The House of Windjammer is VA Richardson's first historical novel, which is surprising as it is largely the historical nature of the novel that draws the plot together and captures the reader's imagination.

Historical fiction
VA Richardson himself advises the reader of the efforts he has taken to ensure that his "work of historical fiction is set within fact". The results are fascinating for adults and children alike, indeed who would have imagined that 17th century Amsterdam nurtured a seedy underworld in which the kapistan, mysterious dealers in masks, traded in tulip bulbs! And it is into this world that Adam Windjammer, son of the house of Windjammer, is forced…

Following the tragic death of his father Adam is left to restore the reputation and fortunes of The House of Windjammer, which have been left in tatters following the shipwreck of the Windjammer's fleet of ships.

Tradition
The House of Windjammer follows a long tradition of children's literature in which the child is orphaned at the start of the story, thus giving the fictional child the freedom and sovereignty desired by the child reader.

However, Adam Windjammer disappoints when cast in the role of child hero, he bows to tradition and allows his duplicitous Uncle Augustus to take control of the family business. Adam's failures are extremely frustrating and, unfortunately, are symptomatic of some disappointing characterisation in the novel.

New world
However, a glimmer of hope is revealed by the portentous words of Meister Bloem, Adam's tutor:
"As for this New World of yours Adam - there nothing I've heard so far to persuade me that it is any better than this old one of ours. You mark my words, no one is ever going to want to live in America".

Ultimately, our faith in Adam Windjammer is rewarded. VA Richardson's power to engage us with atmospheric tales of times gone by is impressive, and renders The House of Windjammer a delight.

Gwen Thirlwell

The House of Windjammer is out now in paperback.