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The Adventures of Alianore Audley
Roger wore his collar of golden Yorkist suns to show that he was one of the King's knights, ludicrous piked shoes to show that he was fashionable, and a massive codpiece to show that he had a vivid imagination.
Alianore Audley is a good, submissive, demure woman of the fifteenth century … and if you believe that, you'll believe anything. But she is a spy in Edward IV's intelligence service, and the author of a chronicle that casts - well, a new light, let's say, on the times of the Yorkist kings. History will never be the same after Alianore. Nor will most other novels.
Brian Wainwright's debut novel The Adventures of Alianore Audley is a brilliantly funny, subversive spoof.
Publisher's As it says on the BeWrite website we try to give value for money and we have again with this book, if you care to take a look...
Alianore Audley is a good, submissive, demure woman of the fifteenth century … and if you believe that, you'll believe anything. But she is a spy in Edward IV's intelligence service, and the author of a chronicle that casts - well, a new light, let's say, on the times of the Yorkist kings. History will never be the same after Alianore. Nor will most other novels.
Brian Wainwright's debut novel The Adventures of Alianore Audley is a brilliantly funny, subversive spoof.
Publisher's As it says on the BeWrite website we try to give value for money and we have again with this book, if you care to take a look...
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 29, 2016
You know what the problem with Dickon of Gloucester in historical fiction is, pro-Ricardian and anti-Ricardian alike?
Let me enlighten you with a line from this extremely amusing little novel on the Wars of the Roses:
With Mr Wainwright's permission, I'm officially stealing this as my to-go description of Richard III! Perfectly put by damosel (not) in distress Alianore Audley, cousin to the Brothers York, that line expresses one of my minor complaints with all portrayals of this king, that regardless of whether he's shown to be a paragon of saintliness or a monster depending on which colour your rose is, he's usually so uptight and humourless compared to, say, Ned and George. This novel gave me an outlet to laugh out loud at this instead, and now I think I've even become fond of this humourless portrayal.
The unfortunately too short novel is pro-Yorkist in general, but that doesn't mean the three Brothers York are spared from Alianore's tongue. Oh, nobody actually is, now that I think of it. Both Lancastrians and Yorkists are mocked mercilessly, and some of the puns are truly brilliant, and there's lots of passages that aren't written in a humorous manner but that due to the context are revealed as subtle inside-jokes that once you realise them make you burst out laughing, for which I encourage any potential readers to not read this book if they're not all that familiar with the Wars of the Roses and its major players, because they will miss the humour and not "get" many of the jokes that are funny only when you know the full picture or the real history. Get the basics first, read a couple or so other novels or non-fiction, and then pick this one up. Trust me, you'll enjoy it much more that way.
I've enjoyed this so much that some of the fun-making has rubbed off on me, like that now I find it hard to read "Henry Tudor" anywhere without feeling the urge to fix it with the addition of "That Upstart" before his name. I do think this novel came at the right time to fill in a void in Wars of the Roses fiction, where partisanism and bias for one camp or the other isn't unusual and opinions can become heated on certain subjects. Humour and spoofs were sorely missing!
Let me enlighten you with a line from this extremely amusing little novel on the Wars of the Roses:
The trouble with Richard was not that he was hunchbacked but that he had no sense of humour. I shall spell it out to save you from any doubts. NO SENSE OF HUMOUR AT ALL.
With Mr Wainwright's permission, I'm officially stealing this as my to-go description of Richard III! Perfectly put by damosel (not) in distress Alianore Audley, cousin to the Brothers York, that line expresses one of my minor complaints with all portrayals of this king, that regardless of whether he's shown to be a paragon of saintliness or a monster depending on which colour your rose is, he's usually so uptight and humourless compared to, say, Ned and George. This novel gave me an outlet to laugh out loud at this instead, and now I think I've even become fond of this humourless portrayal.
The unfortunately too short novel is pro-Yorkist in general, but that doesn't mean the three Brothers York are spared from Alianore's tongue. Oh, nobody actually is, now that I think of it. Both Lancastrians and Yorkists are mocked mercilessly, and some of the puns are truly brilliant, and there's lots of passages that aren't written in a humorous manner but that due to the context are revealed as subtle inside-jokes that once you realise them make you burst out laughing, for which I encourage any potential readers to not read this book if they're not all that familiar with the Wars of the Roses and its major players, because they will miss the humour and not "get" many of the jokes that are funny only when you know the full picture or the real history. Get the basics first, read a couple or so other novels or non-fiction, and then pick this one up. Trust me, you'll enjoy it much more that way.
