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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
One of the classics.
The whole investigation takes place while the inspector is confined to a hospitable bed. There are enough sites for synopses and analyses of this delightfully constructed story.
It's enough to say that this contains one of my favorite openings to a novel (because so subtly funny) ever.
Public domain by the way. Downloaded my copy from the University of Adelaide. They maintain a page with most of her work.
The whole investigation takes place while the inspector is confined to a hospitable bed. There are enough sites for synopses and analyses of this delightfully constructed story.
It's enough to say that this contains one of my favorite openings to a novel (because so subtly funny) ever.
Public domain by the way. Downloaded my copy from the University of Adelaide. They maintain a page with most of her work.
I read this back in high school, it is still a favorite of mine. I just purchased the audio book, so I will be listening to that soon.
This was such an interesting and fun read. There was so much in it that to read it again would be worth it.
My first and thus far only Josephine Tey novel (a travesty which I look to reverse soon). It was a pleasure to read the exploit of how Inspector Alan Grant takes on the investigation of a 15th century mystery, all while confined to a hospital bed with one leg in a cask.
In the beginning I found his desire to reclaim Richard's reputation to be slightly too noble. However, as I read the story I realized that proving his own intuition correct was just as important to Inspector Grant as was proving beyond reasonable doubt that King Richard was in fact the monster everyone believed him to be.
How Grant pieces together information from historical archives and how he utilizes those around him to aide his investigation makes for a fun and entertaining read. Truly, a very cerebral piece of work considering the book was written at a time when usually it was the butler who did it.
In the beginning I found his desire to reclaim Richard's reputation to be slightly too noble. However, as I read the story I realized that proving his own intuition correct was just as important to Inspector Grant as was proving beyond reasonable doubt that King Richard was in fact the monster everyone believed him to be.
How Grant pieces together information from historical archives and how he utilizes those around him to aide his investigation makes for a fun and entertaining read. Truly, a very cerebral piece of work considering the book was written at a time when usually it was the butler who did it.
This is a wonderful book. If you love history mysteries this one is very thorough. Richard III one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented people of history is shown for who he really was in this book. The author goes through the facts in a story setting that brings them to life instead of just listing them off. One of the most enjoyable books I have read.
Fascinating look at how Richard III isn't quite what popular culture thinks of him. Nicely drawn out detective piece picking apart the accepted 'facts.'
The dialogue and characterization were sharp and witty, but not recommended unless you are HARDCORE into the nitty-gritty details of English history. I may try another Tey novel, but not sure.
informative
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It's an odd thing but when you tell someone the true facts of a mythical tale they are indignant not with the teller but with you. They don't *want* to have their ideas upset. It rouses some vague uneasiness in them... and they resent it."
Quite brilliant in its telling, Tey's "mystery" is a history book with the framing device of a Scotland Yard inspector researching a 'cold case' when he is laid up in the hospital. Bored and staring at the ceiling, his friend tries to spark his interest as he convalesces. A portrait of Richard III is just the spark Inspector Grant needs, and he is on the case - reading everything he can get his hands on about the 15th century monarchy and the infamous murders of his nephews, the "Princes in the Tower".
I don't know much about this interlude of royal history, so I liked learning more. What I really liked is the subversive undertone of a book written in the UK in the 1950s that really questions the establishment of what we are told (fed) throughout history. Contrarian thought isn't new, but this idea of questioning the sources is becoming more accepted at this time.
"I'll never again believe anything I read in a history book, as long as I live, so help me."
Other observations:
-- Tey has an easy and relaxed writing style.
-- The phrase "woolly lamb" to describe a young 'green' person is simultaneously endearing and hilarious. It is used a lot in this book for children and young people.
-- Picked this paperback up on a free shelf at the beach earlier this summer on a whim, and it was a nice find. Fun diversion!