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Allen French was both an historian and a writer of historical fiction. The following quote by him is the best description I have seen about the difference, and yet the similarity, of history and historical fiction. He said, “Of the writing of history I have only this to say: that as my fiction was constructed out of imagination guided by common-sense, my history is common-sense illuminated by imagination. Common-sense: one should always be controlled by the facts of the case, ascertained by the most careful study, and set forth fairly to both sides. And imagination should try to make the facts living and interesting – not romantic nor sensational, but human.”
With that attitude towards the writing of historical fiction, it is no surprise that Allen French has produced several excellent books of historical fiction, of which two are reviewed here. Both books were written for middle to high school students and both boys and girls will enjoy reading these books. The first is The Red Keep, set in Burgundy in 1165 AD. Burgundy was a medieval region in the east of France that extended from the Mediterranean Sea north to the Netherlands and Belgium. The female main character is the Lady Anne d’Arcy, whose home, called the Red Keep for its construction from red sandstone, has been stolen by a pair of evil robber baron brothers, who also killed the rest of her family. Sir Conan, a brave and good young knight from a nearby castle, is the male main character. How the determination of Lady Anne to regain her birthright, and how Sir Conan bravely helps her to do so makes an exciting and touching story. The concluding scene when Lady Anne is restored to her home is both lovely and humorous.
The Lost Baron is set in Cornwall, England, in 1200 AD when Prince John (the one from the Robin Hood tales) has just become King John. Rosamund’s father, Baron Eric, has mysteriously disappeared and Sir Basil, a distant relative, has taken control of the castle and fief in the Baron’s absence. Lady Rosamund never gives up hope that her father is alive somewhere. Martin, a young and daring squire to Sir Basil, helps her solve the mystery of her missing father. Together, they end evil and restore good – what else does God put us on earth to do except for this?
Both books have excellent characterization, where the people act and speak like real people but with the flavor of the medieval times in which they lived. The relationships between the male and female leads are touching and the plots are amazing, with unceasing adventures and battles. The stories are magnified by the beautiful illustrations by Andrew Wyeth, the son of N.C. Wyeth, who was known for illustrating many classics. Andrew mainly illustrated books, like his father did, in his younger days and then went on to other kinds of painting, but I’m glad he managed to do these illustrations! Both The Red Keep and The Lost Baron are highly recommended for boys and girls and would serve well as an excellent blend of history and literature in school.