From Booklist This Welsh novel, which won the Welsh Arts Council Prize in 1988, may well have lost some of its luster in its transfer from one side of the Atlantic to the other, and many American readers may fail to see its prizewinning merits. In 1347, Salah Ibn al Khatib, a wealthy young man, sets out from his native Egypt on a mission of vengeance–to kill the king of France. Meanwhile, a poverty-stricken Welsh village is simply trying to survive as serfs, free men, and the nobility cope with a variety of disasters. And both Salah and the Welsh villagers face a plague that knows no barriers. The problem for American readers will be that it is difficult to tell the Welsh characters apart; moreover, Salah seems like a simpleton. But with some diligence on the reader’s part, small moments of pleasure will emerge from this exotic narrative, and the whole will add up to a compelling tapestry of long ago and far away. Brad Hooper Product description Book by Roberts, William Owen, Roberts, Elisabeth
Embark on a captivating journey through the tumultuous landscape of 14th-century Europe with William Owen Roberts' and Elisabeth Roberts' compelling historical novel, "Pestilence." Winner of the prestigious Welsh Arts Council Prize in 1988, this evocative tale weaves together disparate lives and cultures against the backdrop of the devastating Black Death. "Pestilence" plunges you into the heart of a poverty-stricken Welsh village, where survival is a daily struggle for serfs, free men, and the nobility alike. Witness their resilience as they confront the relentless challenges of feudal life, natural disasters, and the ever-present threat of famine. Feel the weight of their burdens and the strength of their community as they navigate a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Simultaneously, the narrative transports you to the vibrant and exotic land of Egypt, where Salah Ibn al Khatib, a wealthy and determined young man, embarks on a perilous quest for vengeance. Driven by a burning desire to avenge a profound injustice, Salah sets his sights on the King of France, undertaking a journey fraught with danger and uncertainty. His path is a stark contrast to the daily grind of the Welsh villagers, yet both are soon to be united by a common enemy: the relentless march of the plague. The Black Death, a terrifying force of nature, sweeps across the continent, indiscriminately claiming the lives of rich and poor, noble and peasant. This devastating pandemic transcends geographical boundaries and societal hierarchies, forcing both Salah and the Welsh villagers to confront their own mortality and the fragility of human existence. As the plague ravages the land, alliances are tested, loyalties are questioned, and the very fabric of society begins to unravel. William Owen Roberts masterfully interweaves these distinct narratives, creating a rich and complex tapestry of medieval life. He paints a vivid portrait of a world grappling with immense hardship, where faith and superstition intertwine, and where the bonds of humanity are both strengthened and strained by the pressures of survival. While some readers might find the initial introduction to the large cast of Welsh characters challenging, perseverance will be richly rewarded as their individual stories emerge and intertwine. Salah's journey, though seemingly straightforward in its initial goal, quickly evolves into a profound exploration of justice, morality, and the futility of revenge in the face of overwhelming catastrophe. This edition, expertly translated (if applicable, specify translator if known), brings this powerful Welsh novel to a wider audience. "Pestilence" is more than just a historical novel; it's a timeless exploration of human resilience, the enduring power of community, and the enduring struggle against forces beyond our control. Prepare to be transported to a world both familiar and foreign, a world where the specter of death looms large, but where the flame of hope still flickers in the darkness. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in medieval Europe and the Black Death.
