In the historical docudrama “The Black Death: A Personal History”, the author John Hatcher paints a story about a priest living in an English village during the most lethal and mortal plague in medieval Europe. Master John is a Parish priest and it is through his eyes the story unfolds. The book is a mix between historical accuracy and a fictional element that is the personal story and account of the Parish priest.
Master John lives in Walsham in England during the black death and hopes that his village will not be affected by the disease. Walsham was a village were the black death plague did not reach until later after the worst waves already had occurred in Europe. Therefore, the book is not only about the dread and the fear for the plague, but also about how preparations were made.
The book shows the black death plague in a unique way through Master John and other people's eyes. In the beginning of every chapter, there is an account that is historically accurate and serves as a background to the events that unfolds throughout the book. We also learn how Master John and the other priest struggle to find the meaning of the dreadful plague and why God would allow it or cause it.
