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farawayeyes4's review against another edition
5.0
The Crown thrusts us into the heart of the Tudor era---particularly the Dissolution of the monasteries. Rather than focusing exclusively on the court of Henry VIII, we're taken all over England---from Smithfield where those who participated in the Pilgrimage of Grace are burned to abbeys and monasteries tied to historical figures. We're taken to the house of Norfolk and more. What Bilyeau has done is give us a different perspective than the normal novel on the period. Instead of following one of the wives or Thomas Cromwell or Henry VIII himself, we follow a novice of the Dominican Order named Joanna Stafford---and it works.
We learn about the mood and the feeling of those affected most by the Dissolution. We see the societal upheaval up close. Joanna has chosen to become a nun because that has been her calling for a long time---and yet her timing couldn't be worse in many regards. The suppression of all religious houses will happen no matter what she or anyone does at this point---even if there's hope tangled up in a fabled crown worn by a former King. We see her do whatever it takes to find it and stand up for her way of life in the process---and yet we know the historical end. Knowing that doesn't make the story any less moving or tenuous, however. There's moments where there may be true hope in the face of this difficult period.
What Bilyeau truly accomplishes, however, is giving us a true and real understanding of the humanity at the heart of this situation. We need not really see Henry VIII or Cromwell and their arguments in favor of their plans to truly get the two sides of the story---and we really don't need the most graphic depictions of the Dissolution to understand its impact. Instead, we are given living and breathing individuals that are impacted greatly by what is happening and follow their story to its completion. Joanna is real and well rounded. She's not perfect, she's not saintly---and yet we can connect to her religious passion no matter our own persuasion. Her convictions are powerful motivators and her relationship to the other characters give us so much reality and understanding of the greater situation. She connects well with Brother Edmund, Sister Winifred, and Geoffrey Scovill. Each relationship seems to bring out a side we learn something new from. It makes Joanna a fascinating character to follow.
Bilyeau also shows her grasp of the period---both in the upheaval of the political situations and in the smallest details about how people would have acted, dressed, eaten, slept and more. No detail seems too small to capture just what it might have been like to live in this period where the sands are shifting and yet so many things seem fixed forever. The descriptions of tapestries, books, food, and courtly behavior as seen in the Norfolk house make its foreign to modern eyes fresh and alive---as if this is a party no different than celebrities would have today. She captures the mindset of religion and state well in the characterizaton of Gardiner. By being on the extreme fringe of the court at large, we see so much more that we wouldn't otherwise. It allows the text to build to a strong conclusion and gives us insight into Joanna and everyone else in the story.
The mystery elements are well executed. We don't know who committed the murder of Lord Chester, where the Crown is or what it might be able to do, and what it'll mean in the long run for not only Dartford Priory but for everyone in England. Just as one thinks they've figured it out, some twist comes into change things and reveals a different layer that enriches the story. The tragedy of who committed the murder and why also tangles up nicely with Joanna's own history and gives us a bit of commentary on not only sixteenth century femnisim but commentary on our modern conversation surrounding these sensitive topics such as rape and more. Both elements are handled well and makes the story seem more relatable to the modern senses rather than just the simple loss of a way of life long gone to our modern world. The wrap up of the mystery in this novel also leaves one satisfied.
Most of all, Bilyeau takes us back in time and makes us recognize ourselves in this world long gone. The Tudors ruled 500 years ago. In that time, the world has changed greatly (and one can argue if for the better in some ways). This time fascinates because so much of our modern world as we know it generates here---the shoots of democracy, religious freedoms, and so much more start in this era. We can see those seeds explored wondefully in what Bilyeau has presented here. Joanna is a strong female lead who gives us insight into the period. We cheer her on because she chooses not to be rescued in the end but to rescue herself. She proves that she's not simply just the woman of her time---she proves that strong women are in all times, waiting to live up to their greatest potentional. It's refreshing to see this period through her eyes and the next two novels in the series will hopefully build upon that element well.
The Crown tickles the fancy of most fans of this period---and gives us more. If you're interested in a different look at this era, this is the series for you.
We learn about the mood and the feeling of those affected most by the Dissolution. We see the societal upheaval up close. Joanna has chosen to become a nun because that has been her calling for a long time---and yet her timing couldn't be worse in many regards. The suppression of all religious houses will happen no matter what she or anyone does at this point---even if there's hope tangled up in a fabled crown worn by a former King. We see her do whatever it takes to find it and stand up for her way of life in the process---and yet we know the historical end. Knowing that doesn't make the story any less moving or tenuous, however. There's moments where there may be true hope in the face of this difficult period.
