Helpful Score: 3
This was my first book by Ms Penman. I actually bought it for a dollar off a sales table many years ago.
Since then, I have recommended it to more people than I could possibly count. The very best historical fiction, the author takes the real facts of these medieval people, and weaves an unforgettable story that draws you in and carries away your imagination to another continent and another time.
In Ms Penman's books, her characters are REAL. You love with them, hate with them, grieve with them, go to war with them.
And she did the impossible: she made me care about King John, the guy who's been depicted as evil all these centuries, without holding back from telling any of his faults.
Since then, I have recommended it to more people than I could possibly count. The very best historical fiction, the author takes the real facts of these medieval people, and weaves an unforgettable story that draws you in and carries away your imagination to another continent and another time.
In Ms Penman's books, her characters are REAL. You love with them, hate with them, grieve with them, go to war with them.
And she did the impossible: she made me care about King John, the guy who's been depicted as evil all these centuries, without holding back from telling any of his faults.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a beautifully written, histoically acurate account of the struggle between Wales and England in the 13th century. It also is the love story of Welsh Prince Llewelyn and his arranged marriage to the daughter of King John, Joanna. The story gives insight into the turbulant times of truces, alliances, and the fragile bonds that may or may not hold. It's a truly remarkable piece of historic fiction.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books ever by one of the best authors of historical fiction ever.
