The Revellers

A novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the lives of villagers in a North Yorkshire hamlet, intertwining themes of social class, the collision of rural and urban cultures, and the innocent adventures of youth, primarily through the character of Martin Court Bolland. The storyline revolves around the relationships and interactions between Martin, a farmer's son, and a new arrival to the village, Angèle, the daughter of a baroness. At the start of ''The Revellers,'' we are introduced to Martin, a fourteen-year-old boy grappling with the rigid expectations of his farmer father, John Bolland, who imposes strict religious teachings on him. Amidst this setting, Martin encounters Angèle Saumarez, a precocious girl from a wealthy background who disrupts the monotony of village life with her vivaciousness and cosmopolitan flair. Their interactions highlight the cultural differences between the village's simplicity and the complexities of Angèle's privileged life, setting the stage for both adventure and conflict as the Elmsdale Feast approaches. Martin's yearning for freedom and escapism from his father’s controls becomes apparent, foreshadowing the adventures that the festival promises.