What Bilyeau truly accomplishes, however, is giving us a true and real understanding of the humanity at the heart of this situation. We need not really see Henry VIII or Cromwell and their arguments in favor of their plans to truly get the two sides of the story---and we really don't need the most graphic depictions of the Dissolution to understand its impact. Instead, we are given living and breathing individuals that are impacted greatly by what is happening and follow their story to its completion. Joanna is real and well rounded. She's not perfect, she's not saintly---and yet we can connect to her religious passion no matter our own persuasion. Her convictions are powerful motivators and her relationship to the other characters give us so much reality and understanding of the greater situation. She connects well with Brother Edmund, Sister Winifred, and Geoffrey Scovill. Each relationship seems to bring out a side we learn something new from. It makes Joanna a fascinating character to follow.
Bilyeau also shows her grasp of the period---both in the upheaval of the political situations and in the smallest details about how people would have acted, dressed, eaten, slept and more. No detail seems too small to capture just what it might have been like to live in this period where the sands are shifting and yet so many things seem fixed forever. The descriptions of tapestries, books, food, and courtly behavior as seen in the Norfolk house make its foreign to modern eyes fresh and alive---as if this is a party no different than celebrities would have today. She captures the mindset of religion and state well in the characterizaton of Gardiner. By being on the extreme fringe of the court at large, we see so much more that we wouldn't otherwise. It allows the text to build to a strong conclusion and gives us insight into Joanna and everyone else in the story.
The mystery elements are well executed. We don't know who committed the murder of Lord Chester, where the Crown is or what it might be able to do, and what it'll mean in the long run for not only Dartford Priory but for everyone in England. Just as one thinks they've figured it out, some twist comes into change things and reveals a different layer that enriches the story. The tragedy of who committed the murder and why also tangles up nicely with Joanna's own history and gives us a bit of commentary on not only sixteenth century femnisim but commentary on our modern conversation surrounding these sensitive topics such as rape and more. Both elements are handled well and makes the story seem more relatable to the modern senses rather than just the simple loss of a way of life long gone to our modern world. The wrap up of the mystery in this novel also leaves one satisfied.
Most of all, Bilyeau takes us back in time and makes us recognize ourselves in this world long gone. The Tudors ruled 500 years ago. In that time, the world has changed greatly (and one can argue if for the better in some ways). This time fascinates because so much of our modern world as we know it generates here---the shoots of democracy, religious freedoms, and so much more start in this era. We can see those seeds explored wondefully in what Bilyeau has presented here. Joanna is a strong female lead who gives us insight into the period. We cheer her on because she chooses not to be rescued in the end but to rescue herself. She proves that she's not simply just the woman of her time---she proves that strong women are in all times, waiting to live up to their greatest potentional. It's refreshing to see this period through her eyes and the next two novels in the series will hopefully build upon that element well.
The Crown tickles the fancy of most fans of this period---and gives us more. If you're interested in a different look at this era, this is the series for you.
algae429's review against another edition
4.0
I ended up really liking this. Joanna Stafford does veer from being the most intelligent person in the room to the person who has no idea what's going on so that the reader can have English Royal History explained to them, but it was gripping story. I'm interested in seeing where this goes.
ruth's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
wagmore's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
The story itself moves along pretty well. There are some pretty interesting and well-drawn characters.
My quibble is the "historical" part of this historical novel. Yes, there's history. Sometimes too much: names, places and facts seem to be pasted on to make sure that it's historical. The flip side is: The story took place in the middle of the 16th century, but I never saw the dirt under the fingernails, the greasy hair, the missing teeth or smelled the sewage running down the middle street in the village.
To say it another way, the author told me history instead of showing me history.
To sum up--a good read, but coulda been better.
The story itself moves along pretty well. There are some pretty interesting and well-drawn characters.
My quibble is the "historical" part of this historical novel. Yes, there's history. Sometimes too much: names, places and facts seem to be pasted on to make sure that it's historical. The flip side is: The story took place in the middle of the 16th century, but I never saw the dirt under the fingernails, the greasy hair, the missing teeth or smelled the sewage running down the middle street in the village.
To say it another way, the author told me history instead of showing me history.
To sum up--a good read, but coulda been better.
napqueeniereads's review against another edition
5.0
I'm an atheist so reading books that deal in religion isn't high on my list, but I love to read about the history of Christianity so this book was a good read for me. I learned a lot of new things in The Crown and a lot about historical figures I hadn't heard of before.
I loved the mystery behind the Athelstan crown. It had such a rich and deathly history surrounding it, and being hidden made it even more intriguing.
Sister Joanna was a fabulous character. She was such a brave young girl in a hard world. She kept her head high in the face of the men that would speak down to her and threaten her. Not only that but she was clever and wily, and it served her well. I loved that she always stuck up for her beliefs and for her family no matter what.
