The Pigeon Pie

"The Pigeon Pie" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a historical fiction novel that explores the lives of the Woodley family during the English Civil War in the 17th century. The narrative primarily follows Lady Mary Woodley and her children as they grapple with the chaos of a divided country while maintaining their loyalty to the royalist cause. Set against the backdrop of Forest Lea House, the story introduces young siblings like Charlie, Eleanor, and Lucy as they navigate their childhood hopes amidst the looming dangers of war. Walter, their older sibling, yearns for battlefield glory as the family faces the absence of their father, who is fighting for King Charles. Through the children's conversations and Deborah the maid's cautious warnings, the novel highlights the tension between bravery and the harsh realities of wartime. The escalating conflict between royalists and parliamentarians sets the scene for a story of tested family bonds and unwavering loyalty.