White Phoenix, The

I’ve just read ‘The White Phoenix’ one of your recent publications by Catherine Randall and thought I would make a few comments on the book. I really enjoyed it and although it appears that it was designed to be read by children/teenagers, I found the book gripped me with its vivid background of 17th century London and the description of the fire as it encroached on the houses and especially on St Paul’s cathedral. It brought home to me just how dreadful were the destruction and the after effects. The characters came to life and the unjustifiable hounding of Catholics reminded me of the dangers of hysterical reactions stirred up by ‘fake news’ and conspiratory theories so prevalent at the moment. I empathised with feisty Lizzie defying her mother in order to do what she thought was the right thing and admired her courage. I look forward to her next book.

This is a really enjoyable read, one of those books where you want to skim ahead because you are so keen to know what will happen while also slightly dreading what might happen! Lovely prose that is easy to read with no jarring wording. Great historical details are woven into the story (eg various naval battles, anti French feeling) so that they don’t feel forced. A fantastic book to read with your children – a real delight!