The Dove and the Rose

June 1, 1996
Gr. 6^-9. The first book in the Seekers Series, this takes place during the Dutch Reformation in the sixteenth century. Two young people, Pieter-Lucas and Aletta Engelshofen, who have grown up together and fallen in love, are wrenched apart because of the politics of the times: Pieter is banished from his home for his refusal to support the Beggars, a violent and radical Calvinist fringe group of which Pieter's father is a leading member; Aletta is forbidden to see Pieter because of his family's dangerous connection to the Beggars. Much of the novel's tension comes from the young people's efforts to meet in secret, and the story is melodramatic at times. It is also peppered with purple prose, which seems stilted and contrived, though it is no doubt meant to reflect the language of the period. Still, the story is steeped in convincing atmosphere, and there is sufficient character development to make the reader truly care what happens. An ultimately satisfying book, especially for readers who enjoy historical romances. ((Reviewed June 1 & 15, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)