Confession of Jack Straw, The [Paperback]

Simone Zelitch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

The Confession of Jack Straw is both a political novel and a literary novel of great style and humanity. Taking the form of a confession of one of the leaders of the English Peasant Revolt of 1381, the novel accompanies the peasants as they travel through southern Englan, gathering followers, opening prisons, killing lawyers and telling stories. Simone Zelitch's first novel, it marks her as a writer already of the first rank.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jack Straw is rare and admirable in its uncompromising, unpatronizing identification with a peasant...A very moving, honest book." -- Ursula LeGuin

"The book makes me feel I had to understand how hope of redress so quickly turns into blood..." -- Linda Clifton, Editor, Crab Creek Review

"Zelitch offers a satisfying variety of incident, with enough texture and historical detail...to evoke the medieval milieu." -- The Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Black Heron Press; First edition. edition (January 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930773187
• ISBN-13: 978-0930773182
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,708,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Was Swept Away By "Jack Straw", October 16, 1997

By 

Alan M. Hochberg "Alan" (Harrisburg, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Confession of Jack Straw, The (Paperback)

I was thrilled by the political conviction, insanity, morality, and insecurity that turned ordinary peasants into revolutionary figures and the stuff of legend. Ms. Zelitch also finds the irony and humor in this grim chapter of history. She tells the story with an amazing use of language. My favorite: "We walked through a night full and loving as a cat." The tale starts out small, then sweeps along like a wave. I was up 'til all hours to read the last third of the book in a single sitting.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will make you want to know more ..., February 16, 2003

By 

Charles P. de Young (Fort Mill, SC, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Confession of Jack Straw: A Novel (Hardcover)

about the times, characters and incidents written of. This is a story of a revolution eating its children, yet again. The author does everyting she attempts flawlessly, and I never read anything by her without diving into the Web to find more. In this case I was led to William Morris, and his "Dream of John Ball", published in 1886, and available on the Web. If you are thinking of reading this book then do so! I cannot believe you could be sorry, excellent stuff.