I picked up this book expecting a distant, historical account, but Anne Manning's story grabbed me from the first page. Written in the 1800s but set in 1665, it has this wonderful, almost conversational style that makes the past feel immediate.

The Story

The book follows sisters Cherry and Violet, who live a comfortable life in London. Their biggest concerns are modest—family, future, and the rhythms of city life. Then, rumors of the plague begin to swirl. At first, it's a distant threat, something happening in other parishes. But the dread grows steadily, like a shadow lengthening across the city. We watch through the sisters' eyes as the plague arrives in their neighborhood. The streets fall silent, houses are marked with red crosses, and the terrifying cries of the death carts become routine. The story becomes a tense account of their struggle to protect each other and their household, facing sickness, fear, and the heartbreaking decisions that come with survival.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is its focus on the domestic and the personal. Manning isn't just giving us facts and figures about the Great Plague. She's showing us how it felt to live through it. The fear is palpable, but so is the courage. The bond between Cherry and Violet is the emotional core. You see their strength, their moments of despair, and their fierce loyalty tested in ways they never imagined. It’s a powerful reminder that history is made of individual stories, not just grand events. Manning has a real talent for making you care deeply about these characters, making their fear and hope your own.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love historical fiction that focuses on character and emotion over battlefield drama. If you enjoyed the personal stakes in books like The Book of Longings or the immersive historical setting of Year of Wonders, you'll feel right at home here. It's also a fantastic, accessible entry point for anyone curious about the 1665 plague but wary of dense academic texts. Cherry & Violet is a moving, human-sized story about resilience in the face of unimaginable darkness, and it has stayed with me long after I turned the last page.