Adam’s Lock

Adam’s Lock by Michael J Lansdown is the first of a trilogy concerning the life of William Parker.
I first encountered William Parker in Michael’s second book, The Land Beyond the Seas, which TSL has published and which deals with William Parker’s life in another country. To say too much here will likely give away the ending to Adam’s Lock, so I’ll leave it there. Having said that, starting on book 2 and then a year or so later reading book 1 was not an issue as both books are self-standing.
It shows Michael’s dexterity as an author as the settings and approach are quite different between the two books.
Both have required careful research, being historically based at the turn of the 19th century. The blurb on Adam’s Lock sets the starting scene:

Hensford is an historic Hertfordshire village ill-at-ease with itself. Since time immemorial those inhabiting the lower and the upper halves ahve eyed each other with suspicion – but a suspicion born of what? Newcomer, young school teacher David Stacey, determines to find out, setting off on a journey of discovery that will change the lives of two families, forever …

Striking in both books is the message that justice is not always on the side of right but that despite or inspite of the circumstances in which one finds oneself, it’s how we react that is important. Resilience in keeping to one’s values of honesty and doing unto others… are strong messages in both books. Read for yourself how it all pans out while gaining an insight into life in 19th century England and it’s social system.

I’m now waiting patiently to see what happens to William Parker in Book 3…

For more on Michael and his books, click here.