Robert Harris’s 2023 historical fiction novel, Act of Oblivion, portrays the gripping pursuit of two English judges by a parliamentary commission after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. These individuals signed the death warrant of Charles I, and their subsequent flight to colonial America highlights the turbulent political climate of the era. The narrative offers a fictionalized account of real historical events and figures, intertwining factual elements with imagined scenarios.
The work provides valuable insight into the complexities of the English Civil War and its aftermath, exploring themes of justice, vengeance, and the precarious nature of political power. It sheds light on the lasting impact of the regicide and the enduring tensions between those loyal to the crown and those who challenged its authority. The novel’s exploration of the historical context surrounding the events of 1660 offers readers a deeper understanding of this period’s societal and political landscape. Furthermore, it provides a compelling narrative centered around the human drama of escape, pursuit, and the struggle for survival.
