It’s perhaps true that for some of us, our understanding of early 17th century England stems from the closing chapters of classroom textbooks on the Tudors, often ending with the infamous Gunpowder Plot. Paying in Blood, however, draws our focus away from familiar historical figures to provide insight into the lives of ordinary people (with the odd notable cameo). The plot is set against the backdrop of religious divide that permeated the reign of Elizabeth I and the subsequent Jacobean era. In this sense, Karen Haden’s debut novel offers a fascinating and informative narrative for all levels of Tudor enthusiasts.
Haden expertly captures how politics and religion were so closely intertwined at this time; weaved into the daily lives of famer or statesman alike. Her poignant illustration of life at this unpredictable point in history certainly has you giving thanks for the reliable comforts of modern-day.
From the very first page, the reader is plunged into a scene of chaos and struggle. Having begrudgingly undertaken the role of assisting a surgeon during a battle with the Spanish, Alexander Baxby returns to England distressed from witnessing the harrowing realities of war – including having to amputate the leg of his friend, Crackleton. He’s particularly displeased with his patron, Geoffrey, for gaining him the position in the first place. Where Baxby really wants to be is at court – but for a low-born individual like him in the 1600s, such an opportunity isn’t easy to come by.
That is until Geoffrey reveals a chance for him to train as a medical apprentice in Lincoln, under the vigilant eye of the Church – including the powerful Bishop Bancroft. However, when Baxby discovers that no one is inclined to speak about the recent, obscure death of Crackleton’s wife, he learns how a fear of State and Church interference follows all the goings-on around Lincoln and its inhabitants. Most critically, how the clergy appear determined to expose and persecute anyone considered deviating from the rigid rules of the English Church.
Paying in Blood does an impressive job at highlighting how this contentious period between the reigns of two monarchs saw some prosper whilst others suffered harshly. Upon finding his own friends and ultimately himself to be the target of dangerous rumours concerning their religious practices, Baxby and others attempt to flee the scrupulous pursuit of Bishop Bancroft and the powers of the Church. In the struggle between ambition and faithfulness, Baxby must decide where his loyalties ultimately lie.
With a constant flow of suspense and mystery (and the memorable addition of an unforeseen twist), Haden’s novel is a masterclass in pairing engaging fiction with a historically accurate backdrop. Leaving readers invested in characters’ endeavours whilst providing authentic context is not a job easily done, but Paying in Blood may even induce you into wishing those last chapters of your school history textbooks were just that bit longer.
Emma Scott is an Editorial Intern at Aspects of History.