FAREWELL THE TRANQUIL

An English historical novel which traces the precarious, picaresque activities of Devon born Davy Treloar, a runagate smuggler, who when accused of shooting an Exciseman in a fracas in which his family is also killed, escapes to Paris where the Revolution is in full swing. Falling in with a household of Republicans, Davy is only halfhearted in his involvement which leads to an association with Thomas Paine, is shocked by the phrenetic pitch of terror and bloodshed, but is delayed in his initial intention to leave the city for America. Failing in love with Charlotte Lamotte, whose composed self-effacement at first obscures her attractions, Davy finally marries her, witnesses her killing of a man which enables them both to escape from France and ultimately to find serenity and security in England... A more matter of fact approach to turbulent times than is usual, a sobriety which has conviction, this is possibly too subdued in its romantic interest (there is no decolletage) for followers of this type of fiction.