I've enjoyed this so much that some of the fun-making has rubbed off on me, like that now I find it hard to read "Henry Tudor" anywhere without feeling the urge to fix it with the addition of "That Upstart" before his name. I do think this novel came at the right time to fill in a void in Wars of the Roses fiction, where partisanism and bias for one camp or the other isn't unusual and opinions can become heated on certain subjects. Humour and spoofs were sorely missing!
October 14, 2009
I don't know how I missed putting this gem on my bookshelf here at GR :)
What a hysterical send up of historical fiction. Mel Brooks couldn't have done better. I was laughing through every page, the author's toungue must have been firmly planted in his cheek the entire time. Hard to believe this is the same person who wrote the ever so serious (and brilliant!) Within The Fetterlock.
However, I would recommend that you have a passing knowledge of the Wars of the Roses, Edward the IV and Richard the III. Otherwise, you'll miss most of the jokes. Highly recommended and a breath of fresh air from so many serious works of fiction.
What a hysterical send up of historical fiction. Mel Brooks couldn't have done better. I was laughing through every page, the author's toungue must have been firmly planted in his cheek the entire time. Hard to believe this is the same person who wrote the ever so serious (and brilliant!) Within The Fetterlock.
However, I would recommend that you have a passing knowledge of the Wars of the Roses, Edward the IV and Richard the III. Otherwise, you'll miss most of the jokes. Highly recommended and a breath of fresh air from so many serious works of fiction.
January 11, 2010
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
If you're looking for a little levity, you can't go wrong in spending an afternoon with Alianore, who is not your typical 15th century waiting woman - she's a saucy, savvy, sexy little spy for her cousin, King Edward IV, employed in the household of her other cousin, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. At times she is biased and unreliable - she's got some fanciful stories about certain events that take place during Richard's reign - but she's always entertaining. Alianore finds herself in one jam after another as she contrives to balance the demands of political intrigue with her life's ambition to be an ordinary knight's lady. This is a quick read and great fun, particularly if, like me, you've read more than your fair share of medieval novels!
Witness this recent entry from the Court Circular, in the Alliances Sought section: "Damosel, XXI years. Warranted chaste and obedient. No visible blemishes. Offers to John Audley, at Eltham. Woodvilles, Hautes, etc. need not apply."
Or Paragraph Eighteen from the Knightly Code: "No knight, esquire, or armiger shall carry off, ravish or imprison any lady, damosel or gentlewoman (except for the purpose of taking her in canonical marriage against her will) under pain of six months banishment from all tournaments in Western Europe and a fine of twenty-four shillings."
Or the sign on the wall of a favorite London cook-shop:
"Anne Neville, Duchess of Gloucester, worked here, 1471."
The author explains that he rattled off this little romp as a break to get his creative juices flowing again while writing his more serious work, Within The Fetterlock. I highly recommend this little tart of a book!
If you're looking for a little levity, you can't go wrong in spending an afternoon with Alianore, who is not your typical 15th century waiting woman - she's a saucy, savvy, sexy little spy for her cousin, King Edward IV, employed in the household of her other cousin, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. At times she is biased and unreliable - she's got some fanciful stories about certain events that take place during Richard's reign - but she's always entertaining. Alianore finds herself in one jam after another as she contrives to balance the demands of political intrigue with her life's ambition to be an ordinary knight's lady. This is a quick read and great fun, particularly if, like me, you've read more than your fair share of medieval novels!
Witness this recent entry from the Court Circular, in the Alliances Sought section: "Damosel, XXI years. Warranted chaste and obedient. No visible blemishes. Offers to John Audley, at Eltham. Woodvilles, Hautes, etc. need not apply."
Or Paragraph Eighteen from the Knightly Code: "No knight, esquire, or armiger shall carry off, ravish or imprison any lady, damosel or gentlewoman (except for the purpose of taking her in canonical marriage against her will) under pain of six months banishment from all tournaments in Western Europe and a fine of twenty-four shillings."
Or the sign on the wall of a favorite London cook-shop:
"Anne Neville, Duchess of Gloucester, worked here, 1471."
