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bogglekitten's reviews
56 reviews
Dominion by C.J. Sansom
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
An alternate history novel which begins at the moment when Winston Churchill does not become British Prime Minister in 1940.
The novel is well-researched and on the whole, well thought out. Looking into the abyss of what might have been if the second world war had turned out differently is always compelling and it's interesting to see how different writers treat this topic. In his author's note, Sansom praises Robert Harris' Fatherland as one of the best alt history novels about this period, and I would say this novel gives Fatherland a good run for it's money.
I did feel that the character development left a little to be desired, particularly the female characters, who seem flat and one-dimensional throughout. The plot did enough to keep me engaged to the end though, although I can't say I found the ending particularly satisfactory or completely agreed with some of the author's portrayals of historical figures. However, the author's message about the perils of nationalism is very much still valid today.
I would recommend this to people with an interest in the era or alt-history in general.
The novel is well-researched and on the whole, well thought out. Looking into the abyss of what might have been if the second world war had turned out differently is always compelling and it's interesting to see how different writers treat this topic. In his author's note, Sansom praises Robert Harris' Fatherland as one of the best alt history novels about this period, and I would say this novel gives Fatherland a good run for it's money.
I did feel that the character development left a little to be desired, particularly the female characters, who seem flat and one-dimensional throughout. The plot did enough to keep me engaged to the end though, although I can't say I found the ending particularly satisfactory or completely agreed with some of the author's portrayals of historical figures. However, the author's message about the perils of nationalism is very much still valid today.
I would recommend this to people with an interest in the era or alt-history in general.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Antisemitism, Grief, War
Minor: Genocide, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Murder, Colonisation, Classism
Mistress Cromwell by Carol McGrath
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
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? No
4.5
Mistress Cromwell is a historical novel set in Tudor England and narrated from the perspective of Elizabeth, who marries Thomas Cromwell during the course of the book. We meet the character as she has just lost her first husband and is reshaping her life anew after an unhappy and unfulfilling marriage.
Mcgrath has researched the period well and evokes it beautifully, with rich detail. As Elizabeth builds her cloth business, we learn more about trade, guilds, dyes and textiles. The rhythm of the days and passage of the seasons throughout the story is punctuated by church bells and saints days and holidays . These details bring authenticity to the narrative and will please any reader who is interested in the period.
Like many women of her era, we know very little about Elizabeth but Mcgrath uses this to her advantage, building an interesting yet believable story arc which keeps you engaged until the conclusion. McGrath also shows a side of Thomas Cromwell we are probably less aware of: the trader, lawyer and husband he was prior to the well documented events that played out with Henry VIII. Again, and as the author points out in her notes, this is more speculative but has roots in good research.
I understand there is a sequel to the novel due in 2026, and will definitely be reading that, and other novels by Carol McGrath as this was really enjoyable and interesting.
Mcgrath has researched the period well and evokes it beautifully, with rich detail. As Elizabeth builds her cloth business, we learn more about trade, guilds, dyes and textiles. The rhythm of the days and passage of the seasons throughout the story is punctuated by church bells and saints days and holidays . These details bring authenticity to the narrative and will please any reader who is interested in the period.
Like many women of her era, we know very little about Elizabeth but Mcgrath uses this to her advantage, building an interesting yet believable story arc which keeps you engaged until the conclusion. McGrath also shows a side of Thomas Cromwell we are probably less aware of: the trader, lawyer and husband he was prior to the well documented events that played out with Henry VIII. Again, and as the author points out in her notes, this is more speculative but has roots in good research.
I understand there is a sequel to the novel due in 2026, and will definitely be reading that, and other novels by Carol McGrath as this was really enjoyable and interesting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death, Violence, Pandemic/Epidemic
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a beautifully written novel. O'Farrell has clearly researched thoroughly, and this is evidenced in an atmospheric and evocative portrayal of a toxic marriage in Renaissance Italy.
It would be fair to say that the twist in the tale is obvious early on, but this doesn't really spoil the reader's experience. The character, on the whole, are not particularly sympathetic but they have authenticity and are believable. The real draw of the novel for me is the writer's gorgeous prose which forms what felt like a rich tapestry, a feast for the mind.
