Henry Colyton

As the title says: a novel of love and arms. Set in Jerusalem following the first crusade, the story follows the adventures of a bastard son of a Norman nobleman.

The opening chapter shows Pagan's elevation from humble man at arms to knight by the king's fist; a reflection that this new world is more about the opportunity you make for yourself rather than who your parents are, or in Pagan's case, are not.

Written in 1947, this is the only known novel published by this author who was also known for her (yes, her) short stories in magazines of the time. Sara Zimmerman was the psuedonymn for Henry John Colyton.

I first read this novel when I was 16 in the late 1960s. Years later, and a witness to the mid east conflict and Sept 11, many of the themes still have relevance. Plus its a good read.

One more thing, watching Kingdom of Heaven, was fun as the character was similar to Sir Pagan's.… (meer)