Dreamt - Paperback

by S. William Bennett (Author)

In 1820's London, Walter Boniface operates a small bookshop selling both rare and commonplace works. Albert Medhurst is Walter's most trusted employee. By day, they work together in the shop as professional colleagues. By night they share glasses of gin, they share stories of their dreams, and the wo men share also a heartfelt affection for each other.

But in the 1820's, such true love is manifestly forbidden. It is despised by the nation, by the church and by society alike. The physical expression of such love is punishable by death, so the couple must keep their relationship carefully hidden.

The two men treat John Kenworthy, a young employee at their bookshop, like the son that they will never have. A generous and amiable boy, John inadvertently becomes aware of their deeply held secret. At all times wanting to do what is right, John is deeply tormented by uncertainty as to what that might be. Advised by a well-meaning yet piously biased preacher, and also by an understanding and kind housekeeper, the young man is tortured by the questions and uncertainties which overwhelm him.

Dreamt is a story of love, of friendships, of dreams, of views to justice, of loyalty and betrayal, and of forgiveness. The storyline offers commentary on rampant injustice, prejudice and intolerance in the 1820's, and also encourages us to look at our own society, 200 years later, to seek out ways that we may continue to purge the remnants of these scourges from our own midst.