Field Lane

Charley Bates, an outsider to Fagins gang, is redeemed and given a mission to bring justice to Monks, the half-brother of Oliver Twist. The novel reflects a 19th-century world filled with social injustice, slavery, drug abuse, and Royal privilege, and its characters become intertwined with real-life historical figures. Justice is served at the climax, but by whom?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2024
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Charley Bates, an outsider, always played the third wheel to the Artful Dodger and Oliver Twist's double-act in Fagin's gang. However, his journey took a remarkable turn when he became a redeemed thief, transforming himself into the "merriest young grazier in the whole of Northamptonshire." The question remained: would he stay on the straight and narrow or revert to his criminal ways? Charley sought a mission to uphold his honesty. And then, fate intervened with a chance to bring justice to bear on a villain from his past, Monks, the half-brother of Oliver Twist. The opportunity to seek revenge meant embarking on a perilous journey from the Thames to the Mississippi, with the help of old friends who were determined to right the wrongs inflicted upon him by the "creature" as Charley perceived him.

Field Lane, the novel, takes readers back to a 19th-century world plagued by social injustice, slavery, drug abuse, and royal privilege. Within its fictional realm, characters intertwine with real-life historical figures, including the Duchess of Kent (the mother of Queen Victoria), the renowned scientist Michael Faraday, and the boy who would later become Mark Twain, Samuel Clemens. As the story reaches its climax, justice is ultimately served, fulfilling Charles Dickens's wish. However, the identity of the one who brings about this justice remains a mystery, adding an intriguing twist to the narrative.

Charley Bates' transformation from an outsider to a redeemed thief is a testament to his resilience and determination. His journey from a life of crime to one of prosperity and integrity is a captivating tale that resonates with readers, reminding us of the power of redemption and the ability to overcome adversity. Field Lane, with its rich historical backdrop and compelling characters, offers a thought-provoking exploration of societal issues and the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on those who encounter its pages.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805142355