Reviews

To Catch a King: Charles II's Great Escape by Charles Spencer

catherine_t's review

adventurous informative tense fast-paced

5.0

 In 1651, Charles II's Royalist forces were soundly trounced by the New Model Army at the Battle of Worchester. Charles himself managed to evade the Parliamentary forces, fully aware that if he were captured, he'd suffer the same fate as his father. Thus began six weeks of running and hiding across the length and breadth of England. 

English Civil War history isn't a specialty of mine; I've never really looked into it much, to be honest. I'm much more a medievalist who enjoys a side of World War II European history. But I also like to be somewhat well-rounded when it comes to British history, so when I came across this title as a bargain e-book, I couldn't really resist. 

I'm glad I didn't, because this is a pretty fascinating tale. It's practically a Boys' Own story, what with the hiding in priest holes and, most memorably, up an oak tree, the wearing of disguises, and the near misses and close calls Charles suffered. From the moment Charles shouted, “Shift for yourselves, gentlemen!” to the fleeing men of the Royalist forces to the skin-of-his-teeth escape in the ship Surprise, I rather found myself on the edge of my seat, as it were—despite knowing the eventual outcome. 

Spencer writes with a fluidity not many can achieve. I look forward to reading more of his work. 

spencesational's review against another edition

2.0

First of all, this wasn't the Charles I wanted to read about. The Charles I wanted to read about was Bonnie Prince Charlie so it is my fault that I had no interest in this book. I do have to say though; I love history, mainly British, but any significant history is interesting for me. Except this.

Although it was only 278 pages it took me an age to read (no doubt due to the non-interest) and I dreaded reading it to be honest. Don't get me wrong, it is highly informative for someobody who would be interested in Charles II and his escape but it just wasn't for me.

(Just to clarify; you may be wondering why I finished the book if I wasn't interested in it. I am doing the 2019 Popsugar Reading Challenge which really involves finishing a book of said category, so it was either finish this or start another.)

charliebowden's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

2.75

natashacbn's review

informative fast-paced

4.0

goodqueenbess's review against another edition

5.0

this book is insane. the history within it is insane. all of the characters involved are insane and the fact most of them made it out alive makes the story even more insane. this is most definitely a history book and is filled with your typical style of evidence supported storytelling that comes with a history book, but it honestly feels more like reading or listening to a docudrama about this weird little six week escape mission that charles ii had to take. which also leads me to my favourite part of the book - the insights and stories that humanise the boy king, like when he was yelled at by a cook for not being able to roast some meat on a spit. there were definitely parts that have your essential history tidbits: battles and politics that need to be explained in order to fully grasp the story at hand, but spencer writes with such a guiding hand and easy explanations that not only tell the the story in the present, but the history surrounding it - making for an information-packed romp through the countryside with a king and the men who want his head. if you're just getting into history this is a perfect read - not too long, not too difficult and really enjoyable read to the end of the month.
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thegrimmreader's review against another edition

3.0

I'm not sure what to think--parts of it were riveting while other sections fell flat. This may in part be that I'm simply not used to non-fiction books, or else it signals a lack of authorial talent. I'm really not sure. I need to read more on the subject. Once Charles reaches France, the telling is much abbreviated: The Parliamentarians seem to have just faded away quickly esp after the death of Cromwell. Charles' reign is also not covered in great detail. but that isn't the focus of the book. I loved reading about my 8th great aunt Jane Lane who figured prominently in the escape. (and was not, as far as we can surmise a mistress of the future King).