Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris was a bit of a departure for me from my usual reading. I’ve read a few of his books years ago and always enjoyed them so I figured why not.

This novel tells of a time in history I knew hardly anything about: the hunt for the regicides of King Charles I. Ned and William, close confidantes of Oliver Cromwell, are two of the last remaining signatories who put their names to the king’s death warrant, and Richard Nayler has made it his life mission to hunt down every last one of them.

This was a story of epic scope, across England and from there to the American colonies and back — we’re talking the 1600s here. It was insightful, suspenseful and really gave life to the story. I particularly enjoyed the insight into the life and motivations (and contradictions) of the Puritan communities.

If historical fiction is your juice, you’ll enjoy this one. My one beef: the absence of women… I know history from that time is male-dominated but I’d have loved to have read about more women, other than William’s long-suffering wife.

I really enjoyed this account of a little know (at least to me) era of history. The writing is both engaging and robust, with a mix of action, character-driven plot, and description. Highly recommended.

Really interesting story based around the Act of Oblivion when the Monarchy was reinstalled in England, and what happened to those who caused it's downfall. The story mainly followed two of the regicides who escape and hide out in America, but also tells their version of what Cromwell was like and how he came to power in the first place. A lot of religious references to get through, but it sets the tone for what these people were all about. Well written by a master story teller

An excellent story about the plight of the two regicides of Charles I, that fled to America and escaped the dreadful fate of the others. A fictional novel but the majority of characters are real people. Robert Harris is very clever at creating a very plausible story of real and imagined events, using a mix of real and imagined characters. Maybe slightly overlong but very informative re the post Cromwell/early Restoration period. Thanks to Netgalley.

Charles II has been restored to the throne and Parliament wants revenge on those who signed the death warrant of his father, Charles I. Under the Act of Oblivion, the 59 men are to be rounded up and put on trial. Colonel Whalley and his son-in-law, Colonel Goffe, are two of the signatories. They are on the run, and make it to the Puritan colonies of Massachusetts.

Richard Nayler is working for the Privy Council and is charged with tracking down the fugitives. He is single-minded in his pursuit, and, for his own reasons, is especially focused on Whalley and Goffe.

Whalley was cousin and friend to the late Cromwell before joining the New Model Army, while Goffe’s allegiance to the cause arose from his religious fervour. Now, they are thrown together as they move from town to town in New England, often in hiding, at times living in the wilderness, dependent on the trust and goodwill of the communities whose religious or political beliefs make them sympathetic to their cause.

The narrative moves back and forth across the Atlantic. In London it takes in the machinations at court, the horrific executions of those of the 59 who were either captured or gave themselves up in the (misplaced) hope of leniency. We learn the backstory of the (fictional) Nayler and see the lengths he will go to to achieve his ends. We see the effects of their absconding on the family and supporters of the fugitives.

Act of Oblivion includes some fascinating detail about the Puritan communities in America, their relations with the native Americans and the Dutch settlers, and the way, despite the risks, they maintain strong communications with their fellow believers in London. Daily life in London is less vividly drawn (perhaps because Nayler has little interest outside his mission) until the later stages of the book when we see the 1665 plague and the Great Fire of London through the eyes of Goffe’s wife, Frances. We also learn a great deal about Cromwell’s military campaigns and his interactions with Charles I though the device of a fictional journal written by Whalley.

My one disappointment with Act of Oblivion is that the characters don’t feel vividly drawn. The protagonists all run true to type, there are none of the contradictions or surprises that draw a reader in. The forced intimacy of the worldly Whalley and the spiritual Goffe should have been explosive but it somehow never sparks. Nayler is given a motivation for his obsession with the fugitives but it’s a little too neat.

Apart from the insertion of Nayler, and some of the events where Harris has used invention to cover the gaps in the record, this could almost be narrative history. There is the kind of extraneous detail that historians include for completeness, but which would normally only make it into a novel if it was significant later on – such as when Whalley and Goffe’s pursuers knock on the door of a family, and the names of all five daughters are listed, although they are immediately sent from the room and never heard from again.

It’s only in the final chapters, that I felt the characters and plot came to life. Still, I did feel engaged enough to keep reading (and it is a long book) and the intriguing end rewards the effort.
*
I received a copy of Act of Oblivion from the publisher via Netgalley.

I’m a huge fan of Robert Harris. His research is meticulous and he deftly combines fact with fiction, As usual, the narrative takes you from beginning to end with a pace that kept me turning the pages. If you’re a fan as I am, you won’t be disappointed. I loved this time period too as I know so little about it. I definitely came away more informed as well as thrilled. Thoroughly recommend.

