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The Cardinal's Man
'Gritty and lively...a colourful depiction of 17th century France'
– CAROL BIRCH, author of Jamrach's Menagerie
A SPELLBINDING TALE SET IN CARDINAL RICHELIEU'S FRANCE With enemies advancing on all sides and Cardinal Richelieu health failing, France is at breaking point. Yet salvation may arrive in the most unlikely form...
– CAROL BIRCH, author of Jamrach's Menagerie
A SPELLBINDING TALE SET IN CARDINAL RICHELIEU'S FRANCE With enemies advancing on all sides and Cardinal Richelieu health failing, France is at breaking point. Yet salvation may arrive in the most unlikely form...
Born into poverty and with terrible deformities, Sebastian Morra is a dwarf with the wit of Tyrion Lannister and three foot, four inches of brazen pluck. Through a mixture of brains and luck, he has travelled far from his village to become a jester at the royal court. And with a talent for making enemies, he is soon drawn into the twilight world of Cardinal Richelieu, where he discovers he might just be the only man with the talents to save France from her deadliest foes.
'Intelligent, cunning and occasionally reckless, Sebastian Morra lights up The Cardinal's Man with his zest for survival. The excesses and squalor of 17th century France are brought viscerally and vividly to life in this engaging, beautifully researched novel'
VICTORIA BLAKE, author of The Return of the Courtesan
- GenresHistorical FictionFrance
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 7, 2017
Does anyone else here just love Game of Thrones? Books, TV series, for me it doesn't matter. And of all the characters that make up the series (over 150 major characters) Tyrion Lanister is one of my hands down favorites. The dwarf underdog is a fiery man with a wicked sharp wit and a dark sense of humor. Tyrion is a social pariah, but he doesn't let his differences stop him from rising to be one of the most powerful characters in the entire series.
So when I saw The Cardinal's Man by M.G. Sinclair (out July 11) compared to a real life Lanister I knew I had to read it. Inspired by the 1645 Baroque masterpiece Don Sebastian de Morra by Diego Vazquez the novel takes place during The Thirty Years' War in the royal French court. Sebastian Morra is a dwarf turned jester for the king and having made enemies with one of the nobility at court seeks refuge under the protection of Cardinal Richelieu: one of the most hated men in the country. In turn for the cardinal's protection and due to his small size Sebastian must turn spy. The future of France lies in his hands.
Historical fiction is a hard genre to write well, I have seen examples that were both deep and profound, and other examples that were shallow and poorly written. The Cardinal's Man was somewhere in between. A debut for Sinclair, the book was interesting and entertaining, but not life changing. The writing was eloquent, but the transitions sometimes seemed simple. It is a novel to be enjoyed in the moment, when the reader is in need of an escape or distraction.
And make no mistake: Sebastian Morra was witty and charming, but he was strong in his own right. His character was unique and individual, so it would be unfair to call him a Tyrion transplanted into a different setting. The comparison is there, but it would be reaching to call them one in the same.
It was obvious that Sinclair had done his research for the book, and it was rife with events and details from the time of the Thirty Years' War, spanning some fifteen years of the period. Sinclair did not glamorize the time period: he embraced the squalor and filth of the working folk, contrasting it against the decadence and luxury of the royal class. Sinclair also successfully highlighted the unrest of the lower class at the period, a tension that would lately boil over a century later in the form of the French Revolution.
Overall it was a good story with an interesting premise, and right up the alley for the person who enjoys books based off of paintings.
*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for a honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
So when I saw The Cardinal's Man by M.G. Sinclair (out July 11) compared to a real life Lanister I knew I had to read it. Inspired by the 1645 Baroque masterpiece Don Sebastian de Morra by Diego Vazquez the novel takes place during The Thirty Years' War in the royal French court. Sebastian Morra is a dwarf turned jester for the king and having made enemies with one of the nobility at court seeks refuge under the protection of Cardinal Richelieu: one of the most hated men in the country. In turn for the cardinal's protection and due to his small size Sebastian must turn spy. The future of France lies in his hands.
