The Thunder: A Novel on John Knox by Douglas Bond

John Knox (1514-1572) was a Scottish clergyman and a leader of Protestant Reformation. 

The story is told by a young follower resolved to protect John Knox. It starts with Knox at the age of 32 and already as being a wanted man. He is caught up in events that involved the murder of Cardinal Beaton in 1546 and intervention of the Queen Regent. He is besieged in a castle by French soldiers. They lose the battle with the French forces and are taken as galley slaves. 

After hard labor and anchoring at Seine and Loire River, in 1549 they anchor at Thames River and to their astonishment they are set free. Not able to return to Scotland as Queen Regent wants Knox at the stake, he is asked to preach in London. 

Soon after Knox notices “Under every steeple and on every street corner there remains so much popish deception and false doctrine.” And already making a name for himself as Thundering Scott, he is moved north closer to Scottish border “to remove him far from center of influence…and cease not to make trouble and disquietude when things are most quiet and in good order.”

The author well-portrays the strong character of Knox. Where one sees no hope, Knox sees strength in God. He continues to believe in God’s purpose. “I too quake, and fear, and tremble. Hence do we hope in God.” “One man with God is always in the majority.”

The first 90 pages are about siege and a bit slow. Once they are captured and freed and Knox’s preaching comes alive, that’s when the story becomes vivid. 

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