This was an interesting read especially as I knew very little about this period in history. I learned a lot but I didn't find the book very thrilling or exciting. If this wasn't fiction that would be understandable, you can't alter history, but if you are adding fictional characters to the story why not go the whole hog and make it a real chase ? The ending was disappointing, Rushed as if the author had decided he'd had enough. On the whole a good read though. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

One of the best books I have read all year. For fans of Sansom and Hilary Mantel.
Never read any Robert Harris books before but will certainly try some more now.
Lots of action in this, marvellous descriptions of people and places. Actually hardly any sex or bad language but lots of violence.
After the beheading of Charles I , Cromwell and his followers who signed the death warrant are all hunted to be tried and executed.
Ned and his son-in-law Will manage to evade capture and go on the run, they are pursed by Naylor who also has a personal vendetta against them.
So well are the causes of both sides described I had sympathy with them both.
Thank you NetGalley and Robert Harris for this splendid read.

Well research and crafted novel from this author. The characters are believable and it is a page turner to find out what happens next. It is mainly set in America and charts the steps taken to track down the last few remaining people who signed the death warrant of Charles 1 when Charles 2 has taken the thrown following the death of Thomas Cromwell

Having discovered Robert Harris’ books a few years ago when I read The Ghost, I realised he has a knack of being able to create real pageturners whilst also subtlety educating you about a lesser known subject. Act of Oblivion is no exception - memories of endlessly covering the Tudors & the Stuarts in school history lessons won’t prepare you for the fascinating facts surrounding the hunt for the regicides of Charles I. Harris takes the facts and weaves a compelling story,‘one that will keep you reading into the night.

A story the like of which has left this lifetime bookworm totally speechless: a mixture of fact and fiction read in the week King Charles 111 came to the throne bringing the harsh reality of his predecessors reigns to life during the historical times of our violent past. The beheading of King Charles 1, the emergence of Oliver Cromwell after regicide and a bloody civil war as Protector and eleven years of strict authoritarian rule follows. Royalists then emerge with A new King Charles 11, followed by Act of Oblivion to execute everyone signing the Kings death warrant. A race against time for signatories to evade capture with our two main protagonists, father in-law and son in law escaping to the americas with a fanatic royalist hot on their trail. The story moves between families with young children left behind to suffer the reversal in fortunes living a life of destitution, poverty and starvation only to face the horrors of the plague and great fire of London whilst the two regicides suffer every indignity and deprivation in their efforts to stay alive and evade capture. A rollicking adventure story taking this reader completely out of normal comfort zone and genres by a writer who consistently achieves the impossible in content, research, characterisation , story line and seamless merging of fact and fiction. A five star unmissable read on every level and cannot believe my luck to be chosen to review this advanced copy. Many thanks with huge respect for author Robert Harris, the publisher and Netgalley.

My thanks to Random House U.K., Cornerstone Hutchinson Heinemann for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Act of Oblivion’ by Robert Harris.

In his latest historical thriller, Harris focuses upon events in Britain following the Restoration of the Monarchy.

In 1660 The Act of Oblivion was passed by Parliament. It provided amnesty for all who had taken up arms against the late King with the exception of those with direct involvement in the trial and execution of Charles Stuart. These were designated as regicides. Those still alive were ordered to surrender themselves. Some did, while others lay low in Britain or sought sanctuary on the Continent.

The story focuses upon two regicides: Colonel Edward Whalley and his son-in-law, Colonel William Goffe. They are on the run as under the provisions of the Act, they have been found guilty in absentia of high treason. The man tasked with tracking them down is Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council. He is determined to bring the two men to justice.

However, they have crossed the Atlantic to the Colonies where they hope to find sanctuary within the Puritan community there. Yet with a high reward offered for their capture dead or alive, their situation is precarious.

In his opening Author’s Note, Harris advises that this is an imaginative recreation of a true story. That “events, dates and locations are accurate, and almost every character is real, apart from Richard Nayler.” He goes on to say that there likely was someone like Naylor in charge of the manhunt, but that their identity is lost to history. In his acknowledgements he provides some reading suggestions for those seeking more information.

In ‘Act of Oblivion’ Harris brings together his extensive research into the events of the period and combines with his vibrant storytelling skills. The result is a breathtaking account of a 17th century manhunt set against the backdrop of pre-Revolutionary America. His descriptions of their time in the wilds, foraging for themselves through the seasons was especially vivid.

Usually when I read novels of this period my sympathies are firmly with the Royalists, yet Harris’ portrayal of these two hardcore Puritans was very compelling as was that of Naylor, so determined in his pursuit of his quarries.

In addition, while it can be difficult for writers of historical fiction to communicate faith to a modern, more secular readership, I felt that Harris did well in portraying the importance of religion to those living during this period.

Harris’ use of language was also impressive, combining modern accessible speech with the formality and social attitudes of the time. Not always easy to accomplish.

Overall, ‘Act of Oblivion’ proved a highly readable novel; an example of historical fiction at its finest.