Historical fiction is a hard genre to write well, I have seen examples that were both deep and profound, and other examples that were shallow and poorly written. The Cardinal's Man was somewhere in between. A debut for Sinclair, the book was interesting and entertaining, but not life changing. The writing was eloquent, but the transitions sometimes seemed simple. It is a novel to be enjoyed in the moment, when the reader is in need of an escape or distraction.
And make no mistake: Sebastian Morra was witty and charming, but he was strong in his own right. His character was unique and individual, so it would be unfair to call him a Tyrion transplanted into a different setting. The comparison is there, but it would be reaching to call them one in the same.
It was obvious that Sinclair had done his research for the book, and it was rife with events and details from the time of the Thirty Years' War, spanning some fifteen years of the period. Sinclair did not glamorize the time period: he embraced the squalor and filth of the working folk, contrasting it against the decadence and luxury of the royal class. Sinclair also successfully highlighted the unrest of the lower class at the period, a tension that would lately boil over a century later in the form of the French Revolution.
Overall it was a good story with an interesting premise, and right up the alley for the person who enjoys books based off of paintings.
*Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for a honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
July 13, 2017
I loved this book immensley, my raing is 5 stars. This book starts in 1608 in Carmoches, Normandy with the life of Sebastian Morra, born with dwarfism. We are told of his early life and the prejudice shown because of his differences to other people. His parents are poor and manual labour is the only work available to him. But due to his size, his physically unable to complete the majority of tasks. As the years pass he leaves his village and heads to Paris.
He manages to gain employment in the court of King Louis XIII as a court performer. His performs in front of royalty, nobility, high ranked, famous and infamous. Including the notorious Cardinal Richlieu, he becomes an asset to Richlieu, his lack of physical ability does not hold him back, but his intelligence propels him forward.
From poverty, he now mixes in the same environment as the most rich and wealthy and most influential people in the country. This is where his usefulness comes in, as most people do not even notice him. His world changes as he begins his liaison with Richlieu, Master of deceit, of spies, murder and embezzlement. Showing Sebastian the behind the scenes view of what happens in decision-making, especially at a time when France is at war, has the plague and is in civil unrest.
The author has changed some timelines in history to make the book more readable, he openly admits this, it is after all a story of historical fiction. But it works very well to give a very good read. I really enjoyed this book and was addicted from the first few pages. The way that the author has used history and given an alternative account of what could have happened is very good. The characters are mostly known from history and are well-developed, but Sebastian was a wonderful character, at times I felt sorry for him, at other I thought he was cocky and arrogant.
I would highly recommend this book for readers of Historical Fiction, and also crime/mystery readers would probably enjoy this as well.
He manages to gain employment in the court of King Louis XIII as a court performer. His performs in front of royalty, nobility, high ranked, famous and infamous. Including the notorious Cardinal Richlieu, he becomes an asset to Richlieu, his lack of physical ability does not hold him back, but his intelligence propels him forward.
From poverty, he now mixes in the same environment as the most rich and wealthy and most influential people in the country. This is where his usefulness comes in, as most people do not even notice him. His world changes as he begins his liaison with Richlieu, Master of deceit, of spies, murder and embezzlement. Showing Sebastian the behind the scenes view of what happens in decision-making, especially at a time when France is at war, has the plague and is in civil unrest.
The author has changed some timelines in history to make the book more readable, he openly admits this, it is after all a story of historical fiction. But it works very well to give a very good read. I really enjoyed this book and was addicted from the first few pages. The way that the author has used history and given an alternative account of what could have happened is very good. The characters are mostly known from history and are well-developed, but Sebastian was a wonderful character, at times I felt sorry for him, at other I thought he was cocky and arrogant.
I would highly recommend this book for readers of Historical Fiction, and also crime/mystery readers would probably enjoy this as well.
July 31, 2019
3.5* https://lalettricesullenuvole.blogspo...
Questo libro racconta la vita di Sebastian Morra, un nano nato nel XVII secolo in un paesino sperduto della Francia.
Amato dalla madre, tollerato dai fratelli, viene però considerato un mostro, un abominio, da tutti gli altri. Il suo fisico diverso poi gli impedisce di lavorare per sopravvivere, ma dopo diverse peripezie riesce a diventare un giullare nella corte Reale.
