Breath-taking yet at times brutal, this is a story based on real historical events in the 17th Century.
Abigail and Grace are living in a country consumed by evil and hate as the conflict between King Charles I and his government led by Oliver Cromwell, result in civil war; a war that tore lives apart as neighbour turned on neighbour and brother on brother. Yet can their friendship survive?
There is something quite touching and unique about seeing history played out through the innocence and purity of two young girls. This bloodthirsty and turbulent time is sensitively portrayed not through the gruesome scenes of a battlefield but Mayfield brings a much more touching, emotive and poignant realisation by telling the story of those left behind to pick up the pieces.
This is a story about faith, the beliefs that make us who we are and the hatred that can be instigated when a lack of tolerance and understanding outweigh compassion and empathy. Yet more importantly it is ultimately about love, friendship and the strength of the human spirit. Abigail and Grace are truly inspiring characters who can teach us all how to be better human beings and more accepting of those whom we share our world with. Relevant and memorable, this is a story that will stay with me always. ~ Shelley Fallows
Hill of the Angels is set during the English Civil War. Twelve-year-old Abigail Booth is the daughter of sheep farmers and textile workers; Grace Fowler is the daughter of the parish priest. They become friends and climb together to the Hill of the Angels, a rocky outcrop where, according to local legend, light creates a pattern of angels on the cave wall. Abigail and Grace meet there and bring beautiful gifts for the angels. However everything changes as the English Civil War breaks out and the families of Abigail and Grace find themselves on opposing sides. Separated from each other by warring ideologies and religious sectarianism, will their friendship survive and will they ever meet again at the Hill of Angels?
‘A dramatic and moving exploration of the gulf between faith and fanaticism.’ Gillian Cross, author of the Demon Headmaster series
Author
About Sue Mayfield
Sue Mayfield is a writer for children and adults based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Sue won the 2002 North East Book Award for her novel Blue (Hodder Bite) and the 2005 Heartlands Award for Young Adult Fiction for Drowning Anna, the American version of the same book. In 2011 Un an apres (the French version of Damage) won the Prix Polar de Jeunesse in France. Her most recent books are Living With Bereavement (2008), First Steps Through Bereavement (2011) and Under the Sea (2012), all published by Lion.
