Oddsfish!

"Oddsfish!" by Robert Hugh Benson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the main character, Roger Mallock, who embarks on a significant journey that intertwines with the political and religious turmoil of 17th-century England, notably during the reign of Charles II. As a messenger from the Holy See, Roger's mission involves navigating the complex societal landscape of England while maintaining his loyalty to the Catholic Church. At the start of the novel, we find Roger, a young English gentleman, being summoned by Pope Innocent XI to serve in a diplomatic capacity at the English court. Having spent two years as a novice in a monastery, he questions his vocation but is eager to serve God in the world rather than in the cloister. The scene shifts as he arrives in London after a seven-year absence, describing the city’s transformation since the Great Fire. Introduced to a host of characters, including his boisterous cousin Tom Jermyn and the enigmatic Cousin Dorothy, Roger's arrival marks the beginning of his involvement in the political intrigues and cultural dynamics of a court influenced by religious struggles, complex alliances, and his own personal desires. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Hugh Benson AFSC KC*SG KGCHS was an English Catholic priest and writer. First an Anglican priest, he was received into the Catholic Church in 1903 and ordained therein the next year. He was also a prolific writer of fiction, writing the notable dystopian novel Lord of the World, as well as Come Rack! Come Rope!.