Abstract

This work examines literary representations of seventeenth-century Leicester in Kate Myers’ In Plain Sight. The study argues that by deploying historical fiction, Myers reflects on current views regarding the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union. The article maintains that the novel establishes an implicit historical analogy between seventeenth-century English Civil War and Brexit. By creating such historical similarities, Myers tries to suggest that Brexit has been motivated not only by economic factors, but also by cultural ideas, namely Euroscepticism, English nationalism, and anti-immigration attitudes. By showing the negative effects of the English Civil War on both Britain and Europe, the author suggests that Brexit would lead to potential negative consequences on the economic, the education, and the health systems in the both UK and Europe. The article contends that the novelist endeavors to urge British voters not to be swayed by the media’s attempts to provoke ideas behind Brexit. Ultimately, Myers shows a solid stance against Brexit and warns against expected negative outcomes.