The History of Richard Raynal, Solitary

"The History of Richard Raynal, Solitary" by Robert Hugh Benson is a historical fiction novel that follows the extraordinary life of Richard Raynal, an English hermit in the late Middle Ages, as told through the eyes of his parish priest, Sir John Chaldfield. Starting with serene reflections on Richard's solitary life steeped in nature and contemplation, the story quickly moves to Richard's divine summons to deliver a crucial message to the King. This mission propels Richard from his tranquil hermitage into the heart of the royal court, where his faith is tested by worldly challenges and his spiritual wisdom clashes with the era's political intrigues, all while showcasing one man's unwavering devotion to God.