Feathers In The Fire is a sad and strange tale of the deterioration of Cock Shield, a farm in Northumberland, England, owned by the McBain family for generations. In the latter part of the 1900th century, the farm still depends on the hard work of bonded servants to survive, but when Master McBain impregnates then abandons young Molly, a worker who succumbs to his lust, the others—and his own family—are sickened and repulsed at his cruelty. But that's just the beginning. The real demon is McBain's deformed son, Amos, who some think is the Master's payment for his arrogant ways. The author paints a vivid picture of life in this era where women are sorely used for reproduction, cooking, cleaning, and little else. Except for the Armstrong family, love seems to be lacking, but even Davie is conflicted in his feelings. Cookson's depiction of the character's emotions and motives is sometimes lengthy but always enjoyable—if not brutally human. ( )

Davie Armstrong is a tenant farmer in 19th century England. He finds himself at odds with the owner of Cock Shield Farm who has a vile temper and villainous pride, whom the gods humble by sending him a son who is born crippled. There is violence and tragedy on the farm.

Davie watches as his master, Angus McBain, publicly thrashes young Molly Geary for refusing to name the man who had made her pregnant. And yet, only an hour later, Davie sees the two of them alone in the malthouse, and learns that the child is McBain’s. In a whirl of disbelieving rage, he overhears them plotting to let him, Davie, take the blame and marry Molly. Meanwhile, McBain’s wife is also pregnant and gives birth to their son Amos who is born with no legs and emotionally crippled. Amos will learn to wield power of frightening intensity over everyone around him.

A book of human fraility as only Catherine Cookson can tell.
( )

Davie Armstrong is a tenant farmer in 19th century England. He finds himself at odds with the owner of Cock Shield Farm who has a vile temper and villainous pride, whom the gods humble by sending him a son who is born crippled. There is violence and tragedy on the farm.

Davie watches as his master, Angus McBain, publicly thrashes young Molly Geary for refusing to name the man who had made her pregnant. And yet, only an hour later, Davie sees the two of them alone in the malthouse, and learns that the child is McBain’s. In a whirl of disbelieving rage, he overhears them plotting to let him, Davie, take the blame and marry Molly. Meanwhile, McBain’s wife is also pregnant and gives birth to their son Amos who is born with no legs and emotionally crippled. Amos will learn to wield power of frightening intensity over everyone around him.

A book of human fraility as only Catherine Cookson can tell.
( )

Davie Armstrong is a tenant farmer in 19th century England. He finds himself at odds with the owner of Cock Shield Farm who has a vile temper and villainous pride, whom the gods humble by sending him a son who is born crippled. There is violence and tragedy on the farm.

Davie watches as his master, Angus McBain, publicly thrashes young Molly Geary for refusing to name the man who had made her pregnant. And yet, only an hour later, Davie sees the two of them alone in the malthouse, and learns that the child is McBainÔÇÖs. In a whirl of disbelieving rage, he overhears them plotting to let him, Davie, take the blame and marry Molly. Meanwhile, McBainÔÇÖs wife is also pregnant and gives birth to their son Amos who is born with no legs and emotionally crippled. Amos will learn to wield power of frightening intensity over everyone around him.

A book of human fraility as only Catherine Cookson can tell.
( )