The Hermit of Eyton Forest

The Hermit of Eyton Forest (1987) Ellis Peters

Set in England in 1142.

The 14th Brother Cadfael book sees the Civil War still causing problems, and sees further reversals between the two contestants for the throne.

Back at the Abbey, Cadfael has a new helper, another young novice.

“Yes, I should think he might do very well,” he said, impressed and amused, “whether with a spade or a battle-axe. I could do with a dozen such at the castle whenever they care to offer their services.”

“He’d be no use to you,” said Cadfael with certainty. “Like most big men, the gentlest soul breathing. He’d throw his sword away to pick up the man he’d flattened. It’s the little, shrill terriers that bare their teeth.”

This book focuses on one of the young students of the Abbey, in this case a young boy who has just become heir to his estates, at the death of his father. But our first glimpse is of him being just a young boy.

He’ll have taken the biggest, but only four. He thieves in moderation. Partly from decent obligation, partly because half the sport is to tempt providence again and again.”

Hugh’s agile black eyebrow signalled amused enquiry. “Why four?”

“Because we have but four boys still in school, and if he thieves at all, he thieves for all.

One thing about this story–it’s sometimes easy to see who might end up dead, because even if they are not drawn as evil, they aren’t necessarily drawn as kind.

(T)he face of a man not in anger at this moment, but always ready to be angry.

It hard to be sad at the death of a man described as such (and in action just as unpleasant).

A hermit has come to the estate that the young boy has inherited, and he seems willing to help the young boy’s grandmother who wants the boy not at school to continue his learning, but home and immediately married, to increase the family estates.

This is actually a fascinating turn on the usual story of a young girl being forced into an unwanted marriage.

Cadfael remains a lovely character.

Worse, Hugh, I do not repent me! Do you suppose there is room within the bounds of grace for one who has set his hand to the plough, and every little while abandons his furrow to turn back among the sheep and lambs?”

I really do like this series.
Rating: 8/10

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