Furze the Cruel

"Furze the Cruel" by John Trevena is a historical novel set in the early 1900s that explores the interconnectedness of nature, folklore, and humanity on Dartmoor. The story centers around Peter and Mary Tavy who are siblings living a simple life on the moor, and Brightly, a struggling rabbit-skin collector. The novel opens with a description of Dartmoor's landscape and its mythical importance and introduces the Tavy family, focusing on their daily struggles and Mary's role in her family's survival with her geese. Brightly is also introduced; he is a character dealing with poverty and hunger while trying to make a living, setting the stage for his challenges and the obstacles he faces on his journey. Through detailed descriptions and folklore, the opening establishes a vivid setting that highlights the power of nature in shaping these characters' lives.