Author photo © Nicola Light Photography
More About Katherine Clements