I don't remember every being bored reading this. There was something continually happening to keep me from wanting to put it down. The history didn't end up overshadowing the present problems. It helped to illuminate and lead the characters in making certain choices.
I also found life in a priory in those days to be very interesting as well. It was fascinating to learn what a novice did with her days and what rules they had to follow.
This was really a great historical fiction novel and I enjoyed every bit of it and I can't wait to read The Chalice next.
I loved the mystery behind the Athelstan crown. It had such a rich and deathly history surrounding it, and being hidden made it even more intriguing.
Sister Joanna was a fabulous character. She was such a brave young girl in a hard world. She kept her head high in the face of the men that would speak down to her and threaten her. Not only that but she was clever and wily, and it served her well. I loved that she always stuck up for her beliefs and for her family no matter what.
I don't remember every being bored reading this. There was something continually happening to keep me from wanting to put it down. The history didn't end up overshadowing the present problems. It helped to illuminate and lead the characters in making certain choices.
I also found life in a priory in those days to be very interesting as well. It was fascinating to learn what a novice did with her days and what rules they had to follow.
This was really a great historical fiction novel and I enjoyed every bit of it and I can't wait to read The Chalice next.
jeremy_bearimy's review
3.0
Rounding down from 3.5. I'm a sucker for historical fiction and enjoyed the bit of Da Vinci Code style mystery thrown in. In this case, I found that I kept reading because I wanted to know what happened, not because I enjoyed the actual reading. Too many cliches and twists that made no sense other than to extend the plot line. (For example, the note that she received in her bed could have just said "hey, investigate X person" versus "go track down a tapestry that is far away and oh by the way there are actually two tapestries that this could refer to so good luck with that".)
This may make me a mean girl but I also didn't like Joanna. She seemed too good to be true. Her only fault appears to be that she's stubborn, which we're reminded of at least once a chapter, but even that is spun as a strength. She is clearly a woman of devout faith but the brash actions she takes throughout the story don't suggest a good fit with the life of a nun. I want to know how the love triangle resolves, but on the other hand it's confusing that a woman who swears she wants to be a nun would be in a love triangle. And then people are telling her she would make an excellent prioress? Really?
I tried tracking down a plot summary of the sequel to this book so I could know what happens without actually reading the darn thing but no luck. Oh well.
This may make me a mean girl but I also didn't like Joanna. She seemed too good to be true. Her only fault appears to be that she's stubborn, which we're reminded of at least once a chapter, but even that is spun as a strength. She is clearly a woman of devout faith but the brash actions she takes throughout the story don't suggest a good fit with the life of a nun. I want to know how the love triangle resolves, but on the other hand it's confusing that a woman who swears she wants to be a nun would be in a love triangle. And then people are telling her she would make an excellent prioress? Really?
I tried tracking down a plot summary of the sequel to this book so I could know what happens without actually reading the darn thing but no luck. Oh well.
shanshantastic's review
5.0
Excerpted from my review at http://www.luxuryreading.com (review copy provided by Touchstone):
Nancy Bilyeau's The Crown is an exquisite, compelling tale set in the most famous years of Henry VIII's reign...Bilyeau's prose is beautifully constructed without feeling contrived; it is easy to fall into the story and stay there for hours. As the story relies heavily on centuries of history, her descriptions are woven into each chapter with a precision that can enlighten even those least familiar with the background while never faltering in her quest to entertain.
Her narrative brilliance extends to the characters that bring her story to life. Joanna is a dynamic and refreshing heroine, dedicated to her priory and to her family, brilliant and daring in equal measure. The supporting characters are no less impressive; each has a secret that, when revealed, brings the complex plot closer to its unexpected, moving conclusion.
The Crown would be an exceptional offering from an established author; as a first novel, Bilyeau has surpassed extraordinary. Lovers of history, mystery, intrigue or a strong heroine will get hours of enjoyment from this story time and time again. I can't wait to read whatever Bilyeau writes next!
Nancy Bilyeau's The Crown is an exquisite, compelling tale set in the most famous years of Henry VIII's reign...Bilyeau's prose is beautifully constructed without feeling contrived; it is easy to fall into the story and stay there for hours. As the story relies heavily on centuries of history, her descriptions are woven into each chapter with a precision that can enlighten even those least familiar with the background while never faltering in her quest to entertain.
Her narrative brilliance extends to the characters that bring her story to life. Joanna is a dynamic and refreshing heroine, dedicated to her priory and to her family, brilliant and daring in equal measure. The supporting characters are no less impressive; each has a secret that, when revealed, brings the complex plot closer to its unexpected, moving conclusion.
