Raleigh's Page

Raleigh's Page
Armstrong, Alan
9780375833199

Tradition and law requires that the first born son inherit from the father. This leaves daughters and later sons with a need to find a husband or a living. Andrew Saintleger is a second son who at eleven must find an apprenticeship. His father makes arrangements for Andrew to be a page in Sir Walter Raleigh's house. Author, Alan Armstrong gives a very sensitive portrayal of Andrew as he leaves all that he knows and travels far from home to live with strangers and prove that he is able and strong. Adventure eventually takes Andrew much farther than London as he is included in a voyage to the new world.
The author's research is exhaustive and impressive. He lists the primary source documents used for the book and bits of further historical information. This novel was engaging and exciting, I couldn't put it down.