Mr Wroe’s Virgins – Jane Rogers

Faber, 1992, Paperback – Historical Fiction – 276 pp.

Jane Roger’s classic bestselling novel of a nineteenth century sect, told with humour, irony and a generosity that embraces even the sinister Wroe. This is a compelling story of astonishing depth, elucidating religious idealism and the ubiquitous position of women as unpaid labourers.

In 1830, as the end of the world approached, the charismatic, hunchbacked prophet of a religious sect settled in Lancashire heeds the biblical injunction and chooses seven virgins ‘for comfort and succour’. His congregation gave him their daughters.

This is the story of those seven young women—faithful, cynical, canny, and desperate—and their charismatic leader, as they move headlong toward the historic trial that brings their household to its dramatic end.

Basing her novel on the life of the real John Wroe, a leader of a group called the Christian Israelite Church, Rogers crafts an impeccable narrative, interweaving the diverse mindsets of some of the chosen women and the prophet during the nine months of complex interaction.

Part morality tale, part history, packed with accurate details of early 19th century life, the stories of Leah, Joanna, Hannah and Martha unfold as they cope with the hypocrisy, blind beliefs and idealism of the sexually threatening prophet.