
The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh
Once in a while, a book comes along that surprises you. I picked The Crowfield Curse up on a whim, being attracted to its stark cover art and intriguing title, and it turns out to have been the best book-related choice I’ve made in months. A rich, unsettling atmosphere, imaginative use of old folktales and legends, a sweet, likeable protagonist, a fascinating central conceit — this book has it all.
After the death of his family in a fire, fourteen year old William Paynel goes to live at Crowfield Abbey. It’s a hard life there, but Will knows that he’s lucky to have daily meals and shelter, especially during the middle of winter in the year 1347. Surrounded by monks both strict and kindly, including hunchbacked Brother Snail and simple-minded Brother Peter, Will is more or less content with his lot in life.
But changes are on the horizon. The story be... Read More