The Courts of Illusion
by Rosemary Hawley Jarman
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Book Summary Information
Author: Rosemary Hawley JarmanEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1983-04
ISBN: 0316457841
Number of pages: 370
Publisher: Little Brown & Co (T)
Book Reviews of The Courts of Illusion
Book Review: Rich With Detail
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the first novel by Rosemary Hawley Jarman that I've read. I will certainly be reading more.
I recently read The King's Daughter by Sandra Worth and was fascinated by the story of "Perkin Warbeck" the so-called pretender to the throne of England who vexed Henry Tudor for eight years by claiming that he was Richard, Duke of York, the true claimant to the throne, son of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, one of the princes in the tower.
There aren't many books out there written about "Warbeck". I was able to find just a few. I read 'Richard of England' by Diana Kleyn which supports the idea that Perkin was who he said he was and the rightful heir to the throne, it's a convincing work on non-fiction.
I also read 'The Wrong Plantagenet' by Marian Palmer, her work of historical fiction has a traditional perspective and portrays "Warbeck" as nothing more than the pretender Henry Tudor claimed he was.
This novel came down more closely on the side of Warbeck being Richard Duke of York, while at the same time offering glimpses of doubt.
I was immediately endeared to our protagonist when on the first page we learn he has been lamenting the loss of his beloved horse, Bedesman. The year is 1490, five years after the battle at Bosworth Field, Nicholas Archer is nineteen years old. It was his father's keen eye that spied out the enemy for Richard III at Bosworth Field and he paid for his devotion with his life.
Nicholas becomes estranged from his family, he pledges his devotion to Richard Duke of York and eventually becomes one of his most trusted aides. And so we follow Richard Duke of York (Perkin Warbeck) through the many courts of Europe as he garners support for his cause.
Jarman weaves a rich tapestry of fifteenth century England replete with poverty, hunger, filth, many fortunes reversed and harsh punishments meted out. Archer recounts his experience after enduring the hardships and joys of his adventure and frequently alludes to future events which creates a constant tension throughout his tale.
I chose this book because I wanted to read more about Richard Duke of York but found that my interest in him was eclipsed by that for Nicholas Archer. Jarman has created a moving character and an engrossing story that weaves together history and fiction. I stayed up late reading and was rewarded for my efforts.
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