Medieval Heist and Halifax Murder: Tales of Escape Through History

The article discusses four novels that explore themes of escape through various historical contexts. M.T. Anderson's 'NICKED' is a comedic take on a medieval heist, featuring a cast of quirky characters including a monk named Nicephorus, who embarks on a misguided divine mission. Howard Norman's 'COME TO THE WINDOW' delves into a murder mystery set in a Nova Scotian fishing village during the spring of 1918, where a young bride, Elizabeth Frame, shoots her husband on their wedding night, revealing layers of complexity including bigamy and the impact of war. Kristopher Jansma's 'OUR NARROW HIDING PLACES' intertwines the experiences of an elderly woman, Mieke, with her grandson, highlighting the trauma of World War II and the Hunger Winter in the Netherlands. Each narrative reflects on the struggles of individuals against the backdrop of historical events, illustrating how personal and collective histories shape their lives. The publication emphasizes the diverse forms of escape depicted in these novels, appealing to readers with varied tastes in historical fiction.