I have been a fan of Robert Harris since Fatherland. This book is more of a straightforward historical novel based on facts with real people apart from the main character. All events are true although it is not known exactly what happened to Whalley and Goffe. It is a period of history that I didn't really know much about, school history tends to concentrate on Cromwell and the Roundheads and Cavaliers rather than the aftermath. Harris is a great storyteller and here he blends fact and fiction very well.
Well worth a read!

Act Of Oblivion is Robert Harris’ best book for a while. As an author who likes to write about differing periods throughout history, I feel that Harris has found a comfortable home in 17th century England.

For anyone who doesn’t know the history, I can imagine this reading as a page turning thriller where the reader is continuously left guessing on the outcome. As someone who knew the story, I found it fascinating how Harris carried the reader through the years, and continents, and kept the plot ticking over.

I found the ending slowed down a bit – a trait for which I found Harris guilty of quite frequently, however I found the ending a satisfying conclusion to the tale.

The scenes in London felt real and authentic, and Harris’ depiction of the new world was a visual treat. A great read this one.

Robert Harris is one of my favourite authors and I have read most of his books so I was very keen to read this. It is a historical novel set in the time of Charles II and is very well researched as we have come to expect from this author. It would not have been a period of time that I would have otherwise have chosen to read about and I don't think I would be bothered to read more about this era but the book was excellent. Charles and his followers are on a mission to find and execute those who killed his father. Those people are not safe no matter where they hide even when they move to a different continent., gripping stuff!

The characters were well thought out and believable and the story was intriguing enough to keep me awake reading long after I should have been asleep.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for the ARC

Yet another gripping historical thriller from Robert Harris, this time focusing on the period following the regicide of Charles I. Based on detailed historical research, Harris has recreated the intrigue and paranoia of 17th century London and the expansive threatening wilds of of colonial America.
The action follows the pursuit of Colonel's Whalley and Goffe by Richard Naylor, a journey fuelled by ambition, duty and revenge.

At times expansive in its description and sense of locality, whilst at others almost claustrophobic in conveying the emotions of the characters involved. Act of Oblivion reflects the general turmoil of the time as old regimes were being questioned for a new and uncertain future.

Read this you won't be disappointed.

Robert Harris brings a "thriller" element to a factually-based hunt for those who signatures appeared on the death warrant of Charles I back in the mid 17th century. The title "Act of Oblivion" refers to the pardon given by Charles 2nd to all those involved with Cromwell. But crucially it excluded the 59 whose signatures appeared on his father's death warrant. the vast majority of these regicides were hunted down and hung, drawn and quartered in front of milling crowds. Whalley and Goffe, however, escaped to New England and Harris' novel takes us through the subsequent manhunt that lasted for more than 20 years.
Bearing in mind, much of this book is based in fact, it is utterly absorbing in taking us back to a different age where religion, loyalty, bravery and endurance were characteristics, both required and admired. The deprivation suffered by Whalley and Goffe cannot be underestimated and their courage in enduring a life on the run makes for a truly thrilling read.
Robert Harris is an author whose meticulous research creates both utterly convincing characters and to place them in a 17th century world we are drawn into inhabiting. Great writing and a wonderfully told story.

Well-researched historical novel, weaving some fictional characters and events into real events. Gripping account of the relentless pursuit of those who signed the death warrant of King Charles I. A great insight into a different era.

I was sent a copy of Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris to read and review by NetGalley. This was a very interesting and informative book, concerning an episode in history that I knew nothing about. Being a novel we can’t know whether the more personal aspects would have happened in the way the author has described, but the history is so well researched that the facts and atmosphere displayed take you right back in time. I didn’t find the book particularly suspenseful until the latter part of the novel but it was an entertaining read and I’m sure that followers of Robert Harris will love it!

This is set in 1660, in the restoration of the monarchy. Those regicides who had signed the death warrant of Charles I are on the run, having been found guilty of high treason. General Edward Whalley and Colonel William Goffe flee to America. Goffe is the son-in-law of Whalley, married to his daughter. Richard Nayler is secretary of the regicide committe of the Privy Council, a man whose wife died in premature labour, after his arrest. Nayler, widowed and childless, resents Goffe his wife and children, left behind in England. With Charles II on the throne, the men responsible for the death of his father are hunted down and Nayler heads to America to try to discover the whereabouts of Whalley and Goffe.

This book covers many years. It shows how many, on both sides in England's Civil War, lost faith and paid for their loyalty. Royalists who were unimpressed by the 'Merry Monarch,' and Puritans who questioned Oliver Cromwell's naming his son as his successor. This is a story of a manhunt which spread across Europe, as well as America, and lasted for decades, with Charles II looking for retribution and wanting to hunt down all those who put their signature to his father's death warrant. Nayler is a good character, a man who has little to lose and a personal stake in the hunt. Still, this was not quite a five star read for me. I was interested, but felt it lacked something Perhaps urgency was difficult to maintain, with a story that went on so long. However, an interesting period of history and a good read.