Intelligente, colto e dalla lingua affilata, per una serie di eventi diventerà una spia al servizio di Richelieu e in qualche modo questo incarico sarà la sua missione di vita, la sua svolta.
Sebastian mi ha ricordato fin da subito (dalla cover) Tyrion Lannister, anche per il suo carattere che richiama molto l’altro nano famoso. È un personaggio complesso e dalla vita inevitabilmente solitaria.
La cosa che più traspare è proprio il pregiudizio nei confronti del diverso, qui con l’aggravante anche delle umili origini.
La ricostruzione storica è stata fatta in maniera esemplare, spesso mi è sembrato di tornare a studiare talmente le nozioni sono accurate. Inoltre ho riscontrato una cura puntigliosa nei confronti dei particolari, come per esempio costumi, odori e modi di fare.
Si denota proprio lo studio e la ricerca dietro la costruzione del libro che però per questo motivo perde un po’ in fluidità. Inoltre penalizza la parte romanzata a favore della veridicità storica e questo, sempre per una questione di gusti, risulta meno accattivante e in alcune parti troppo prolisso.
... continua sul blog
Questo libro racconta la vita di Sebastian Morra, un nano nato nel XVII secolo in un paesino sperduto della Francia.
Amato dalla madre, tollerato dai fratelli, viene però considerato un mostro, un abominio, da tutti gli altri. Il suo fisico diverso poi gli impedisce di lavorare per sopravvivere, ma dopo diverse peripezie riesce a diventare un giullare nella corte Reale.
Intelligente, colto e dalla lingua affilata, per una serie di eventi diventerà una spia al servizio di Richelieu e in qualche modo questo incarico sarà la sua missione di vita, la sua svolta.
Sebastian mi ha ricordato fin da subito (dalla cover) Tyrion Lannister, anche per il suo carattere che richiama molto l’altro nano famoso. È un personaggio complesso e dalla vita inevitabilmente solitaria.
La cosa che più traspare è proprio il pregiudizio nei confronti del diverso, qui con l’aggravante anche delle umili origini.
La ricostruzione storica è stata fatta in maniera esemplare, spesso mi è sembrato di tornare a studiare talmente le nozioni sono accurate. Inoltre ho riscontrato una cura puntigliosa nei confronti dei particolari, come per esempio costumi, odori e modi di fare.
Si denota proprio lo studio e la ricerca dietro la costruzione del libro che però per questo motivo perde un po’ in fluidità. Inoltre penalizza la parte romanzata a favore della veridicità storica e questo, sempre per una questione di gusti, risulta meno accattivante e in alcune parti troppo prolisso.
... continua sul blog
July 28, 2019
Another novel inspired by one of Velasquez's paintings of the dwarfs at the Spanish royal court. In this instance, the main character is Don Sebastian de Morra, whose story is set in both the royal court of Louis XIII of France then the Spanish Court at the beginning of what will become known as the War of the Spanish Succession.
Who could ask for a better backdrop into which a distinctive character is inserted, and is central - yet despite his wit, Sebastian is still out of his depth in a court full of plots and intrigue. Sinclair has provided us the reader with a well researched and well told tale, that is not quite a traditional novel and not quite a biography but rather a blend of both; and told from the point of view of Sebastian. This is quite easy to read; the main characters are well known; the cast is not overly large.
Who could ask for a better backdrop into which a distinctive character is inserted, and is central - yet despite his wit, Sebastian is still out of his depth in a court full of plots and intrigue. Sinclair has provided us the reader with a well researched and well told tale, that is not quite a traditional novel and not quite a biography but rather a blend of both; and told from the point of view of Sebastian. This is quite easy to read; the main characters are well known; the cast is not overly large.
March 9, 2021
Interesting description of life in France in the 17th century when Louis XIII was on the throne. However, hated the main character and thought the story was full of holes.
July 18, 2017
The Cardinal's Man was inspired by Velázquez's portrait of court dwarf, Sebastián de Morra and although is a fictionalised telling of his story, many of the characters and events are broadly based on historical facts, albeit with some alterations for dramatic effect. Although not a period I'm knowledgeable about (and as I've never watched Game of Thrones the Tyrion Lannister reference meant little to me!) I was soon completely absorbed by this book.
