The Pigeon Pie

"The Pigeon Pie" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a historical novel set during the early 17th century, amidst the turbulence of the English Civil War. The story follows the Woodley family, particularly Lady Mary Woodley and her children, as they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of a nation torn apart by conflict. At the heart of the story is the family's royalist ideals, which they strive to preserve despite the growing tension surrounding them.The novel begins at Forest Lea House, where the Woodley children, including Charlie, Eleanor, and Lucy, try to maintain a semblance of normalcy while the shadow of war looms over them. Their older brother, Walter, dreams of military glory, while their father fights for King Charles. As the war escalates, the children's innocent dreams are confronted with harsh realities, especially as news of their father's fate and the nation's struggle reaches them. Deborah, the maid, provides a voice of caution, highlighting the tension between youthful idealism and the grim truth of wartime. At its core, the novel is a story of loyalty, bravery, and the resilience of family bonds amid the chaos of civil war.