The terminology employed is appropriate for the time period. However, it does draw attention to itself at times, which risks distracting the reader from the storey. The tide had retreated late that evening, laying a ledge of grey sand in its wake where all else now… Written across a split timeline, the story follows the actions and decisions of Thomas to protect his family. Very naturally. Everyone’s talking how I talk or how the person next to me talks. If I’m writing for myself, people similar to me will understand. Whoever else can tap into it is an extra blessing.

The Leviathan | Rosie Andrews | 9781526637369 | NetGalley The Leviathan | Rosie Andrews | 9781526637369 | NetGalley

Andrews, by the end, makes the reader care deeply for every one of her characters, and particularly, to brings us understand the difficulties and struggles, the moral dilemmas, faced by Thomas Treadwater – who often is desperately, and sometimes actually, doing just that. What is it about Norfolk in this period in history which made it the perfect setting for The Leviathan? It was the term that he died, so it was all quite dramatic and sad. He was very dry and droll, very likable but sort of Eeyore-ish, and he said on the very first session – : you should think carefully about doing this writing business because you’re miserable if you’re writing, and you’re even more miserable if you’re not. The storyline was impossible to predict and I literally couldn't put this book down. I loved the witchcraft storyline and the ambience of the 17th Century but I equally enjoyed the twists and turns as the story progresses in a darker, more supernatural way and the arrival of mythical creatures.

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The plot revolves around Thomas Treadwater who, after 60 years, tells a story of his life and of the events which he, being a man of reason, found hard to comprehend. I would say Elizabeth Zott is a rational person who exists in an irrational society – that’s why she doesn’t fit in, that’s what makes her so interesting, and that’s why we need her more than ever, because our society has become more and more irrational. The novel's historical context puts it right in the middle of one of the most chaotic periods of England's history. Seventeenth century England was, in effect, what might today be called a failed state, deeply divided socially, politically, and by religion. People were obsessed with conspiracies and witchcraft, and corruption was widespread. It is difficult not to see some parallels with the US and the UK today. I love the past for its own sake, but we’re also living through some of the most chaotic political and social times we might remember, and you can’t help but think about those resonances. One of the things they were thinking about in the 17th century was this question of political sovereignty – who gets to rule whom, and on what basis, and how far do people get to decide their own destiny versus putting it into the hands of a monarchical or democratic structure. If you look at events like Brexit, the coming to power of Trump, the pandemic and the question of individual rights versus our responsibilities to wider society, it’s clear that these questions from the 17th century haven’t been resolved.

The Leviathan by Rosie Andrews review – a potent brew of

Rosie Andrew’s haunting historical gothic debut is gripping, in every meaning of the word. The story coiled itself around me and refused to let go. Andrews uses meticulously researched detail, along with appropriately antiquated language and syntax, to absorb you into the narrative, and setting, of a troubled bygone England. Well, thank you Rosie Andrews. Sincerely, and very much. I was offered this as a digital Arc, and hesitated over the marketing/publicity comparisons ‘perfect for fans of The Essex Serpent and Once Upon A River’. Both books I adored. My hesitation was because often the comparisons are about territory of the story, and are far from comparisons of excellence. Many times I have requested, only to abandon reading something which has superficial ‘this is also a book about a similar subject to that’, but is like comparing MDF furniture to something hand crafted in mahogany. It's hard to believe that such an accomplished novel could be a debut - The Leviathan is a gloriously dark story that sweeps you along to its harrowing yet satisfying conclusion. Superb The clue is in the title, of course, though to say more would be to give away the story’s unexpected twists. Young Tom is obliged to seek help from the one person who can shed light on the mystery – his former tutor, who happens to be John Milton, a man well versed in dissecting the nature of good and evil.

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Set in the mid 1600s to the early 1700s, 'The Leviathan' follows returning Norfolk soldier, Thomas Treadwater, on his tumultuous journey embroiled in witchcraft and biblical lore as he fights to save the family he loves.