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A good historical novel, if the history it contains is accurate, is a pleasant way to learn about historical events and people. Such a novel tells an exciting story and enables the past to come alive in the reader’s mind. This holds true for both adults and children. Good historical novels are a wonderful supplement to a history curriculum. Most of us have heard and sung the Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas,” but few people know the fascinating history behind this real and brave Christian. The historical novel A Song for Young King Wenceslas by Cecil Maiden tells the marvelous story of this man for middle to high school readers.
Wenceslas lived in Bohemia in the 900s AD. He is still a revered national figure and symbol of freedom in the modern-day Czech Republic, which is the direct heir of old Bohemia. Wenceslas’ father was the Duke of Bohemia, ruler over his entire country and therefore a de facto king. Growing up, Wenceslas was in the middle of a battle between his Christian grandmother and his pagan mother. The fight was for his soul—would he follow Christ or the old gods of Bohemia? Wenceslas first became a Christian and then Duke at a young age after his father died. He became known for his good works helping the poor and for promoting Christianity in Bohemia. Wenceslas was continually opposed by his own mother and younger brother, who followed his mother in her paganism. Finally, his younger brother murdered him because he wanted to be Duke and hated Christianity. A Song for Young King Wenceslas tells, in an engaging way, the true story of this great man and martyr of the ancient church in a part of the world we in the United States tend to overlook.