Author: SHAW, JAN
Title: The Secret of Lilleshall Abbey
Description: Sherbourne Publications. 1995. (ISBN: 9781872547077). Paperback. Paperback - 1995 Sherbourne - good condition, one inch stain to page edge only - Ian Watson and his three friends are working on a history project for school. To complete it they plan a visit to Lilleshalle Abbey to take photographs. But when they get there they find it is closed for repairs. Ian is not prepared to give in so easily. He persuades his friends to come back early next Sunday before the custodian is awake. It is not just for the school project. In some strange way Ian finds himself drawn to the Abbey. Next Sunday Ian sneaks into the Abbey while his friends keep guard. Once inside the grounds Ian finds himself transported back in time. He is now Brother John, a novice monk and nephew of the Abbot. Last summer Ian's father had taken him on a Retreat and together with his knowledge of a modern monastery and by watching the other monks carefully Ian manages to get through the day without arousing suspicions. It is also a very special time for the monastery. It is the time of Henry VIII and the Dissolution of the monasteries and the King's commissioners are due the next day. The abbot has an important task for Ian - one which puts him in danger. This is a well crafted story which gives a good picture of monastic life in general and of the Dissolution of the Monasteries in particular. The descriptions of Lilleshalle Abbey add authenticity. The book is interesting and entertaining without being over-dramatic. It really held my attention. The part about the past is balanced by the picture of four modern teenagers and the problem of a family where a once successful father has just lost his job. Jan Shaw knows well what she is writing about because she herself used to be custodian of Lilleshalle Abbey - although I refuse to believe that she is anything like Mr Crumphorne, the crusty old custodian in the story. - used books, secondhand books, out of print books, hard to find books, for sale, second-hand books, college books, student books, nonfiction, non-fiction books delivered world wide. Used: Acceptable.

Keywords: 9781872547077