LIT BY A POACHERS' MOON: Walters Story

Innocent, obedient they marched away to a war not of their own making and we experienced its horrors through Walter’s story in Michael Williams’ first book ‘With Innocence and Hope’. His story continues in retrospect in ‘Lit by a Poachers Moon’. It takes us back to rural Shropshire at the turn of the 19th century when all property and wealth is in the hands of the landed gentry. In order to function the great estates of England require armies of workers, little better than slaves. Absolute obedience is demanded of the lower classes and is instilled in them from birth. Their existence depends on pleasing their masters. Punishments for minor transgressions can be severe. Families can become unemployed, homeless and facing the workhouse. All grow up in the knowledge that their lives will probably be spent in the service of the Squire and his household. Despite this the human spirit flourishes. The lower class is usually undaunted and resourceful and accepting of their place in the scheme of things. Country life offered many pastimes and pleasures and this book captures and shares these through many vibrant descriptions that will delight the reader. Its wild and comic characters, sometimes hilarious events and joy in living will captivate the reader. The author’s first book reduced its readers to tears; this book will have them laughing aloud and perhaps looking afresh at their own lives 100 years on ,