St. George's Cross; Or, England Above All

"St. George's Cross; Or, England Above All" by H. G. Keene is a historical fiction that plunges into the world of the Channel Islands of the 1600s. This story follows Mr. William Prynne, a former Member of Parliament, as he deals with tricky political situations and personal challenges. The book takes a closer look at big ideas like devotion, political tricks, and how history affects people, centering on the difficult time around Charles I's death. The story kicks off with Prynne thinking about past unfairnesses while waiting for someone in London and when Michael Lempriere, who was forced to leave Jersey, shows up, their talk is full of personal problems and political stress, showing different groups fighting for power during the unrest in Jersey. As they talk about being loyal to the king versus what they believe, the conflict between the groups is clear, with Prynne's thoughtful ideas and Lempriere's emotional reactions setting the scene for the drama to come as they consider their linked destinies in England's complicated political scene.