The Eagle and the Raven - (Rediscovered Classics) by Pauline Gedge (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Spanning three generations, this historical novel tells the tale of Boudicca, the most famous warrior of ancient Britain, and Caradoc, the son of a Celtic king, who sets out to unite the people of the Raven and lead them against Rome. Caradoc's objective is not easily accomplished as the Roman army advances into Britain, raping Celtic women and burning villages to the ground. His efforts are also met with fierce opposition from Aricia, the vain queen of a northern tribe who swears allegiance to the Romans after Caradoc slights her, and from Gladys, Caradoc's warrior sister who falls in love with her Roman captor. Unfortunately, Caradoc's endeavors are left unresolved when he is taken prisoner, but Boudicca, a strong-willed woman, ultimately takes up the cause that was Caradoc's legacy.

Review Quotes

"[Gedge's] uncommonly splendid gift for storytelling is again supreme . . . She gives us the daily life and landscapes of Celtic Britain with an almost psychic immediacy." --Toronto Star

"A big, other-worldly, and beautiful novel. Gedge . . . has brought another age pulsating to life." --San Francisco Chronicle

"A novel of majestic sweep, splendid assurance, and controlled imaginative power." --Publishers Weekly

"A tremendously moving portrait of a people who have long since disappeared--entertaining, knowledgeable . . . Gedge is a writer who can weave a spell with words." --Montreal Gazette

"It is history . . . it is life . . . there is simply no laying it aside until the end." --South Bend Tribune

About the Author

Pauline Gedge is the author of several historical novels, including Child of the Morning and Lady of the Reeds. Donna Gillespie is the author of Lady of the Light and The Light Bearer.