Assignment: Write a Historical Fiction book report on Cue for Treason
Cue For Treason Book Report
He was running from a man that would never give up; running to escape prison or even death. The 267 page book, Cue For Treason, was written by Geoffrey Trease in 1940 and was published by Blackwell. I read the online version of this historical fiction from the University of Toronto archives. Reviewing the plot, characterization of Peter, and the things that I learned, we can conclude if this is a good book to read.
This is the story of very determined young man who would save the Queen’s life. Peter Brownwigg, a 14 year old boy, who lived in Cumberland, England at the end of the 16th century, was involved in a protest against a ruthless leader, Sir Philip Morton, who wanted to kill the Queen. During the protest, he threw a rock at Sir Morton and left behind a clue that could identify him. Peter ran from his village to escape the consequences of throwing a rock at a ruthless leader. He joined an acting group that preformed Shakespeare and used it as a way to hide from Sir Morton. Another “boy”, Kit, also joined the group to run from Sir Morton for different reasons. Amazingly enough, Peter, Kit, and the acting group tricked Sir Morton into thinking they were soldiers and brought Sir Morton and his men to justice.
Peter Brownwigg was normal looking 14 year old boy, but he wasn’t afraid to stand for what he believed. He was of average build, and could swim, climb and run like any other boy. When he set his mind to something, nobody could talk him out of it. For example, he and his family were trapped inside their house and his father told him to wait inside. He wanted to escape through a window and go get help and his father couldn’t talk him out of it. He didn’t respect authority of Sir Morton and his men. He once got free from a man who was taking him prisoner and knocked him out with a rock to escape from him. He didn’t show respect to anyone who was against the Queen.
This book made me realize three things that I never knew before. I learned that actors were only suppose to be male in this time period, and that surprised me. I also learned that it didn’t matter how old you were, the punishment was the same. There was no “easy out” if you were young. The last thing I learned from reading this book was that villages stood up for each other and it was like the whole village was a big family. I wish it was still like that in our world today.
Having looked at the plot, Peter’s character, and the things I learned, I have determined that it is a good book to read. It is full of adventure, doesn’t have dry, boring sections, and there are surprising turns in the story. Peter’s character of integrity makes this book appealing. It’s fun to learn about history in this way. If one likes historical fiction, this is an exceptional book to read.
