Helpful Score: 2
I thoroughly enjoyed this book in which we see the life of Richard III and the tumultuous events of 1461 through 1485 through his (fictional) best friend's eyes. Ah, it would be nice to think that Richard really did have someone like the loyal Martin Robsart by his side.
The author, through Martin's often witty narration, does an excellent job at disentangling the complicated, confusing network of family relationships and political intrigues that characterize this period.
Unfortunately, as much as I hoped against hope, the tragic ending at Bosworth Field doesn't change.
In general, this is a highly engaging and entertaining book, filled with historical events and characters, adventure, and romance. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Wars of the Roses specifically or compelling historical fiction generally.
The author, through Martin's often witty narration, does an excellent job at disentangling the complicated, confusing network of family relationships and political intrigues that characterize this period.
Unfortunately, as much as I hoped against hope, the tragic ending at Bosworth Field doesn't change.
In general, this is a highly engaging and entertaining book, filled with historical events and characters, adventure, and romance. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Wars of the Roses specifically or compelling historical fiction generally.
Book Description
Treachery in Love and War in the Struggle for the English Crown.
From the time he sees his parents brutally slain and his home destroyed in a bloody Lancastrian power struggle for the crown, young Martin Robsart's life becomes entwined with that of England's royal Plantagenet family.
Through the turbulence of civil war, Martin serves his cousins â Yorkist kings Edward IV and Richard III â and learns the cost of loyalty and love in battlefields and bedchambers in a time when life is cheap and treachery hides behind a smile.
Through Martin's eyes, Meredith Whitford's superbly researched and richly woven novel shows Shakespeare's conniving and perverse Richard III in a realistic new light â as a patriot and a lover.
Never before has perceived history taken such a surprising turn as Whitford corrects the Shakespearean myth and crowns a new hero, bringing back to life the passion and heat of a breathless historical moment that shaped the world â a moment we know as the War of the Roses â¦a time of thorns and treason.
Treachery in Love and War in the Struggle for the English Crown.
From the time he sees his parents brutally slain and his home destroyed in a bloody Lancastrian power struggle for the crown, young Martin Robsart's life becomes entwined with that of England's royal Plantagenet family.
Through the turbulence of civil war, Martin serves his cousins â Yorkist kings Edward IV and Richard III â and learns the cost of loyalty and love in battlefields and bedchambers in a time when life is cheap and treachery hides behind a smile.
Through Martin's eyes, Meredith Whitford's superbly researched and richly woven novel shows Shakespeare's conniving and perverse Richard III in a realistic new light â as a patriot and a lover.
Never before has perceived history taken such a surprising turn as Whitford corrects the Shakespearean myth and crowns a new hero, bringing back to life the passion and heat of a breathless historical moment that shaped the world â a moment we know as the War of the Roses â¦a time of thorns and treason.
