Through Water & Fire by Matthew Wainwright (Wakeman, 2023).

Matthew Wainwright has written another brilliant historical novel! Through Water & Fire is set in the exciting times of Tudor England when Tyndale’s translation of the New Testament is being smuggled illegally into the hands of the common man and the truths of the Reformation are becoming more widely understood.

Into the home of one of the Reformation sympathisers comes Grace Somerford, a young girl whose family has fallen on hard times, and who is invited to live with a more wealthy relative to learn the duties required of a Lady’s assistant. It doesn’t take long for Grace to discover that not everyone in her new home is happy to have her there. This uneasy start leads to a catalogue of errors which see Grace on the brink of being sent home in disgrace. In a last ditch attempt to save face, and in the midst of mysterious happenings, Grace’s impetuosity leads to rash actions that endanger not only her, but the whole household. It is only in this dangerous position that Grace begins to learn more about her sinful self and discovers that the answer to her desperate need lies in the truths of an illegal book.

This riveting story, full of mystery and intrigue, also weaves in much teaching about human nature, friendship, forgiveness, loyalty and true conversion. Plus the book finishes with an author’s note explaining the context, the characters, the language of the times and a short biography of Anne Boleyn (spoiler!) along with a timeline. Recommended for older children through to adults.

Read also Wainwright’s debut novel Out of the Smoke for a gripping story set in Lord Shaftesbury’s Victorian London.

Lorna