Banished Children: A Novel

An explosion reverberates off the coast of seventeenth-century England, its thunderous echo followed by the discovery of a woman washed ashore, barely clinging to life. Unable to speak English, she urgently requests a priest—in Latin. Her arrival sparks intrigue: who is she, and from whence has she come?

Born into a superstitious Maltese family, Warda finds herself cast out, forced into a life of beggary and theft until taken in by a compassionate Catholic priest. Under his guidance, she learns the art of healing, cultivating a spirit of independence unsuited for the confines of marriage. Seeking her calling, Warda is entrusted to serve an anchorite, yet fate intervenes brutally.

Barbary pirates pillage her village, enslaving her and transporting her to Muslim North Africa. In the harsh crucible of captivity, Warda confronts daily trials that test her resourcefulness, courage, and sense of self-worth. As despair sets in amidst relentless hardship, she wrestles with feelings of abandonment by God, descending into bitterness and adopting behaviors mirroring her captors.

"Poor Banished Children" chronicles Warda's quest for liberation and redemption—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This historical novel by an acclaimed European author delves into themes of courage, free will, and salvation, challenging readers to ponder profound questions.

Spanning England, Malta, and Africa, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a turbulent seventeenth century, exploring diverse cultures and the clash of civilizations. It paints a vivid tableau of Warda's journey, from privileged beginnings to the depths of slavery, where her struggle for dignity and freedom unfolds amidst peril and suffering.

With meticulous detail and narrative prowess, the novel navigates Warda's transformation from a forsaken outcast to a figure of enduring fortitude. It probes the complexities of faith and resilience, offering a gripping portrayal of a woman's unwavering pursuit of autonomy and spiritual solace amid the harshest of circumstances.

An exploration of history and humanity, this work challenges conventional notions of fate and agency, inviting readers to contemplate the moral quandaries faced by its protagonist. Through Warda's harrowing odyssey, the novel ultimately champions the triumph of hope and the indomitable power of the human will to overcome adversity.

In summary, "Poor Banished Children" stands as a testament to the human capacity for endurance and transformation, weaving a tapestry of mystery, adventure, and courage that resonates across centuries and cultures.

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