Author’s
name: Nancy Bilyeau
Publisher:
Orion Books
Year: 2012
Price in
sterling: £12.99
Paperback
405
pages
ISBN: 978-14091-3307-0
Joanna
Stafford is a member of a family distrusted by King Henry VII because of their
refusal to accept his Reformation of the Church. A novice nun, she escapes enclosure at
Dartford Priory to attend the execution of her cousin who has been found guilty
of heresy. She is found out and
imprisoned for months, until a meeting with Bishop Stephen Gardiner throws her
into the full maelstrom of the religious and political turmoil of the Reformation.
Review
Stories
surrounding King Henry VIII, his wives and the Reformation are plentiful but what
makes Nancy Bilyeau’s debut novel so different, is that it is just that –
different!
You are
instantly shown the sheer horror of the time of the Reformation when the Church
of England was usurping the Catholic faith that had been the dominant religion
for five hundred years. The fear that
Catholics felt for wishing to practise their faith is demonstrated so
clearly in the first few pages that you are instantly connected to the heroine,
Joanna Stafford. The descriptions and
prose are eloquent and tight; not a spare word appears in the whole novel, making
it a hugely satisfying read.
I
understand the fascination many historical fiction enthusiasts have with the
Tudor period, but Nancy Bilyeau writes with a grace that sets this novel far
above many I have read. Her research is
impeccable, but the addition of a folklore element to the plot brings a
perilous dimension to this period of religious fear. Bilyeau’s characters are fully formed and you
root for the goodies and hope evil things happen to the baddies. The whole product is created to the highest
standard; the plot creation, the characters, the editing, the research,
everything is immaculately polished.
I have
given “The Crown” 5 Crosses as this debut novel is a refreshing addition to the saturated "Henry VIII" genre and I cannot wait for the
next instalment in Joanna Stafford’s adventures.
X X X X X
Nancy I NEED this book, thank you for the great giveaway, best of luck with The Crown, looks to be a fantastic read.
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