The author explains that he rattled off this little romp as a break to get his creative juices flowing again while writing his more serious work, Within The Fetterlock. I highly recommend this little tart of a book!
October 20, 2016
Time, I thought, for a re-read of this favorite tale of spycraft for the House of York (well, for Edward and Richard) featuring the (mostly) intrepid Alianore Audley and her cynical asides. It is actually historically sound despite the spoofery with a wealth of detail referred to that a student of the period would identify; Mr Wainwright is a long time Riccardian.
Highly recommended for a more light-hearted look at a most troublous historical period. Keep in mind the Richard HAS NO SENSE OF HUMOUR AT ALL. How very difficult for his wisecracking spymistress!
Highly recommended for a more light-hearted look at a most troublous historical period. Keep in mind the Richard HAS NO SENSE OF HUMOUR AT ALL. How very difficult for his wisecracking spymistress!
December 31, 2021
The Adventures of Alianore Audley
By Brian Wainwright
Reviewed December 31, 2021
“As my mother used to tell me, there’s nothing better than a good knight in bed.”
Alianore Audley is a sexy, sassy wench who tells it like she sees it, and no one is exempt from her biting wit. Not her family, not her husband, not even the brothers York, though she is an intelligence operative for Ed IV and loyal to the House of York. However, if faced with torture, she’ll give up all she knows and then some, because while she may be loyal, she’s not into pain and suffering.
Her keen eye and powers of observation make themselves known at an early age. While at a convent, when the Bishop’s Vicar-General is found lying on the grass in the middle of the cloisters Alianore is able to demonstrate that the man did not die from a heart attack (the head wound had something to do with that) but also embarrasses the Prioress when she points out,
‘You obviously dressed in some degree of haste. No doubt that’s why you’re wearing his drawers on your head instead of your wimple.’
Her life in the convent proved to be short lived after that.
Even though the Audleys are described as an “obscure tribe” (as Alianore puts it), they are related to royalty with Alianore a cousin to the king, who ends up sending her to be a part of Lady Warwick’s household, so off she goes to Middleham.
While there, she becomes acquainted with the king’s youngest brother Richard. Her observations about young Gloucester are not necessarily flattering. Quite the opposite, in fact. She finds him something of a stick-in-the-mud and describes him as wearing the “troubled expression of a man whose bowels have not moved for three months. Richard always did look a bit like that. You got used to it after a while. Some women even found it attractive.”
At one point, Alianore finds herself pondering how Richard ever managed to father two bastards. “He probably received a royal command to do it, in writing, with the Great Seal of England attached.” She also notes the duke’s nervous habit of twisting his rings on his fingers. “At this point they were going around so quickly that I thought he was going to screw his hand off.”
While at Middleham, she learns of the Earl of Warwick’s plotting against the king and forwards this information to King Edward...and this is what leads to her being recruited to gather intelligence for the king, going on secret missions, compiling files, and keeping a finger on the political pulse of the land.
The Adventures of Alianore Audley is a rollicking good read that has a definite target audience. While the lady’s adventures are laugh out loud funny, it helps to be at least reasonably familiar with the Wars of the Roses to get all the little in jokes. The more you know, the funnier it gets. And even though it’s obvious the author is pro-Yorkist and pro-Ricardian, that doesn’t stop him from poking fun at both, although adjectives like “obnoxious” tied to the name Tudor doesn’t hurt, either.
And while the situations Alianore finds herself in are well grounded in historical facts, there’s almost always a humorous twist to them, which makes me wonder – might not some of the events of that period have had a funny side to them that we simply have no way of knowing about? As for the big reveal at the end about one of Ed IV’s liaisons? Well, who’s to say it might not have happened?
By Brian Wainwright
Reviewed December 31, 2021
“As my mother used to tell me, there’s nothing better than a good knight in bed.”
Alianore Audley is a sexy, sassy wench who tells it like she sees it, and no one is exempt from her biting wit. Not her family, not her husband, not even the brothers York, though she is an intelligence operative for Ed IV and loyal to the House of York. However, if faced with torture, she’ll give up all she knows and then some, because while she may be loyal, she’s not into pain and suffering.
