Red Winter Journey

This is not just a novel about the English Civil War, but about a family full of complex secrets, and a father's love for his son. A historic journey of twists, turns and adventure with a dash of spirited passion. Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past, but Rushworth-Brown has done this with great skill in this accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novel.

This is an interesting and intriguing book. The author drops us into village and family life in Haworth Yorkshire, in the 1640s. We can smell the candlewax, feel the chilly dampness, and see the gritty basics of everyday life for the Rushworth family. The author succeeds in his mission to understand and paint the picture of his ten-generation-ago family. The family is fearful but disinterested observers of the growing conflict between the pro-royalty Cavaliers and the republican Roundheads as it nears, but are drawn in as it engulfs communities. The story develops into a fascinating multi-layered interplay involving family, village hierarchy, colourful local characters and the frequently visited ale houses. It is overlaid by the presence of the invasive and ruthless military of each side of the conflict. This tale was engaging; cleverly developing the plot by weaving family, village and military characters into a series of dramatic episodes. While there are no winners in a war, Rushworth-Brown has produced a convincing story of family and individual resilience. There is an air of authenticity about the descriptions that totally satisfy these questions – what was it like during those times? How could families and communities endure? I doubt you will find a more convincing account.