THE HERETICS

by Humphrey Slater ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

A two panel novel, in which the background of the Children's Crusade of 1212 is juxtaposed with the story of foreign volunteers in the Spanish Civil War of 1936. In a style and manner reminiscent of the detachment of High Wind in Jamaica, the first part tells of witch-hunting in Avignon, the development of the bands of wild children, the protective measures of the Crusade, with its pitiless ending. The second records the many changes of front and motives of the Spanish fighting, of the breaking up of the English trio when each follows his own idea of what he is fighting for, their fortunes linked with those of an opportunist Spanish officer. An effective exploration into the definitions of conformity as opposed to heresy, of the few against the many and the price paid by both sides, this manages to put over the cruel points with unsentimental, coolly able writing. Perhaps limited by its thesis. Worthwhile.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1947

Categories: FICTION