Her keen eye and powers of observation make themselves known at an early age. While at a convent, when the Bishop’s Vicar-General is found lying on the grass in the middle of the cloisters Alianore is able to demonstrate that the man did not die from a heart attack (the head wound had something to do with that) but also embarrasses the Prioress when she points out,
‘You obviously dressed in some degree of haste. No doubt that’s why you’re wearing his drawers on your head instead of your wimple.’
Her life in the convent proved to be short lived after that.
Even though the Audleys are described as an “obscure tribe” (as Alianore puts it), they are related to royalty with Alianore a cousin to the king, who ends up sending her to be a part of Lady Warwick’s household, so off she goes to Middleham.
While there, she becomes acquainted with the king’s youngest brother Richard. Her observations about young Gloucester are not necessarily flattering. Quite the opposite, in fact. She finds him something of a stick-in-the-mud and describes him as wearing the “troubled expression of a man whose bowels have not moved for three months. Richard always did look a bit like that. You got used to it after a while. Some women even found it attractive.”
At one point, Alianore finds herself pondering how Richard ever managed to father two bastards. “He probably received a royal command to do it, in writing, with the Great Seal of England attached.” She also notes the duke’s nervous habit of twisting his rings on his fingers. “At this point they were going around so quickly that I thought he was going to screw his hand off.”
While at Middleham, she learns of the Earl of Warwick’s plotting against the king and forwards this information to King Edward...and this is what leads to her being recruited to gather intelligence for the king, going on secret missions, compiling files, and keeping a finger on the political pulse of the land.
The Adventures of Alianore Audley is a rollicking good read that has a definite target audience. While the lady’s adventures are laugh out loud funny, it helps to be at least reasonably familiar with the Wars of the Roses to get all the little in jokes. The more you know, the funnier it gets. And even though it’s obvious the author is pro-Yorkist and pro-Ricardian, that doesn’t stop him from poking fun at both, although adjectives like “obnoxious” tied to the name Tudor doesn’t hurt, either.
And while the situations Alianore finds herself in are well grounded in historical facts, there’s almost always a humorous twist to them, which makes me wonder – might not some of the events of that period have had a funny side to them that we simply have no way of knowing about? As for the big reveal at the end about one of Ed IV’s liaisons? Well, who’s to say it might not have happened?
December 31, 2008
Very amusing, I found myself laughing out loud several times. This is one of those books that can't be compared to serious historical fiction, it's in a different category. This is funny and silly, while at the same time obviously has the historical facts all in order. It should be read after the serious stuff otherwise you won't get as much of the humor.
It says in the 'About the Author' that Brian Wainwright is working on a book about Richard III, Francis Lovel and the Mowbray family. I would love to read that, I haven't found anything of substance written on Francis Lovel. If anyone knows when that book is due to come out would you let me know? And if there's something out there (fiction) on Francis Lovel and you could share that with me as well, that would be great, Thanks.
And can anyone tell me what is the picture of on the cover of this book?
It says in the 'About the Author' that Brian Wainwright is working on a book about Richard III, Francis Lovel and the Mowbray family. I would love to read that, I haven't found anything of substance written on Francis Lovel. If anyone knows when that book is due to come out would you let me know? And if there's something out there (fiction) on Francis Lovel and you could share that with me as well, that would be great, Thanks.
And can anyone tell me what is the picture of on the cover of this book?
August 23, 2024
Are you a Ricardian (i.e., thinks Richard III was a good guy), but you would like a (temporary) respite from books portraying Richard as a romantic hero? This is a delightful and welcome change of pace. Alianore works for Yorkist intelligence, and, though loyal, she has no illusions about stick-in-the-mud Richard. NO SENSE OF HUMOR AT ALL.
While the historical facts are spot on--and offers a plausible explanation for the disappearance of the princes, it is the irreverent view of historical figures and humorous look at 15th century life that makes this book a pleasure to read.
I was in a mood to laugh and be entertained so I read one of my favorite Ricardian novels again. It was just as good as I remembered it.
While the historical facts are spot on--and offers a plausible explanation for the disappearance of the princes, it is the irreverent view of historical figures and humorous look at 15th century life that makes this book a pleasure to read.
I was in a mood to laugh and be entertained so I read one of my favorite Ricardian novels again. It was just as good as I remembered it.
September 12, 2015
Very clever, very funny, very entertaining. If you know your Wars of the Roses, this is an absolute gem.
