HNS Reviews - November 2008
THE HERETIC QUEEN
by Michelle Moran (Crown Publishers, 9780307381750)
As the sole survivor of the line of Nefertiti, a family denounced as heretics and erased from history, princess Nefertari has grown up an outcast, tolerated only because of her childhood friendship with prince Ramesses. At seventeen Ramesses becomes Pharaoh and takes a beautiful but spoiled girl for his bride, and Nefertari's safety ends. Her aunt determines to have Ramesses marry Nefertari as well, both to secure the girl's future and to further her own interests. Nefertari, who has always been infatuated with the prince, changes from a precocious tomboy to an alluring young woman, and Ramesses is easily smitten. But becoming Pharaoh's wife is not enough; Nefertari must be named his Queen and bear his heir before the court will accept her. In her way are palace enemies, a rival wife, foreign wars, and an Egyptian people who regard her as the descendent of heretics.
The author takes liberties with the gray areas of history in order to make her plotlines possible. Some will enjoy the fictional weaving; others may find it stretches the suspension of disbelief. As both protagonist and narrator of the story Nefertari enjoys the luxury of always being in the right place at the right time with just the right piece of information; despite this she is a somewhat passive character, manipulated by others and waiting for fate. The jealousy between the two wives is unflattering to her, and even less so to Ramesses, who comes off looking rather shallow and whipped. The multiple subplots are woven together well, and the historical detail is rich and accessible, but more layered characters would have increased the story's grip. If you enjoyed the author's first novel, Nefertiti, you will find The Heretic Queen a comparable sequel.
THE KING'S PLEASURE
by Norah Lofts (Touchstone, 9781416590897)
Originally published in 1969, Norah Lofts' novel about the life of Katherine of Aragon is being reissued again for the end of 2008. Having never read it before, I took the opportunity to see what makes this book so popular among biographical Tudor novels.
Starting with her birth during her mother Isabella's campaign against the Moors, Katherine is portrayed from toddlerhood as a very human character, a precocious, fun-loving girl who grows into a strong-willed, intelligent young woman determined to make her life better than those of her sisters. This is no dour matron, no middle-aged princess who couldn't keep up with England's court. This Katherine is a vivacious, passionate woman who matches Henry's fiery personality. She's not without fault, having a strong obstinate side and a trust in her faith and her king that becomes more blind and stubborn as the years go on. As Katherine realizes her dreams are doomed and she will indeed follow the sad path her mother predicted, the reader keeps on rooting for her as if maybe this time things might end differently. Written 40 years ago, this Katherine still feels like a breath of fresh air.
The historical detail is masterful in its ordinariness, never feeling crammed in just for the sake of it. The novel is as well-researched as a textbook, but it never reads like one. If there was a criticism, it might be that the long chain of politics after the annulment weighs the flow down a bit right at the crux of the story. But that's a minor negative in a book full of positives. I look forward very much to reading the rest of the series. As a Tudor fan, I've been missing out.
THE QUEEN'S TALE
by D.J. Birmingham (Xlibris, 9781425771942)
In pre-Christian Ireland, a golden harp brooch plays a role in a tragic betrayal and the murder of a young queen. The brooch is buried with the dead girl, and a curse is proclaimed that anyone who finds and wears it will doom themselves and their family to violent deaths. For centuries the brooch remains undisturbed, and the curse is forgotten—until 1302, when the wife of an English baron ruling in Ireland finds the brooch and, thinking it a relic of St. Patrick, gives it to her son as a good-luck charm. From that day, the fates of three families intertwine as the brooch makes its way through Ireland, England, and Scotland, spreading death and destruction in its wake. From the courts of Irish kings to the dysfunctional household of Edward II and the tumultuous family of Robert the Bruce, the curse of the golden harp leaves a permanent bloodstain across British history.
A large cast of historical figures plays out public and private battles in The Queen’s Tale, a mix of fact, fiction, myth, and fantasy. The research is meticulous and draws the reader into the world of the characters, who come across as realistic and interesting. The one exception is the narrator, who seems somewhat unnecessary; the story could have been told just as well without him. Nevertheless, the action holds pace throughout, the supernatural element is intriguing, and the numerous plots hold the reader's interest to the end. The Queen’s Tale is the first in a planned series of four books.