Helpful Score: 5
Set in twelfth century Wales, there are characaters I both disliked and admired at different times in the story. It also has moments of hilarious comedy and extreme tragedy. The relationships between the Welsh King, his new Norman wife (marriage of convenience), and the castle's resident "fool" (also the Kings best friend and confident through life) transforms and threatens all in this novel of intrigue and love. The author does a good job of character development and although her use of "modern day" "conversation seemed at times unbelievable in this setting I enjoyed the tale. It was difficult through the first few chapters to sort out the many different characters, mainly because of the Welsh names, but the printed cast of characters at the beginning of the book was a helpful resource.
Helpful Score: 4
The Fool's Tale takes place in 1198 in Wales when a marriage bound lands together rather than love, and Queen's were to be grateful and obedient to their King. The story is full of hummor, tragedy and historical folk lore. The characters grabe you from the begining and it's hard to put down. I was shocked by the ending and went searching for more books by Nicole Galland when I was finished.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book!! It is a great story. There is excitement, romance, deceit, war, a very exciting read.
Helpful Score: 3
Enjoyable historical fiction. It had the passion and intrigue promised on the back of the book.
The three main characters -- the king, the best friend and the (politically chosen) bride -- are tangled together because of "love & loyalty", and "societal identity & hatred".
The three main characters -- the king, the best friend and the (politically chosen) bride -- are tangled together because of "love & loyalty", and "societal identity & hatred".
Helpful Score: 2
PG-13. Lots of names I didn't even try to pronounce. The story is interesting, but a little far fetched. I didn't care for the ending, but overall a good read. ****
Helpful Score: 1
Galland's debut novel has a lot packed into it. Set in late 1100's Wales it follows events in a minor kingdom as the king tries to ward off enemies, marrying a Norman woman to help cement relations with the family who has been warring with his for generations. The new queen, out of her element and unsure of Welsh customs tries to adapt. All this is hindered by the Fool of the title, a man who was raised with the king and saved his life early on.
Galland's main characters say and do things that keep you guessing at the real meanings. They twist and turn situations throughout the book with their actions take you from liking them, to loving them, to hating them and everywhere in between.
I hope Galland continues writing and with the same level of talent.
Galland's main characters say and do things that keep you guessing at the real meanings. They twist and turn situations throughout the book with their actions take you from liking them, to loving them, to hating them and everywhere in between.
I hope Galland continues writing and with the same level of talent.
Good read. Very intertaining. I like this author and am going to read another one of her books soon.
this is a great book, I love books from this time period.
