A Spurious Brood
Fact wrapped up as fiction is presented here in A Spurious Brood. This is the story of the four children of Katherine More, herself the youngest daughter of an old Shropshire family, land but not cash rich. As was typical of the time, Katherine was forced into a marriage neither she nor her husband desired. However, less typical is the way in which the marriage plays out. It is the true story of her four young children who are sent as foundlings to America as passengers on the Mayflower.
There is so much cruelty at play here simply for the sake of saving face and keeping reputation, and the pain caused over legal aspects of a marriage that should never have taken place. All of this is set against a backdrop of a changing Great Britain under the unification of James I—or VI, depending on your viewpoint. This story is so well-written it’s impossible not to find yourself angry at Katherine’s treatment as well as your heart breaking for her.
If there were any drawback to A Spurious Brood, it would be a question as to why the cover picture is a wooded glade rather than a picture of the Mayflower, perhaps. Not a criticism, more of a wondering, as this could help attract further readers.
A Spurious Brood is not a book I would have usually read. It’s not the period of history I usually delve into, neither is it battle-ready and full of the sounds of clanking armour, but I am extremely glad this was sent to me. This is a story I absolutely recommend, and I would go as far as to say that it’s one that needs to be ordered from libraries or Amazon immediately. Don’t let this book pass you by.
