The Welkin
by Lucy Kirkwood

Name: The Welkin
Brand: Lucy Kirkwood
SKU: 9781848429215
Rating: 4.36 (253 reviews)

The Welkin Book Cover — The Welkin Cover

Highlights

Large Cast

Female

Male

British Historical Mystery

What readers are saying

Readers are generally impressed with the storytelling and character development in The Welkin, praising its mix of historical content and contemporary themes. Many appreciate the unique premise of a jury of women deliberating over a pregnant convict's fate, considering it both powerful and relevant. However, some find the pacing and comedy to be inconsistent, which detracts from the overall experience for a few.

Unique and compelling premiseStrong character developmentPowerful social commentaryPacing issues notedComedy feels forced at times

Synopsis

Rural Suffolk, 1759. As the country waits for Halley's Comet, Sally Poppy is sentenced to hang for a heinous murder.

When she claims to be pregnant, a jury of twelve matrons are taken from their housework to decide whether she's telling the truth, or simply trying to escape the noose.

With only midwife Lizzy Luke prepared to defend the girl, and a mob baying for blood outside, the matrons wrestle with their new authority, and the devil in their midst.

Lucy Kirkwood's play The Welkin premiered at the National Theatre, London, in January 2020, directed by James Macdonald and featuring Maxine Peake and Ria Zmitrowicz.