A Legend of Reading Abbey

"A Legend of Reading Abbey" by Charles MacFarlane is a historical fiction novel dropping readers into 12th-century England, amidst the fierce battles for the throne between King Stephen and Matilda. Witnessed through the eyes of Felix, a Benedictine monk, the tale unfolds around the Reading Abbey, exploring themes of devotion, allegiance, and the disorder of medieval politics. The story starts by introducing the abbey against the backdrop of England's unrest, detailing its construction and special rights during a time of potential danger. A young Felix watches the monks' attempts to have celebrations, even as the threat of war grows closer. The discovery of a mysterious baby at the abbey's entrance ignites interest and hints at coming turmoil as news of growing battles and civil war reaches their ears.