"A Plague on Both Your Houses (Matthew Bartholomew, #1)" By Susanna Gregory
Susanna Gregory’s A Plague on Both Your Houses introduces readers to a vividly rendered fourteenth-century Cambridge, where murder and mystery intertwine with the ever-looming specter of the Black Death. The novel follows physician Matthew Bartholomew, a rational and compassionate man whose medical knowledge often conflicts with the superstitions of his time. As a scholar at Michaelhouse, he becomes embroiled in a series of suspicious deaths, leading him to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of the university.
Gregory’s portrayal of medieval Cambridge is meticulous, immersing the reader in the filth, fear, and fervent religiosity of the era. The descriptions of daily life, from the bustling streets to the dimly lit lecture halls, add authenticity to the narrative, reinforcing the historical setting as more than just a backdrop. The Black Death looms in the periphery, not yet fully realized but already fostering paranoia and uncertainty. The novel effectively captures how fear of disease influences behavior, exacerbating tensions between scholars, townspeople, and religious factions.
Matthew Bartholomew stands out as an unconventional protagonist, relying on empirical observation and practical medicine in a world dominated by outdated medical theories. His rational approach places him at odds with many of his contemporaries, who cling to notions of divine punishment or astrological influences as explanations for illness. This conflict between reason and superstition adds an intellectual layer to the mystery, as Matthew’s logical mind allows him to see patterns others miss. However, his reliance on logic does not make him infallible; he is a deeply human character, burdened by doubt and the limitations of his knowledge.
The novel’s plot is layered with deception, hidden motives, and political intrigue. The deaths within the university are not random acts of violence but part of a larger conspiracy involving rivalries between scholars, city officials, and religious figures. The complexity of the mystery is one of the novel’s strengths, with Gregory weaving multiple threads that challenge both Matthew and the reader. As he investigates, he must navigate treacherous alliances and unravel secrets buried beneath centuries-old traditions and personal ambitions.
Gregory’s prose is rich but accessible, balancing historical detail with a fast-paced narrative. The dialogue reflects the period while remaining engaging, avoiding the pitfalls of excessive archaic language that can distance modern readers. The characters surrounding Matthew, from his skeptical colleagues to the powerful figures seeking to manipulate events, add depth to the story. The book does not present a simplistic moral dichotomy; instead, it offers a world where personal survival often outweighs ethical considerations.
The novel’s title, A Plague on Both Your Houses, alludes to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, emphasizing the destructive consequences of factionalism. The divisions within Cambridge, whether between scholars and townspeople or between competing religious ideologies, mirror the broader conflicts of the medieval period. Gregory suggests that these divisions, like those in Shakespeare’s play, lead to unnecessary suffering, with individuals caught in the crossfire of greater struggles. The impending arrival of the Black Death further underscores this theme, serving as a grim equalizer that renders human conflicts meaningless in the face of widespread devastation.
Suspense builds as Matthew pieces together the truth, leading to a tense and satisfying resolution. However, the novel does not end on a note of clear triumph; rather, it leaves lingering questions about the nature of power, corruption, and the fragility of human life. The historical setting, combined with an intricate mystery, makes A Plague on Both Your Houses a compelling introduction to the Matthew Bartholomew series, establishing themes and conflicts that continue to evolve in later books.