The Crimson Ribbon

The Crimson Ribbon

by KatherineClements (Author)

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.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Publisher: Headline Review
Published: 27 Mar 2014

ISBN 10: 1472204204
ISBN 13: 9781472204202
Book Overview: Beauty and brutality: with the vibrancy of Sarah Dunant and a gothic touch, Katherine Clements conjures the extraordinary women you never knew about in the turbulent years of the English Civil War.

Media 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
The Crimson Ribbon is an exceptional debut novel: literate, engaging, passionate, intelligent and thought-provoking, it offers insight into a part of Cromwell's life about which I, at least, knew nothing at all, and it does so from an entirely unique angle. Deftly written, uncluttered and impassioned, this has to be one of the leading historical debuts of the year -- Manda Scott
Author Bio
Katherine 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.