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A Parcel of Patterns

By Jill Paton Walsh
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3.76 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 846 ratings, 144 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Parcel of Patterns by Jill Paton Walsh is set in the 17th century in the village of Eyam, Derbyshire, during the time of the plague. The story follows a young girl named Mall Percival as she witnesses how the arrival of a mysterious parcel brings about devastating changes. It explores themes of courage, community, and resilience amidst an unseen threat.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy historical fiction set during the tumultuous time of the 17th century's Great Plague. With a focus on the lives and struggles of villagers confronted with disease, it offers a touching and insightful look into human endurance and the choices that shape our communities.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

'Here I have set down all that I know of the Plague'

It's 1665 and Mall Percival is a shepherd girl living in a Derbyshire village.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The gripping story of a historical lockdown, through the eyes of a brave 16-year-old girl.

A PLAGUE - A VILLAGE - A LOCKDOWN

1665, Eyam, Derbyshire.
'Here I have set down all that I know of the Plague'

It is 1665 and Mall Percival is a shepherd girl living in a Derbyshire village. She tends her flock, spends time with her best friend, and teaches her young suitor to read. But one day, a parcel of patterns, meant for a new dress for the pastor's wife, wings its way from London.

The parcel carries an infection that spreads with horrifying speed. Herbal teas and open windows are the only defence against the sickness. Yet the villagers make a brave and selfless decision — to isolate themselves from the rest of the country. It is a lockdown that saves the neighbouring towns, but at heart-breaking cost to Mall's world.

Based on the true events of the village of Eyam, this is the story of a courageous sacrifice that saved Derbyshire and beyond from a deadly virus.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WHITBREAD PRIZE

'A pocket masterpiece' Guardian

Readers love A Parcel of Patterns

'I couldn't put it down'

'Brought me to tears too many times to count'

'If you think social distancing is hard in the Coronavirus pandemic, read this wonderful novel based on the true story of the village of Eyam.'

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Parcel of Patterns by Jill Paton Walsh receives high praise for its beautiful prose and historical authenticity. The book captures the voice of an era through the eyes of a likeable young girl, recounting an epidemic with vivid, moving details. Its archaic language enhances the story’s authenticity, making it a powerful, meaningful read for children, filled with themes of gratitude and resilience.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784877385

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 March 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Audience: General / adult, Children, Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 170g

Pages: 208

Collections

Children's Books Children's Historical Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Historical Fiction History & Archaeology History & Military Jill Paton Walsh Penguin Books Young Adult

About the Author

Jill Paton Walsh (1937-2020) was an award-winning author of many books for children, young adults, and adults including The Green Book, A Parcel of Patterns, the Booker Prize shortlisted Knowledge of Angels, and the Whitbread Prize winner The Emperor's Winding Sheet. She completed Dorothy L. Sayers's unfinished Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane mystery manuscript, the international bestseller Thrones, Dominations, and continued Sayers's series with A Presumption of Death, The Attenbury Emeralds, and The Late Scholar. She held numerous posts connected to literature, including an Arts Council Creative Writing Fellowship, acting as a Whitbread Prize judge, and serving on the committee of the Society of Authors. She contributed articles and reviews to many journals. In 1996 Walsh was awarded a CBE for services to literature and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

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