A Handful of Straw
A Handful of Straw is both a historical romance and an examination of attitudes to witchcraft. Rensten has carefully researched the trial of Jane Wenham, accused of practising witchcraft in 1712, and placed it at the centre of the novel.
The tale follows the progress of Caroline Newell, a thirty-year-old widow of independent views, and her maid, Mary, on a trip from London into the countryside of Hertfordshire to stay with Sir Henry Chauncey near to the village of Walkern. The trip coincides with an outbreak of fear amongst the villagers that boils over into a frenzy of witch-hunting. During the 476 pages Caroline and Mary attempt to intervene and are subsequently put in danger themselves. Running alongside the struggle for the life of the woman accused of practising witchcraft, Jane Wenham, are romantic back stories for both Caroline and Mary. This aspect reminded me of the much-read and well-researched novels of Georgette Heyer. To speak more of the plot would, however, spoil the enjoyment of the reader.
Rensten’s knowledge of the locality springs from the pages, and her treatment of the character of Jane Wenham is particularly effective and believable. Wenham is portrayed as confused, frightened and border-line malevolent by turns, and the scenes of her ordeal are the most striking passages in the book. This is down to the author’s scrupulous research.
It is difficult to meld historical figures with fictional characters created in the 21st century and be fair to both, but Rensten does an admirable job.
A Handful of Straw is a carefully presented book with a cover specifically painted for it, which is a nice touch. There are a small number of textual errors and a few passages where the narrative flags a little, but these in no way impede the enjoyment of reading.
