The Camp of Refuge: A Tale of the Conquest of the Isle of Ely

"The Camp of Refuge: A Tale of the Conquest of the Isle of Ely" by Charles MacFarlane is a historical saga that plunges into the heart of the Norman Conquest, chronicling the Saxon resistance against their new overlords. The story introduces Elfric, an optimistic young novice and messenger, as he journeys through a landscape fraught with danger, delivering grim news of the advancing Norman army led by Ivo Taille-Bois. His mission takes him from Crowland Abbey to Spalding, where he warns a group of frightened monks about the impending attack, igniting a spark of defiance against the Norman threat. The initial chapters blend elements of perilous adventure with detailed historical context, highlighting the characters' battles and the larger themes of survival and faithfulness in chaotic times.