When reading historical fiction, I always appreciate an author's note. O'Farrell does not disappoint on this, providing good contextual information on the people and places she portrays, plus an interesting reading list that provided the basis for her research.
Overall, a recommended read, but not if you are looking for a surprise twist!
It would be fair to say that the twist in the tale is obvious early on, but this doesn't really spoil the reader's experience. The character, on the whole, are not particularly sympathetic but they have authenticity and are believable. The real draw of the novel for me is the writer's gorgeous prose which forms what felt like a rich tapestry, a feast for the mind.
When reading historical fiction, I always appreciate an author's note. O'Farrell does not disappoint on this, providing good contextual information on the people and places she portrays, plus an interesting reading list that provided the basis for her research.
Overall, a recommended read, but not if you are looking for a surprise twist!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Infertility, Mental illness, Vomit, Grief, Classism
Minor: War
The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, Violence, Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual violence
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Painter's Daughters by Emily Howes
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pregnancy
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Death of parent, Classism
A Tapestry of Treason by Anne O'Brien
adventurous
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
O'Brien's novel fleshes out the life of Constance of York.
Constance can be a challenging character whose motivation is unclear at times, but her story is compelling. She appears to live life on her own terms - or at least, as much as any woman can in that era, even if a woman of wealth and privilege.
I found the portrayal of the plots against Henry IV very interesting. O'Brien does a great job of conveying the atmosphere of political intrigues and jostlings for power.
I appreciated the author's notes on the fates of the various people portrayed and the locations that are the settings, this kind of historical context always adds a new dimension to historical fiction.
Constance can be a challenging character whose motivation is unclear at times, but her story is compelling. She appears to live life on her own terms - or at least, as much as any woman can in that era, even if a woman of wealth and privilege.
I found the portrayal of the plots against Henry IV very interesting. O'Brien does a great job of conveying the atmosphere of political intrigues and jostlings for power.
I appreciated the author's notes on the fates of the various people portrayed and the locations that are the settings, this kind of historical context always adds a new dimension to historical fiction.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Pregnancy
Minor: Death, Grief, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail
A Brief History Of Britain 1485–1660, The Tudor and Stuart dynasties by Ronald Hutton
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Forgot to renew library loan..
The Women of the Cousins' War: The Real White Queen and Her Rivals by Philippa Gregory, Michael Jones, David Baldwin
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
The three essays detail the lives of Elizabeth Woodville, her mother Jacquetta, and Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII.
It is difficult to fully account for the lives of any women during this period, as most historical records document the lives and achievements of men. However, Gregory, Baldwin and Jones do a good job of gleaning detail from the information available and make it clear enough when they veer into speculation.
This tumultuous period of English history is truly fascinating and this book really shines a light on the women who wielded influence during that era.
There are some great insights into the lives of each woman, plus interesting context to Gregory's novels about them.
A really interesting read, which I highly recommend to anyone who has enjoyed Gregory's historical Cousins' War series of novels.
It is difficult to fully account for the lives of any women during this period, as most historical records document the lives and achievements of men. However, Gregory, Baldwin and Jones do a good job of gleaning detail from the information available and make it clear enough when they veer into speculation.
This tumultuous period of English history is truly fascinating and this book really shines a light on the women who wielded influence during that era.
There are some great insights into the lives of each woman, plus interesting context to Gregory's novels about them.
A really interesting read, which I highly recommend to anyone who has enjoyed Gregory's historical Cousins' War series of novels.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Murder, Pregnancy, War
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death
A Court of Betrayal by Anne O'Brien
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The novel, set in 14th century England and Wales, follows Johane de Geneville and her marriage to the Earl of March, Roger Mortimer.
We see Johane drawn into accusations of treason and the impact it has upon her and her family.
I enjoyed this novel, it was well-written and kept my attention throughout. I would have enjoyed a more detailed afterword from the author about her research and basis for the book, but overall a good read. Recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction centred on strong female characters.
We see Johane drawn into accusations of treason and the impact it has upon her and her family.
I enjoyed this novel, it was well-written and kept my attention throughout. I would have enjoyed a more detailed afterword from the author about her research and basis for the book, but overall a good read. Recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction centred on strong female characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Death, Grief
Minor: Violence, Pregnancy, War, Injury/Injury detail