February 21, 2022
"Anyone not complying with this Instruction will receive Extremely Negative Vibrations. RR"
One of funniest and most brilliant retelling of the Wars of the Roses, the chronicle by Alianore Audley, a damsel who only "seek peace within the domestic walls" but is always brought forward unto the great historical events as a spy, will entertain you as no other. And to hell the boring chronicles of the period!
July 20, 2021
Entertaining, quick read. A satire on Richard III and the War of Roses. Best to have some back ground historical knowledge of the War of Roses before reading.
July 13, 2007
Ah!! So many laughs! So many good jokes. I laughed until I hurt. Wainwright writes with an easy and confident style, obviously very familiar with this period.
even those not so familiar with the intricacies of 15th century politics will find much to smile about. Genius.
even those not so familiar with the intricacies of 15th century politics will find much to smile about. Genius.
November 15, 2023
3.5 pink stars, rounded up.
The "true" story of Richard III, as told by a cousin of both the Yorkist and Lancastrian heirs to the throne. Her snarky commentary on the politics of the day is spot on. But don't take anything here too seriously. The author knows his medieval stuff, but this is entirely tongue in cheek. And a lot of fun. His version of "what happened to the princes in the tower" is as plausible as any. Now I really must read his "serious" historical fiction. Within The Fetterlock was the very first book I put on my TBR when I joined Goodreads in 2007...
Description: The light-hearted story of an intelligence agent in Yorkist England. Alianore's adventures give the real low-down on King Richard III. 'A wonderful romp in 15th-century England. The machinations of the Wars of the Roses and life at the court of Richard III are seen through the eyes of royal spy Alianore Audley. Told with zest, a deep love and knowledge of the period, not to say a wicked sense of humour and plenty of tongue in cheek, Brian Wainwright deserves far greater recognition than he currently gets.' (Elizabeth Chadwick's Top 10 Historical Novels, The Guardian.)
The "true" story of Richard III, as told by a cousin of both the Yorkist and Lancastrian heirs to the throne. Her snarky commentary on the politics of the day is spot on. But don't take anything here too seriously. The author knows his medieval stuff, but this is entirely tongue in cheek. And a lot of fun. His version of "what happened to the princes in the tower" is as plausible as any. Now I really must read his "serious" historical fiction. Within The Fetterlock was the very first book I put on my TBR when I joined Goodreads in 2007...
Description: The light-hearted story of an intelligence agent in Yorkist England. Alianore's adventures give the real low-down on King Richard III. 'A wonderful romp in 15th-century England. The machinations of the Wars of the Roses and life at the court of Richard III are seen through the eyes of royal spy Alianore Audley. Told with zest, a deep love and knowledge of the period, not to say a wicked sense of humour and plenty of tongue in cheek, Brian Wainwright deserves far greater recognition than he currently gets.' (Elizabeth Chadwick's Top 10 Historical Novels, The Guardian.)
June 9, 2023
I could make up a review of this book's quotations only.
it's just as satisfying as reaching Saturday after a long week's work and eat your well deserved pizza in the evening while watching a good movie, or reading, or just spending time however you wish.
I mean, it's a good ass book, not too long, and not in the least bit difficult. I loved all the irony, and sarcasm, and parody in it, and I would gladly read it again.
It's a spy story, and I don't usually read those, I can barely read detective stories set in the middle ages, how can you expect me to read a spy story? Yet I did, cuz it was fun, with some degree of seriousness; I was completely invested and, for the second time, wished Richard wouldn't die at Bosworth Field and reign in peace.
What I loved the most is the slander on Henry Tudor the Slimebag, as well as that on the Woodvilles. That's chef's kiss. Aaah, marvellous and wondrous.
it's just as satisfying as reaching Saturday after a long week's work and eat your well deserved pizza in the evening while watching a good movie, or reading, or just spending time however you wish.
I mean, it's a good ass book, not too long, and not in the least bit difficult. I loved all the irony, and sarcasm, and parody in it, and I would gladly read it again.
It's a spy story, and I don't usually read those, I can barely read detective stories set in the middle ages, how can you expect me to read a spy story? Yet I did, cuz it was fun, with some degree of seriousness; I was completely invested and, for the second time, wished Richard wouldn't die at Bosworth Field and reign in peace.
What I loved the most is the slander on Henry Tudor the Slimebag, as well as that on the Woodvilles. That's chef's kiss. Aaah, marvellous and wondrous.
