The Sign of the Red Cross: A Tale of Old London

"The Sign of the Red Cross: A Tale of Old London" by Evelyn Everett-Green is a historical novel set in the late 19th century. It delves into the lives of citizens in London during a time of plague, focusing on the social dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by its characters. The narrative introduces us to Master Builder Charles Mason, who is embroiled in the pride and excesses of wealth, in contrast to the humble yet principled Harmer family, and highlights the growing fears surrounding the plague infecting the city. At the start of the tale, we encounter a heated conversation between Mason and Rachel Harmer, where the former dismisses the rumors of plague as mere hysteria. As conversations unfold, we witness the contrasting attitudes towards morality, wealth, and impending disaster, reflected in the lives of characters like Dinah Morse, a selfless nurse, and the mischievous Frederick Mason. Meanwhile, the unsettling appearance of a comet adds to the growing sense of doom. This opening portion sets a tone of impending calamity while intertwining themes of trust, community, and the human spirit’s resilience amid trepidation and societal upheaval.