Dr. Favour Appears in Novel

2004 saw the publication of the latest novel by highly regarded Irish novelist Ronan Bennett. Entitled 'Havoc, In Its Third Year'; it is set in Halifax in 1630, according to the author a year of social havoc and religious ferment.

Dr. Favour has a strong presence in the novel, not, alas, as a benevolent gentleman and educator, but as a religious fanatic and persecutor. He is one of a council of Protestant fundamentalists who are determined to root out papism and generally 'clean up' the town. Ina sermon he advocates no mercy for anyone who transgresses in any way.

It is a grim, brutal story, but excellently written and worth a read. The novel's contemporary relevance is obvious.

[Added 28.01.05]

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