If you enjoy reading a realistically violent and unpretty version of English history, then this story of one man's struggle to remain truthful, merciful and loving whilst the country gears up for civil war is for you. Made the 2004 Booker longlist - worthy of the shortlist at least.
'There are abroad in the land legions of beggars, there are delinquents and criminals of every sort, there are traitors and spies, there is vice, corruption, heresy and sin. My question is; what would you do?'
