Act of Oblivion

Robert Harris

Hutchinson Heinemann

In 1660 two men board a ship bound for the New World, America. They are on the run, wanted for the regicide of Charles I. Ten years later, the monarchy is restored, Charles II is on the throne and the 59 people who signed their names on the king’s death warrant have all been found guilty. Some have been caught and executed or imprisoned for life. In London Richard Nayler, a fictional character created by the author, is charged with travelling to America to find the two who escaped: General Edward Whalley and Colonel William Goffe.

What makes this so fascinating is that it’s a true story. I’d never heard of it before and it was a joy to hear it from a master storyteller.