Scan barcode
A review by secre
Cecily by Annie Garthwaite
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cecily is a fascinating piece of historical fiction, partly because of the perspective. Cecily Neville, as with most women of the era, is shadowed in historical narratives by her husband and her sons. Yet she is very much at the centre of this novel, and whilst she very much knows her place, she is also integral to many of the decisions that changed history - for better or worse.
This is a very involved historical fiction; there are a huge amount of names and details, so much so that I found it overwhelming at points to keep track of who was who. Those coming in relatively blind to the period of history may struggle, however there was more than enough here to keep my interest. It's an intricate historical narrative, but with the view being behind the scenes rather than the people in power. Cecily is a character it's easy to empathise with, she's strong and smart as well as being politically astute - often more so than her husband.
The novel takes us through a turbulent time in English history, with a weak willed king who often listens to those whispering close to his ear at the expense of all others. There's war, heartbreak and disaster, but there's also strength, both on a personal and on a larger level. Despite my lack of knowledge for the period, and occasional confusion with the numerous characters - several of whom share names regrettably, it was a novel that wove it's way around me and I felt completely emmeshed in the events of the time. I found it interesting that Garthwaite focussed very much on Cecily's life before her sons became kings; this is the story of the making of the woman, not the making of her sons.
All in all, an excellently researched and fascinating piece of historical fiction that also reminded me that I really ought to know more about my own country's history.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC of this title.
This is a very involved historical fiction; there are a huge amount of names and details, so much so that I found it overwhelming at points to keep track of who was who. Those coming in relatively blind to the period of history may struggle, however there was more than enough here to keep my interest. It's an intricate historical narrative, but with the view being behind the scenes rather than the people in power. Cecily is a character it's easy to empathise with, she's strong and smart as well as being politically astute - often more so than her husband.
The novel takes us through a turbulent time in English history, with a weak willed king who often listens to those whispering close to his ear at the expense of all others. There's war, heartbreak and disaster, but there's also strength, both on a personal and on a larger level. Despite my lack of knowledge for the period, and occasional confusion with the numerous characters - several of whom share names regrettably, it was a novel that wove it's way around me and I felt completely emmeshed in the events of the time. I found it interesting that Garthwaite focussed very much on Cecily's life before her sons became kings; this is the story of the making of the woman, not the making of her sons.
All in all, an excellently researched and fascinating piece of historical fiction that also reminded me that I really ought to know more about my own country's history.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC of this title.