I have read this book 3 times in my life, and I learn something more each time.
It is a tale set in the 17th century, and is extremely deep, with a beautiful love story, exciting family feuds,and includes some historical facts of ongoing troubles throughout the country which also affects the areas of Devon and Somerset where the story is set.
The story is all told by the "hero", speaking in the local dialect, which makes the whole book seem more like fact rather than fiction.
In my opinion - excellent.