MODERN TRIALS

MODERN TRIALS is Christian Yorke’s first novel. It is a contemporary comedy that explores issues of sin, revenge and self worth. The title foreshadows these issues.The action occurs in times close to the present and the characters variously experience a state of suffering, confront the source of their pain and initiate a process to resolve their uncertainty whilst striving to achieve a worthwhile goal.

The novel is set in Egypt, Windsor and London’s legal heartland.  The tone is edgy and the humour dark, as FLIGHT LANCASTER endures an unsettling diving holiday in Egypt whilst at his lowest ebb and ambivalent about his own survival. The story of jealousy and betrayal develops as Julian Rutter, Flight’s troubled mentor, attempts to escape his own failings by plotting Flight’s downfall at their London law firm.

In parallel, a diverse cast of characters from the poorer outskirts of Windsor explore the dark side of modern culture and, lead improbably by Chelsea Earnshaw, struggle with the cruel challenges of modern life. As his life falls apart Flight’s trials culminate at a partners meeting where Rutter produces damning evidence of violence and a contrived scandal.

As Rutter’s power and influence grows two worlds collide when Flight meets Chelsea and her hostile gang. He discovers that their paths have previously crossed and that she has also fallen victim to Rutter’s increasingly depraved and dangerous activity. Risking all, Flight sets out to discover Rutter’s secret weakness and strives to resolve his own pain and help those close him. Motivated initially by revenge, Flight attempts to overcome mistrust and social boundaries and execute an outrageous plan to permanently remove Rutter from their lives.

Extracts from Modern Trials feature on this website. Further extracts may be added, but in the meantime please feel free to comment. All feedback will be read with great interest.