The Harrowing of Gwynedd seems to be a novel of ideas as much as it is a novel of adventure. Typical of Kurtz's fantasies, it seems to draw on modern social problems for its situations and themes. The theme of the persecution of those who are different is a timeless one, but Kurtz's handling of it suggests contemporary American problems of racial and religious intolerance. These are important issues, and an emotional discussion can be built on Kurtz's portrayal of bigots and victims, of villains and heroes.

The novel also echoes her oft-made point that individual people have a responsibility to oppose evil. Well worth examining is how she presents this idea and how well her presentation suits life as it is actually lived.

Can we oppose and triumph over broad social evils such as those portrayed in The Harrowing of Gwynedd? Do we have to...