Hugh Walpole was a prolific writer of historical novels between the wars, but is little heard of today. Among his many novels was a series called the Herries Chronicles, set in the Lake District between the 18th and early 20th centuries. As I am intending to read the first of these during my holiday there in a couple of weeks, I have now read this prequel novel, featuring earlier generations of the family during the Elizabethan era. The main protagonists are two Herries brothers, Nicholas, strong, extroverted amorous and down to earth; and Robin, introverted and other wordly, desiring universal brotherhood and peace, but also susceptible to influence by Catholic priests, at a time when the religion was persecuted in England and priests and those who sheltered were liable to prosecution and worse. The writing style is very like that of 19th historical novelists like Sir Walter Scott and William Harrison Ainsworth, full of rich descriptions of the physical landscapes and emotional landscapes of the characters, although the references to sex here did not appear in the 19th century novels. There is frequently an undercurrent of homo-eroticism in Robin's relationships, reflecting I imagine the author's own homosexuality, necessarily kept in the closet at a time when this was illegal in this country. The characters become involved in a number of key historical events, for example the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the narrative contains many moments of drama and horror. I look forward to reading the series, though this novel was probably somewhat too long. ( )

I really love the way Walpole writes, you always feel as if you are in such safe hands.
This book is a prequel ,if you like of the Herries Chronicles, possibly Hugh Walpole's best work.
The descriptions of countryside, people and events is wonderful, and although some may find it old fashioned, I love it and will cherish the Rogue Berries Chronicles, to read again and again.

(To call this an Elizabethan romance really does it an injustice, I think, it is that but so much more) ( )