The Innocent Wayfaring

Set in 1342, the story follows Anne, a high-spirited girl who runs away from her convent school to escape a marriage arranged by her parents. She quickly meets Nick, a young man who has also abandoned his traditional path to become a wayfaring poet. Over the course of three days, they travel toward London together, encountering a colorful cast of medieval characters and navigating the challenges of life on the road before Anne must eventually face her family. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book is secular and lighthearted. It deals with the concept of arranged marriage and societal roles for women, but the approach is historical and ultimately hopeful. There is no heavy trauma, only the relatable stress of choosing between duty and desire. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story maintains a buoyant, picaresque energy throughout. It begins with the tension of an escape, moves into the wonder of discovery and companionship, and concludes with a realistic but satisfying resolution where the protagonist finds a way to integrate her new self-confidence into her reality. IDEAL READER: A teenager who feels like an outsider or an 'old soul' who enjoys witty dialogue and historical settings. It is perfect for the student who loves Shakespeare or Chaucer but wants a story centered on a relatable young peer. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might notice their child becoming increasingly resistant to family traditions or expressing a fear of 'growing up' into a life that feels like a trap. PARENT PREP: None required. The book is remarkably clean and can be read cold. It serves as an excellent introduction to the Middle Ages. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will enjoy the adventure and the 'running away' fantasy. Older teens will better appreciate the satirical wit, the romantic tension, and the sophisticated commentary on social structures. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many grim medieval novels, this is a 'romp.' It treats the 14th century with scholarly accuracy but imbues it with a modern, comedic sensibility regarding human nature.