Told in chronological order, we are introduced to the baby Sebastian, born in less than auspicious circumstances, in a fishing village in Normandy 'a straggle of no more than sixty dwellings, all in varying states of disrepair. Sebastian's was no exception.' Despite the love of his mother, Sebastian's physical differences cause him to be an outsider in his community, mocked and often beaten on account of his appearance. He quickly learns how best to survive in his unforgiving world - where to hide and how to defend himself. However, for a time it appears his torment at being born 'half a man, an insult to God and a mockery of nature' will overwhelm him but his cunning and intelligence will eventually lead him to Paris and the highest court in the land.
M.G. Sinclair vividly brings 17th century France to life, from the abject poverty of many citizens driven to the brink of starvation by the relentless Thirty Years War, to the opulence of Louis XIII's court and the power battles and intrigue behind the throne. The depictions of torture and death are sharply realised, The Cardinal's Man is often starkly visceral yet there is real beauty in the language used here too;
'The dangers were obvious and people would walk quickly, avoiding strangers and dark places, the fog catching their clothes, its tendrils like grasping fingers losing their grip. Even indoor there was no escape, and the vapour would wisp through cracks and keyholes, suffocating the candles and congealing the air.'
Although, as the author acknowledges, he has taken some liberties with the characters, they are never less than entirely believable, whether he is writing about Sebastian's provincial brother, court nobles or Cardinal Richelieu himself. His ruthlessness is never in doubt yet M.G. Sinclair has still imbued this notorious character with humanity too. Sebastian himself is a sheer delight of a character, often described as shrew like, his intelligence, quick thinking and bravery are balanced by his melancholia and occasional moments of foolhardy bravado or smugness. There's some real tension here too, although The Cardinal's Man is perhaps best described as a fictional biography, I feel it would also appeal to loves of taut psychological thrillers.
The Cardinal's Man is utterly compelling, eloquent, empathetic and often poignant; I haven't read much historical fiction of late, with this stunning debut, M.G. Sinclair has rekindled my love for the genre. I eagerly look forward to reading more from him in the future.
Told in chronological order, we are introduced to the baby Sebastian, born in less than auspicious circumstances, in a fishing village in Normandy 'a straggle of no more than sixty dwellings, all in varying states of disrepair. Sebastian's was no exception.' Despite the love of his mother, Sebastian's physical differences cause him to be an outsider in his community, mocked and often beaten on account of his appearance. He quickly learns how best to survive in his unforgiving world - where to hide and how to defend himself. However, for a time it appears his torment at being born 'half a man, an insult to God and a mockery of nature' will overwhelm him but his cunning and intelligence will eventually lead him to Paris and the highest court in the land.
M.G. Sinclair vividly brings 17th century France to life, from the abject poverty of many citizens driven to the brink of starvation by the relentless Thirty Years War, to the opulence of Louis XIII's court and the power battles and intrigue behind the throne. The depictions of torture and death are sharply realised, The Cardinal's Man is often starkly visceral yet there is real beauty in the language used here too;
'The dangers were obvious and people would walk quickly, avoiding strangers and dark places, the fog catching their clothes, its tendrils like grasping fingers losing their grip. Even indoor there was no escape, and the vapour would wisp through cracks and keyholes, suffocating the candles and congealing the air.'
Although, as the author acknowledges, he has taken some liberties with the characters, they are never less than entirely believable, whether he is writing about Sebastian's provincial brother, court nobles or Cardinal Richelieu himself. His ruthlessness is never in doubt yet M.G. Sinclair has still imbued this notorious character with humanity too. Sebastian himself is a sheer delight of a character, often described as shrew like, his intelligence, quick thinking and bravery are balanced by his melancholia and occasional moments of foolhardy bravado or smugness. There's some real tension here too, although The Cardinal's Man is perhaps best described as a fictional biography, I feel it would also appeal to loves of taut psychological thrillers.