July 30, 2012
The first book I have ever read that made me say to myself "I wish I had written that!" A positively hysterical spoof. Brian Wainwright writes Alianore with a very sarcastic and dry humor, and I loved every minute of this book. You may need to have a prior understanding of the Wars of the Roses in order to appreciate it in its entirety, but it can still be read for enjoyment at a different level if you are unfamiliar with the history. I'd recommend reading something like Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman first if you want to understand the history and times first.
January 8, 2015
Bawdy, tongue-in-cheek, satirical – this hilarious send-up of any historical fiction novel you’ve read about those seemingly endless Wars of the Roses will give you a whole new outlook on Edward IV, Richard III and Henry VII (aka Tudor Slimebag).
Alianore is a distant relative of Edward and Richard and through various royal machinations becomes a spy for the Yorkist kings. No simpering court lady, she’s ruthlessly practical, down-to-earth, sarcastic beyond measure and willing to do whatever it takes to survive the ambitions of those who would rule.
Alianore is a distant relative of Edward and Richard and through various royal machinations becomes a spy for the Yorkist kings. No simpering court lady, she’s ruthlessly practical, down-to-earth, sarcastic beyond measure and willing to do whatever it takes to survive the ambitions of those who would rule.
May 12, 2013
All the reviews I read have already underlined the wit and fun in this book.
I just want to add that reading this book you realize how, given the same historical facts, you can come to a history book, a tragic historical fiction, and a humorous one, none of them betraying history.
And I'm not at all sure which of them is of more service to the truth.
I just want to add that reading this book you realize how, given the same historical facts, you can come to a history book, a tragic historical fiction, and a humorous one, none of them betraying history.
And I'm not at all sure which of them is of more service to the truth.
February 22, 2009
A delight. It helps to have a general feel for the tangled politics of the period.
I had quite forgotten about the extensive collection of epithets Alianor had for Henry Tydder. It rivals my own.
I had quite forgotten about the extensive collection of epithets Alianor had for Henry Tydder. It rivals my own.
October 24, 2010
Despite being pro R3, this little gem is clever, funny and highly entertaining particularly if you know your Wars of the Roses. It gives wonderful explanations for all those unanswered historical questions and affectionately spoofs current WofR historical fiction trends. Loved it!!
August 25, 2015
This book is hilarious ... if you know the background of the War of the Roses. I could not stop laughing. I wish Wainwright had or would make a series of these books with Alianore and Roger. Just a wonderful, humorous read!
November 18, 2020
Fun and amusing
I enjoyed the different telling of a story I know so very well. Don't take it seriously and just enjoy. The author has all the timelines correct and very interesting theories.
I enjoyed the different telling of a story I know so very well. Don't take it seriously and just enjoy. The author has all the timelines correct and very interesting theories.
September 21, 2018
Clever and funny - what's to say it didn't really happen this way? You need to know your late medieval history to really appreciate this witty romp.
June 21, 2012
Such a fun read!
January 18, 2021
A good laugh, what a sassy lady!
It's not a serious historical fiction as being quite funny and silly sometimes, but it does include a lot more references to historical events and characters than some other so-called historic fictions do. A few came to mind.
Henry VIII obviously never heard of the Knightly Code, specially the part about not to harm a lady.
Contrary to what stories would have us believe, in real life good people often meet terrible ends while bad ones go on living happily ever after. I never take that Shakespeare was recording the facts. History was written by the winners. Yet, the notion that Richard III might've been less evil as Shakespeare portrait him, and even a bigger chance turned out to be a very good king, always triggers some sadness while other don't. Was it because that he led the battle instead of hiding behind in safety, hacked from behind by people he trusted, his mutilated body displayed publicly then dumped in some unknown field. Unlike most other English kings who slept their long peaceful sleep under the church dome, his bones were lost, his name was attached to lots of crimes. And this one of the greatest plays ever written in English language made sure that he lives on as the most despised embodiment of all that is bad in a person. It does evoke more emotion in one than other historic or fiction characters would.
It's not a serious historical fiction as being quite funny and silly sometimes, but it does include a lot more references to historical events and characters than some other so-called historic fictions do. A few came to mind.
Henry VIII obviously never heard of the Knightly Code, specially the part about not to harm a lady.
