A Tale Of Survival
An Almond For A Parrot by Wray Delaney is an epic historical novel set in the mid eighteenth century in England. It is the tale of one woman, awaiting her fate in Newgate prison. The novel begins in present day and then sweeps backwards, before travelling forwards in chronological order. The reader ‘walks’ through her life as the story is told in the first person.
The reader ‘experiences’ life in eighteenth century London – it’s sights, smells and poverty. It is comprehensively described, enabling the reader to picture the scenes. It was not a pleasant place to be.
There were few choices open to poor females at the time. It was adapt to circumstances or die. We in the modern world are horrified at the lack of care by those who should be nourishing the younger generation. There was little love. Any crumbs of affection were grabbed.