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Micah is an historical novel set
mainly in Yorkshire in the early summer of 1654. The main characters are
Micah Overton ,former Captain in the Parliamentarian Army and his wife
Marianne daughter of a prominent Royalist. Micah, a man damaged by his
years of war recounts his life through the means of flashbacks He remembers
his sad childhood and his forced departure from his family home in Upper
Wharfedale to be brought up by his powerful Fairfax relatives He recounts
how the troubles in the country escalate and as a young lawyer in London he
returns to Yorkshire to be with his ‘cousin’ Tom Fairfax and becomes an
enthusiastic soldier in the fight against the King. Recovered from his
wounds received at the battle of Marston Moor he is recalled to serve in the
New Model Army and fights at Naseby. After a spell at home he rejoins the
army and continues as a serving officer until 1649. The execution of the
King has a traumatic effect on him. He returns to his wife and children a
disillusioned man brutalised by war. His behaviour causes his wife to seek a
separation and with the help of Lord Fairfax she leaves for the Low
Countries to be with her ailing exiled father. Her presence in The Hague is
not perhaps as innocent as it would seem.
Marianne tells her own story, how
whilst living with her uncle she falls desperately in love with the
recovering young Roundhead. She meets him a month or so after her cousins
are killed fighting for the King. In a house devastated by grief she fights
her conscience and repeatedly slips away to meet her lover. However she has
been watched and eventually revenge is inflicted. Micah fully recovered has
to leave not knowing that she will face terrifying events. At the end of
July 1645 they marry and the following month their son is born. During the
following years there are long periods of separation but they have much joy
when they can be together and two more children are born. Four years on and
the contentment has gone. Micah’s violent mood swings, drunkenness cause a
family tragedy and a serious accident. Marianne’s life becomes so unbearable
that she leaves England. He descends into total despair and being a deeply
religious man is convinced that God has forsaken him. Guilt and remorse for
past deeds torment him but when a letter eventually arrives from his wife
hopes of reconciliation are kindled but he is continues to torture himself
with doubts that he is unworthy of forgiveness.
She does return but the reader
cannot expect a walking into the sunset ending, for nothing in their
relationship is plain sailing. There is gossip which could be dangerous and
treasonous for Thomas Fairfax, questions concerning Marianne’s involvement
with the Duke of Buckingham and serious complications in which the children
Tom and Lucy play an important part. Micah and Marianne continue to be wary
and highly suspicious of each other while at the same time longing for each
other. How will it work out?
To order a copy of 'Micah' - please call Dorothy Menzies -
01937 541047 |
