THE HANGMAN'S SON

A historical novel focuses on a hangman’s son who becomes a spy in 17th-century England.

Wilson’s story begins in 1605. Prince Charles, the future king of England, is doing his best to walk unassisted in the Great Hall of Dunfermline Palace. Charles is the second son of King James I of England. When he does become king, the state in which his father left the country is less than ideal. The infamous Gunpowder Plot was stopped, yet tensions between Roman Catholics and Protestants are strained throughout Europe. Charles I also inherits his father’s adviser (and lover), George “Steenie” Villiers, known as the Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham is a foppish figure who looks out, first and foremost, for himself. Money will always be a problem for Charles. His love of fine art and his desire for war both require spending. For such extensive funding, he must ask Parliament. That is where men like John Pym come in. Pym is a member of the House of Commons. Although Parliament can deny the king’s request for money, it has little power against him. Any statements deemed as treasonous can guarantee a stay in the Tower of London. Caught up in this world is Nicholas Bainbridge. Nicholas, whose father was the hangman assigned to Guy Fawkes (who chose suicide), works his way from manor servant to Whitehall Palace. While at Whitehall, Nicholas serves as a spy for Pym with a front-row seat to the building turmoil.

Wilson’s engaging narrative covers events during Charles’ reign up to 1629. The story is not, in other words, about the War of the Roses but rather about many of the tensions leading up to it. The tale deftly illustrates the powerlessness many faced against incompetent rulers. Order an ill-conceived attack on the citadel of St. Martin on the Ile de Ré? Why not? The point is driven home when Buckingham, lacking any military experience, is put in command of the Ré invasion. So what if those sent to capture a fort are given siege ladders that are too short? Better luck next time. Of course, much of the conflict stems from religious disagreements. Pym, without really knowing why, declares himself a staunch anti-papist. Calvinists are mentioned, though where they fit into the broader political picture is largely unexplored. Readers never really get a grip on where such divisions come from. For all the talk characters do about the “whoreson” in Rome, they never dig deeply into what is so dangerous about this figure. Instead, conversations often include the obvious. Characters are prone to banal comments like “That’s a very handsome ring, Bridget,” and “I have some sad news.” They may ask simple questions, like “Is the Prince here?” Such moments aside, the text skillfully explores a volatile and retrospectively bizarre time in English history. Is it any wonder that a civil war lay just around the corner?

An enticing tale that presents a complex British period just prior to a coming storm.