The Protector

The Fall and Rise Of Oliver Cromwell - A Novel

by Tom Reilly

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Pub Date Jul 15 2022 | Archive Date Jul 04 2022

John Hunt Publishing Ltd | Top Hat Books

Historical Fiction | History | Literary Fiction

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Description

A distinctively realistic 'all killer - no filler' fictional biography that bristles with controversy, sex, love, civil war, slaughter, intrigue, redemption and - perhaps the ultimate crime of all - regicide. Every effort has been made to accurately weave real people around a narrative of historical precision. Meticulously biographical in its substance, the plot is predetermined by a landscape of true events that both enthral and educate. Perhaps controversially, the subject is credibly portrayed as a tender father, an admirable man and a reluctant overachiever. The unrelenting pace of the action truly reflects Cromwell's compelling life story. Think you know Oliver Cromwell? Think again.

A distinctively realistic 'all killer - no filler' fictional biography that bristles with controversy, sex, love, civil war, slaughter, intrigue, redemption and - perhaps the ultimate crime...

A Note From the Publisher

Amateur historian Tom Reilly has almost single-handedly taken on the might of academia with regard to Cromwell and allegations of his complicity in civilian atrocity stories in Ireland. Change that, and you change so much about our understanding of Cromwell.
He has appeared on national TV and radio in both the UK and Ireland in both documentaries and chat shows. His books on Cromwell have been reviewed by all of the national newspapers in Ireland and many in the UK, including one on the front cover of the book supplement of the Sunday Times. The Protector - the Fall and Rise of Oliver Cromwell is his first book of fiction. Even if it is mostly non-fiction. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Reilly's trenchant defence of Cromwell is the fact that he is a native of, and has lived in the town of, Drogheda, Ireland all of his life. Drogheda is the ONE place where Cromwell is alleged to have committed civilian atrocities, easily the biggest blot on his career.

Advance Praise

It is very nice to have so many familiar episodes in Oliver's career brought so vividly to life. In general the story reminded me of the 1970 Richard Harris film, in being at once vividly imaginative and fundamentally true to character.

Professor Ronald Hutton (Renowned Historian and Cromwell Expert)

Tom Reilly has managed to bring a controversial figure, Oliver Crowell to life. A well researched and easy read, ‘The Protector’ is engaging and informative. His skills, I think, give the leading historical writers of the 21st century a run for their money. ‘The Protector’ is a lively read that gives us a unique insight into Oliver Crowell, a man who had a deep impact on Britain and Ireland, politically and socially. Tom is skillful in his construction of a man affected by loss, illness, education, society and moulded by the culture of his times. I will not think of Cromwell - whose reputation in Ireland is as a blood-thirsty dictator - in the same way again.

Christine Docherty (Journalist)