Havoc In Its Third Year [Hardcover]

Praise for The Catastrophist: 'Has vision, imagination and gravitas. It does what all great novels do: it rises above itself; its themes transcend its narrative.' The Times 'In its moral range,characterisation, and narrative excitement,Bennett has written not only an outstanding novel but one that will see him measured against the best of his contemporaries.' Spectator 'It is a measure of the quality of this novel, and of the vividness of the writing, that it endures comparision with Greene.' Allan Massie, Scotsman

‘This powerful historical novel resounds with contemporary significance’ Telegraph, 11/6/05 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

‘Ronan Bennett’s most accomplished and compelling novel to date’ Observer, 16/6/05 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

‘Powerful, atmospheric...particularly strong on evoking physical intimacy’ Guardian, 16/6/05 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

England in the 1630s: a difficult country in turbulent times. John Brigge is a governor, a man who has kept away from intrigues to work on his farm and be with his wife, now expecting their first child. He is also - secretly - a Catholic. When he is called to settle the murder of a new-born child, Brigge finds himself drawn into matters he wants to avoid. Katherine Shay, an Irishwoman, is accused of killing her baby. Brigge wants to wait for more evidence. The ascendant puritan faction, however, demand her immediate hanging. Brigge suspects their haste has little to do with their talk of justice. What are they hiding? And does he really want to know? In the background, a rebellion is brewing. Only Brigge - and his investigation - can change the tide. Torn between home and the world, haunted by the mystery of Katherine Shay, he must finally make a stand.

'With Greene gone, and Richard Ford last spotted in suburbia, we need writers like Ronan Bennett' Nick Hornby

From the bestselling, whitbread-shortlisted author of 'The Catastrophist', a dark historical thriller akin to 'The Name of the Rose'; murder, politics of religion and mob rule stalk England in this extraordinary new novel.

Ronan Bennett was brought up in Belfast. He is the author of three books, most recently the hugely acclaimed The Catastrophist (shortlisted for the 1998 Whitbread Novel Award). He has also written screenplays for film and television. Ronan Bennett lives in London with his family.