Our Little Lady Six Hundred Years Ago by Emily Sarah Holt is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to the heart of 13th-century England. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous historical detail, Holt paints a rich portrait of life during the Dark Ages, highlighting the stark contrast between the wealth and grandeur of the nobility and the struggles of the common people. The story centers on a humble family consisting of a grandmother, her widowed daughter Agnes, and Agnes’s young daughter Avice, who is deaf and mute. Their modest life stands in stark contrast to the wealth and influence of the Countess of Lincoln, known as the “Queen of Lincoln.”
Amid the bustling streets outside Lincoln Cathedral, Holt masterfully captures the daily routines and spiritual life of medieval society. Avice’s unique challenges as a deaf and mute child are met with resilience and faith, as the family prepares for a visit from the Bishop — a figure of both spiritual authority and social power. The novel explores themes of faith, family, and perseverance, underscoring the importance of compassion and inner strength in the face of adversity.
Emily Sarah Holt’s deep knowledge of medieval customs and her sensitivity toward the plight of marginalized individuals make this work a touching and insightful exploration of both the hardships and quiet triumphs of life in medieval England. _Our Little Lady Six Hundred Years Ago_ stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and familial love in even the harshest of times.