Contrary to what stories would have us believe, in real life good people often meet terrible ends while bad ones go on living happily ever after. I never take that Shakespeare was recording the facts. History was written by the winners. Yet, the notion that Richard III might've been less evil as Shakespeare portrait him, and even a bigger chance turned out to be a very good king, always triggers some sadness while other don't. Was it because that he led the battle instead of hiding behind in safety, hacked from behind by people he trusted, his mutilated body displayed publicly then dumped in some unknown field. Unlike most other English kings who slept their long peaceful sleep under the church dome, his bones were lost, his name was attached to lots of crimes. And this one of the greatest plays ever written in English language made sure that he lives on as the most despised embodiment of all that is bad in a person. It does evoke more emotion in one than other historic or fiction characters would.
July 31, 2018
Yes, I'm going to give this five stars! It's hilarious, and also pretty good history! Alianore is a bad ass woman and sometime spy for Edward IV and Richard III, and she takes no shit off anyone. There are some laugh out loud funny lines in this novel. If you like historical fiction of this time period, you should not miss it - and if you like any kind of historical fiction, I say give it a try!
I can say this, though I'm in the pro-Richard camp - I still found the line about Richard having NO SENSE OF HUMOR AT ALL, to be pretty hilarious. He does come across that way quite a bit, though maybe Henry VII - or as Alianore calls him, "the obnoxious Tudor slime-bag" - tore up all of Richard's good jokes.
Great lines:
"As my mother used to tell me, there's nothing like a good knight in bed."
"How many times have I told you not to swing your battle-ax in the house?"
I can say this, though I'm in the pro-Richard camp - I still found the line about Richard having NO SENSE OF HUMOR AT ALL, to be pretty hilarious. He does come across that way quite a bit, though maybe Henry VII - or as Alianore calls him, "the obnoxious Tudor slime-bag" - tore up all of Richard's good jokes.
Great lines:
"As my mother used to tell me, there's nothing like a good knight in bed."
"How many times have I told you not to swing your battle-ax in the house?"
March 23, 2019
Hilarious Yorkist Romp
This was recommended for me by Goodreads, probably because their recommendation system has noticed I like to read a lot of novels about the Wars of the Roses. This is completely unlike any of those novels. This is witty, hilarious, chock full of anachronisms and yet totally believable at the same time. Alianore is a riot. Smart, delightfully bitchy, and never boring. I'd like to have a good gossip with her over a jug of ale, since it seems like we hate all the same people (Margaret Beaufort, That Tudor Man). Always a good basis for friendship. I finished this in a day and was sorry when it ended.
This was recommended for me by Goodreads, probably because their recommendation system has noticed I like to read a lot of novels about the Wars of the Roses. This is completely unlike any of those novels. This is witty, hilarious, chock full of anachronisms and yet totally believable at the same time. Alianore is a riot. Smart, delightfully bitchy, and never boring. I'd like to have a good gossip with her over a jug of ale, since it seems like we hate all the same people (Margaret Beaufort, That Tudor Man). Always a good basis for friendship. I finished this in a day and was sorry when it ended.
May 7, 2017
Interesting
Hard to explain this one but I enjoyed it. The true story of Richard III told through the eyes of Alianore Audley. It's the way the story is told-- conversational with a modern tone describing what happened in the 16th century--Alianore- a woman ahead of her time- is drafted into the intelligence business and works for, among others, Richard and his followers in the Byzantine goings on during the War of the Roses. Alianore has a bit of Flashman in her which makes this book even more fun. This book is not well known but deserves a wider audience. Recommended.
Hard to explain this one but I enjoyed it. The true story of Richard III told through the eyes of Alianore Audley. It's the way the story is told-- conversational with a modern tone describing what happened in the 16th century--Alianore- a woman ahead of her time- is drafted into the intelligence business and works for, among others, Richard and his followers in the Byzantine goings on during the War of the Roses. Alianore has a bit of Flashman in her which makes this book even more fun. This book is not well known but deserves a wider audience. Recommended.
July 17, 2023
Well written, humorous historic fiction about Richard III but don’t be swayed into thinking this is light lit. There is serious history here. Loved it and kind of wish there was a sequel in the works.
May 30, 2017
Fun, entertaining, light-hearted and witty. Not a lot of depth, but a fun, quick read.
May 27, 2020
A rollicking romp through the Wars of the Roses.
July 13, 2021
Action adventure as good as the big box office smashes.
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