Young adult

White Phoenix, The

By Catherine Randall

(2 customer reviews)

Publication Date: 28 Aug 2020

ISBN: 9781913208875

£7.99

Description

Shortlisted for the Historical Association Young Quills Award 2021.

London, 1666.

After the sudden death of her father, thirteen-year-old Lizzie Hopper and her mother must take over The White Pheonix– the family bookshop in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral.

But England is at war with France and dire prophecies abound. As rumours of invasion and plague spread, Lizzie battles prejudice, blackmail and mob violence to protect the bookshop she loves.

When the Great Fire of London breaks out, Lizzie must rescue more than just the bookshop. Can she now save the friend she wasn’t supposed to have?

Can The White Pheonix rise from the ashes?

Reviews

Christine Rayner - 11 Apr, 2021

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.

Sam Clemens - 11 Apr, 2021

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!