This novel, published first in 1961, focuses on the relationship of Charles I and his wife Henrietta Maria, and the English Civil War. The author does a good job of making these historical figures both realistic and empathetic. (Cromwell and the Roundheads don't come off as well, but I guess that's to be expected.) At times, as the war continues, I felt a bit bogged down by the details of the battles, negotiations, etc. The heart of the story is the royal family. Two characters that were particularly memorable were the king's nephew, Prince Rupert, a soldier who came to England to help his uncle hold the throne, and Lady Fairfax, wife of the Puritan general, who burst out in anger at the king's trial. Her complaint was, first, that these appointed Puritan judges had no authority to try the king, and second, that Charles was not given the right to speak in his own defense. For her eruption, she was almost shot on the spot.

While I liked this novel well enough, I'm not sure that I will seek out others by Evelyn Anthony. ( )