Mr Wroe's Virgins

by JaneRogers (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2001

  $4.14

  In 1830, as the end of the world approached, the charismatic, hunchbacked prophet of a religious sect settled in Lancashire heeds the biblical injunction and chooses seven virgins 'for comfort and succour'. Basing her novel on the life of the real John Wroe, a leader of a group called the Christian Israelite Church, Rogers crafts an impeccable narrative, interweaving the diverse mindsets of some of the chosen women and the prophet during the nine months of complex interaction. Part morality tale, part history, packed with accurate details of early 19th century life, the stories of Leah, Joanna, Hannah and Martha unfold as they cope with the hypocrisy, blind beliefs and idealism of the sexually threatening prophet. Told with humour, irony and a generosity that embraces even the sinister Wroe, this is a compelling story of astonishing depth, elucidating religious idealism, the beginnings of socialism and the ubiquitous position of women as unpaid labourers.

• Used

  Paperback
  1992

  $3.40

• Used

  Hardcover
  1991

  $3.25

  Comparable to Charlotte Cory's Unforgiving, this vivid rendering of 19th-century English life is a delight from the first page to the last (Observer). When God told John Wroe to comfort himself with seven virgins, his congregation gave him their daughters. This novel is their story--including the trial that brought Wroe's household to its dramatic end.

• New

  Paperback
  2000

  $19.70