The Crown would be an exceptional offering from an established author; as a first novel, Bilyeau has surpassed extraordinary. Lovers of history, mystery, intrigue or a strong heroine will get hours of enjoyment from this story time and time again. I can't wait to read whatever Bilyeau writes next!
beckylej's review against another edition
4.0
When Joanna Stafford hears that her cousin is to be burned at the stake for protesting King Henry VIII's position with regards to the Catholic church, she abandons her position with the Dartford Priory to be at her side. Joanna is a devoted novice on her way to becoming a nun but the call of a family member in distress is more than she can bear. The seriousness of Margaret's crime means that no one in the family is likely to be present at her death but she and Joanna shared a special bond. Joanna is mistaken, though. There is someone else in the family there to give support to Margaret: Joanna's own father. The two are soon arrested and imprisoned at the Tower of London for interfering with Margaret's punishment, leaving Joanna in a desperate position. She is offered the chance of release and a return to Dartford only if she will agree to serve as eyes inside the priory for the Bishop of Winchester, a man whose motives and reliability are questionable. The Bishop wants something, something rumored to be hidden within the walls of the Dartford Priory, and if Joanna can find this item she may be able to free her father. If she fails, it could mean the end of the Priory as well as her father's life.
THE CROWN is a truly captivating literary thriller and puzzle set during the English Reformation and based in very real history. Joanna is completely fictional, but Bilyeau moves her around this history with a mastery that's admirable for a debut author.
It is clear in reading THE CROWN that Bilyeau has paid very close attention to historic detail and it's this detail - paired with an undeniably appealing heroine and a great plot - that makes the book a stand out both in terms of historical fiction and in terms of thrillers.
This is the kind of book that sends me immediately searching Wikipedia and other online history links to find out just how much of the story is based in fact and I discovered that in this case it's surprisingly quite a lot! While Joanna is fiction, the Staffords are very real - my grandmother was a big Tudor history buff but I know surprisingly little about this particular family even though my grandfather shared their family name (you'd have to trace back pretty far to find a connection, I'm sure). Athelstan is real though his crown is still rumor :) and many of the characters in the book are actual historical figures in Henry VIII's court. Even Dartford Priory and its history is real, though not necessarily the part about the crown. Bilyeau discusses some of these things in the Q&A in the paperback edition of the book and on her blog.
While THE CROWN is the first in the trilogy, and the introduction to Joanna, I should point out that you do not have to have read the book before diving into the follow up THE CHALICE, but reading the two books back to back has been particularly enjoyable for me and I definitely recommend it.
THE CROWN is a truly captivating literary thriller and puzzle set during the English Reformation and based in very real history. Joanna is completely fictional, but Bilyeau moves her around this history with a mastery that's admirable for a debut author.
It is clear in reading THE CROWN that Bilyeau has paid very close attention to historic detail and it's this detail - paired with an undeniably appealing heroine and a great plot - that makes the book a stand out both in terms of historical fiction and in terms of thrillers.
This is the kind of book that sends me immediately searching Wikipedia and other online history links to find out just how much of the story is based in fact and I discovered that in this case it's surprisingly quite a lot! While Joanna is fiction, the Staffords are very real - my grandmother was a big Tudor history buff but I know surprisingly little about this particular family even though my grandfather shared their family name (you'd have to trace back pretty far to find a connection, I'm sure). Athelstan is real though his crown is still rumor :) and many of the characters in the book are actual historical figures in Henry VIII's court. Even Dartford Priory and its history is real, though not necessarily the part about the crown. Bilyeau discusses some of these things in the Q&A in the paperback edition of the book and on her blog.
While THE CROWN is the first in the trilogy, and the introduction to Joanna, I should point out that you do not have to have read the book before diving into the follow up THE CHALICE, but reading the two books back to back has been particularly enjoyable for me and I definitely recommend it.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
3.0
This is not a perfect book. The ending is a bit too much thrown at the reader too soon, and some of it doesn't really seem to have a point. The reader is told one too many times how perfect Joanna is, though in fairness the perfect is more moral and intelligence than looks (a nice change).
Yet, I found myself enjoying the book. It's a step above [b:The Other Boleyn Girl|37470|The Other Boleyn Girl (The Tudor Court, #3)|Philippa Gregory|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1355932638s/37470.jpg|3248536] (anyone else crack up about PG's quest for historical accuracy in movies?). I found something likable about Joanna, perhaps because she found herself in situations that felt real. The most compelling part of the novel is the sequence in the Tower of London.
bob_muller's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written, deeply researched, and deliberately paced, this is a thriller you can appreciate many times over, as you discover hidden depths and secrets beyond the mystical crown and tunnels and secret chambers of Tudor England. A terrific first novel!