The Cardinal's Man is utterly compelling, eloquent, empathetic and often poignant; I haven't read much historical fiction of late, with this stunning debut, M.G. Sinclair has rekindled my love for the genre. I eagerly look forward to reading more from him in the future.
July 13, 2017
I am fully aware that works of historical fiction ARE fiction, but nonetheless my personal knowledge of history is almost exclusively obtained through reading historical novels. Would I have picked up a biography of Cardinal Richelieu? No, I don't think so, but I enthusiastically read this story.
I was thoroughly mesmerized by THE CARDINAL'S MAN, which centered around Richelieu's domination of the court of Louis XIII. Mr. Sinclair's story of political intrigue was told through the relationship of a dwarf from the French countryside who made his way to Paris in search of a living. Through his church-centered education and his wits, he found a way in to Richelieu's employ and then the story unfolds.
The unlikely alliance between Richelieu and the dwarf, Sebastian, was based upon need and self-interest, but Sinclair's novel brings the court to life with what seemed like a frightening sense of reality.
The treachery and intrigue felt very real and the questionable morality of the Cardinal was very interesting to me (with my rather inadequate knowledge of European history). The characters were exceptionally well drawn and I will be living with them for some time. The political drama, hypocrisy of the powerful, and cut-throat personal politics in the book may seem extreme and highly dramatic. . . . . and, then you wonder what historians and dramatists will make of our current political environment in years to come. . . .
NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was thoroughly mesmerized by THE CARDINAL'S MAN, which centered around Richelieu's domination of the court of Louis XIII. Mr. Sinclair's story of political intrigue was told through the relationship of a dwarf from the French countryside who made his way to Paris in search of a living. Through his church-centered education and his wits, he found a way in to Richelieu's employ and then the story unfolds.
The unlikely alliance between Richelieu and the dwarf, Sebastian, was based upon need and self-interest, but Sinclair's novel brings the court to life with what seemed like a frightening sense of reality.
The treachery and intrigue felt very real and the questionable morality of the Cardinal was very interesting to me (with my rather inadequate knowledge of European history). The characters were exceptionally well drawn and I will be living with them for some time. The political drama, hypocrisy of the powerful, and cut-throat personal politics in the book may seem extreme and highly dramatic. . . . . and, then you wonder what historians and dramatists will make of our current political environment in years to come. . . .
NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2017
I love a good book where the underdog not only survives, but triumphs. This is one such book. At the heart of the story is Sebastian, a dwarf. He is bullied, beaten, cheated, cast out, and struggles to survive. With is cunning wit and wily courage, he is able to survive the depths of poverty when he is forced to live on the streets. It is there that he learns how to dodge trouble or face it with true grit.
His life turns around when he finds himself as a dwarf entertainer in King Louis' court. Now with his own room and plenty of food and clothes, he finds a sense of contentment. But despite his comforts, he is not immune the the treacheries and machinations of the French court. His path crosses one of the most diabolical, hard men King Louis trusts - the Bishop Richelieu. It is then he is forced into working for the dangerous cleric.
Sebastian was utterly charming and totally likeable, despite the fact he is flawed not only in looks but in character. It is this that makes him so fascinating. Wit, humour, cunning, and sarcasm are his weapons and he wields them throughout the many perils and twists and turns of the story.
Crisp, creative dialogue pepper each scene, as do the stories many villains and heroes. I found the historical detail intriguing and well researched so it felt as if I was truly in 17th century France with all its turmoil and terror.
This is one of the best books I've ever read of this particular era of history. I truly and highly recommend it! There is much to laud for all readers.
His life turns around when he finds himself as a dwarf entertainer in King Louis' court. Now with his own room and plenty of food and clothes, he finds a sense of contentment. But despite his comforts, he is not immune the the treacheries and machinations of the French court. His path crosses one of the most diabolical, hard men King Louis trusts - the Bishop Richelieu. It is then he is forced into working for the dangerous cleric.
Sebastian was utterly charming and totally likeable, despite the fact he is flawed not only in looks but in character. It is this that makes him so fascinating. Wit, humour, cunning, and sarcasm are his weapons and he wields them throughout the many perils and twists and turns of the story.
