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A review by lreay89
Harlequin by Bernard Cornwell
3.0
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book and though the story was engaging and historically accurate. I’ve not read any books that focus on Edward III campaign in France or the battles that started the 100 years war so it was refreshing to learn about this important historical time.
I agree with some of the other reviews - there were episodes of violence, especially towards women that I found unnecessary. I think it’s very obvious nowadays that war didn’t bring the best out in the men that fought so it was unnecessary and gratuitous to describe so much rape in so much detail. I am fully aware these atrocities took place without having them described to me so often during the book.
What was especially unbelievable to me (as a female reader) was the description of the aftermath of violence towards a particular female character which involved her having a mental breakdown (this part I agree with and found realistic) which was then spoiled by the sudden sexual relationship developing with another male character.
Literally one minute the female was inconsolable and the next she was jumping into bed with another man. If the whole episode had been removed it wouldn’t have effected the story at all. Something for Bernard to think about for future books!
Otherwise the book was well written and kept me engaged. As long as the rape is skipped over this book is a good read and kept me occupied before my c-section and subsequently during night feeds.
I enjoyed this book and though the story was engaging and historically accurate. I’ve not read any books that focus on Edward III campaign in France or the battles that started the 100 years war so it was refreshing to learn about this important historical time.
I agree with some of the other reviews - there were episodes of violence, especially towards women that I found unnecessary. I think it’s very obvious nowadays that war didn’t bring the best out in the men that fought so it was unnecessary and gratuitous to describe so much rape in so much detail. I am fully aware these atrocities took place without having them described to me so often during the book.
What was especially unbelievable to me (as a female reader) was the description of the aftermath of violence towards a particular female character which involved her having a mental breakdown (this part I agree with and found realistic) which was then spoiled by the sudden sexual relationship developing with another male character.
Literally one minute the female was inconsolable and the next she was jumping into bed with another man. If the whole episode had been removed it wouldn’t have effected the story at all. Something for Bernard to think about for future books!
Otherwise the book was well written and kept me engaged. As long as the rape is skipped over this book is a good read and kept me occupied before my c-section and subsequently during night feeds.