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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Entertaining and enlightening twist on a detective novel.
The first thing to know is that Josephine Tey is not a historian, and that this book, although centering around a historical controversy, is first and foremost a fictional mystery. Don't expect footnotes or even a bibliography.
However, once you accept that, this book is a marvelous journey into the nature of history. Through a bedridden detective and his research assistant, the reader journeys into a world where "everyone" is wrong, history textbooks are false, and even the most respected historians operate on hearsay. It's a story where one of the most notorious murderers of history is shown to be a kind uncle, loyal father, and peacemaking king.
The adage that the winners write history is nothing new. But the the idea that their smearing of one man has endured for over four centuries is sort of horrifying, and shows us just how mistaken our convictions about the authenticity of history can be. And it should make us think about the way we write history, as well. We may not cover up or pin murders, but do we falsify the past to make ourselves look better? I think so.
However, once you accept that, this book is a marvelous journey into the nature of history. Through a bedridden detective and his research assistant, the reader journeys into a world where "everyone" is wrong, history textbooks are false, and even the most respected historians operate on hearsay. It's a story where one of the most notorious murderers of history is shown to be a kind uncle, loyal father, and peacemaking king.
The adage that the winners write history is nothing new. But the the idea that their smearing of one man has endured for over four centuries is sort of horrifying, and shows us just how mistaken our convictions about the authenticity of history can be. And it should make us think about the way we write history, as well. We may not cover up or pin murders, but do we falsify the past to make ourselves look better? I think so.
Really fun book. not quite sure what the category is ... detective? Really unlike anything I have read as the detective in the story (Alan Grant) is investigating the disappearance and likely murder of Richard the Third. The book is doubly interesting if the reader is curious about the War of the Roses. Solving a centuries old crime does not sound like a scintillating premise but she does it masterfully. Like most, my opinion of Richard is right out of Shakespeare, so I now have a much higher opinion of Richard than before, not that he cares.
Not a book to read in the audiobook version. Apart from the awful "American" accent of one of the characters, I think this is a book you need to be able to flip back and forth in to remember who that one guy was or what that one document said. Pretty confusing otherwise. And honestly I can't say I really care that much about Richard III. But as a researcher myself, I found it very relaxing to read a book that was all about old-school research, sending someone to the library for even the most minute fact instead of just googling it.
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
So this book literally combines two of my most favorite genres ever - historical fiction (specifically the War of the Roses!) and old classic mystery - into one. I saw another review say that this isn't really a novel, it's a vehicle for presenting a historical argument, and I kind of agree with that. It definitely isn't light reading, I found myself doing additional research and pausing to think and put things together. It took me longer than a 5 hour book should have. There's not really a plot, just Inspector Grant laying in a bed doing research on Richard III. But see, the thing is I love Richard III and I'm wholly in agreement that he is innocent of murdering his nephews. This book 100% proves that to me beyond a shadow of a doubt. It actually really frustrates me that it is such "common knowledge" that he was a monster and a murderer and a wicked person when the truth is, if you do just a little research, he was actually the opposite of all of that. I blame [b:Richard III|42058|Richard III|William Shakespeare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328043960l/42058._SY75_.jpg|2913597]. Shakespeare and those darn Tudors muddying the waters. Just kidding, I love Shakespeare and I love the Tudors. But they did purposefully frame Richard III for their own crimes so. Who really is the monster?
Anyway, this book will definitely not be for everyone but I loved it. It definitely makes you think about the fact that history is written by the victors.
Anyway, this book will definitely not be for everyone but I loved it. It definitely makes you think about the fact that history is written by the victors.
Amazing book about England and the Prince back in the 1500s!! Definitely a must read if you love Historical Fiction!!