Under the Mendips: A Tale

"Under the Mendips: A Tale" by Emma Marshall is a story set in the 1830s, that follows the Falconer family and their life. The main character, Joyce Falconer, grows up under the Mendip Hills, surrounded by nature and family. The book shows how she loves her rural life, but also how she deals with what her family and society want from her. We learn about Fair Acres Manor, where the family lives, and discover the different personalities of Joyce's father, Squire Falconer, and her brothers. Melville, one of her brothers, wants to leave the farm, which creates tension. Overall, the book explores family relationships and how society was changing during that time, all through the eyes of a young girl experiencing life in the countryside.