Publisher's Synopsis
A profound journey of religious belief and deep spiritual change, a mythic tale poignant with truth and wisdom for today. A work of magical mythology, hanging in the balance between fact and fiction, The Apple and The Thorn draws upon the great legends and history of ancestry, heritage and the British landscape. Amidst the changing times of first century Britain, Vivian, Lady of the Lake, struggles to maintain peace within the lands of Avalon, as the invading armies of Rome move slowly towards her. Broken by the crucifixion of his great nephew, Jesus, the wealthy tin miner Joseph of Arimathea makes his way to the magical islands in her care, in search of peace. Yet he brings with him far more than he realizes. Their worlds colliding in love and war, this inspiring and heart rending tale unfolds, revealing - then tearing apart - beliefs, hopes and expectation, as sovereignty of that magical landscape comes increasingly under threat. The violence of the invasion drawing closer, these iconic figures are forced to confront each other and themselves, leading to choices neither could have imagined. Affalon is a magical realm of tiny islands amidst the marshes of that ancient shallow inland sea, of apple orchards and mysteries lying deep in the mists of memory. Vivian was the Lady of the Lake in that liminal world. The Apple and The Thorn is a new mythic tale in which these two legendary characters meet, two worlds, two souls clashing, and finding a relationship neither had imagined.
