Scan barcode
A review by patremagne
Harlequin by Bernard Cornwell
4.0
Having been a big fan of historical fiction for as long as I can remember, I'm ashamed to admit this is my first Cornwell novel. Judging by how much I enjoyed Harlequin, it's definitely not going to be my last.
Cornwell seamlessly blends historical fact and fiction and is one of the few historical fiction authors who stays as close to history as possible, but also makes these minor tweaks to it so that the story becomes, in a way, unpredictable. Sure, a quick Wikipedia search can show you whether or not the Black Prince or any other person died at Crecy, but even if you know there's still suspense in the way Cornwell weaves his words, and his depiction of the battle at Crecy was thrilling to hear. I have a huge interest in the Hundred Years' War, so it's great to hear an accurate (for the most part) account of one of the most important battles of the century-long conflict, especially in a time where it doesn't seem like a lot of modern historians are willing to write readable nonfiction on the subject.
Andrew Cullum was an excellent narrator, able to pull off a large variety of characters in unique ways.
Cornwell seamlessly blends historical fact and fiction and is one of the few historical fiction authors who stays as close to history as possible, but also makes these minor tweaks to it so that the story becomes, in a way, unpredictable. Sure, a quick Wikipedia search can show you whether or not the Black Prince or any other person died at Crecy, but even if you know there's still suspense in the way Cornwell weaves his words, and his depiction of the battle at Crecy was thrilling to hear. I have a huge interest in the Hundred Years' War, so it's great to hear an accurate (for the most part) account of one of the most important battles of the century-long conflict, especially in a time where it doesn't seem like a lot of modern historians are willing to write readable nonfiction on the subject.
Andrew Cullum was an excellent narrator, able to pull off a large variety of characters in unique ways.