Crisp, creative dialogue pepper each scene, as do the stories many villains and heroes. I found the historical detail intriguing and well researched so it felt as if I was truly in 17th century France with all its turmoil and terror.
This is one of the best books I've ever read of this particular era of history. I truly and highly recommend it! There is much to laud for all readers.
December 7, 2017
It’s a great read. I love the story and enjoyed every page of the book. It was always a pleasure to retreat for some reading time and plunge back into 17th century France (and Spain) to see what would happen to Sebastian next. The book brings the era to life and I liked the settings and descriptions, and the use of all the senses – sight, smell, hearing, touch….
First and foremost: This book is sublimely written. Clever and witty. I often had to smile about a description or a phrase I liked. The narrative is gripping and moves along at a great pace. My attention was captured from page 1, and I was away and into the story.
One of the most important things for me when reading any book is how “it feels”, if I can just naturally slip into the story without me realising that this has in fact been laboriously written and crafted. This book does this; it absorbs me as the reader and it does not feel constructed or stilted.
Towards the end, the book moves along a bit faster than I would prefer, but nonetheless it’s a story that takes the reader away on an interesting and entertaining journey. (Even after all these years Sebastian is still the entertainment of others…) I learned a few things about life at the court of Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, but I primarily looked at this book as a piece of fiction – a tale about the ruling and the ruled, about power and poverty, spies and rebellion.
A really impressive debut – I’m looking forward to the next book of hopefully many to come.
First and foremost: This book is sublimely written. Clever and witty. I often had to smile about a description or a phrase I liked. The narrative is gripping and moves along at a great pace. My attention was captured from page 1, and I was away and into the story.
One of the most important things for me when reading any book is how “it feels”, if I can just naturally slip into the story without me realising that this has in fact been laboriously written and crafted. This book does this; it absorbs me as the reader and it does not feel constructed or stilted.
Towards the end, the book moves along a bit faster than I would prefer, but nonetheless it’s a story that takes the reader away on an interesting and entertaining journey. (Even after all these years Sebastian is still the entertainment of others…) I learned a few things about life at the court of Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, but I primarily looked at this book as a piece of fiction – a tale about the ruling and the ruled, about power and poverty, spies and rebellion.
A really impressive debut – I’m looking forward to the next book of hopefully many to come.
September 17, 2017
2.5 stars
This, like Girl with a Pearl Earring, is a novel born from a painting, from a striking face that seems to look out at us across centuries and to spark a shock of fellow-feeling. While Tracey Chevalier's famous book took its inspiration from the coy glance of a Dutch teenager, Sinclair's story is inspired by a much more direct confrontation: Diego Velazquez's Portrait of Don Sebastián Morra, in the Prado, dating from 1645. Using this powerful image as a starting point, Sinclair reimagines Morra's life in a fictional biography that carries us from the bleak shores of Normandy to the glitter of Paris in the time of Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu. Spain, oddly enough, features less than you might expect. It is an ambitious book, and its championship of this fascinating but obscure figure is to be celebrated; but ultimately the novel is a fantasy, which makes no reference to the few known facts of Morra's life. Moreover, it never quite manages to overcome some stylistic and compositional shortcomings.
The full review will be published on my blog on 18 September 2017 at:
https://theidlewoman.net/2017/09/18/t...
This, like Girl with a Pearl Earring, is a novel born from a painting, from a striking face that seems to look out at us across centuries and to spark a shock of fellow-feeling. While Tracey Chevalier's famous book took its inspiration from the coy glance of a Dutch teenager, Sinclair's story is inspired by a much more direct confrontation: Diego Velazquez's Portrait of Don Sebastián Morra, in the Prado, dating from 1645. Using this powerful image as a starting point, Sinclair reimagines Morra's life in a fictional biography that carries us from the bleak shores of Normandy to the glitter of Paris in the time of Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu. Spain, oddly enough, features less than you might expect. It is an ambitious book, and its championship of this fascinating but obscure figure is to be celebrated; but ultimately the novel is a fantasy, which makes no reference to the few known facts of Morra's life. Moreover, it never quite manages to overcome some stylistic and compositional shortcomings.
The full review will be published on my blog on 18 September 2017 at:
https://theidlewoman.net/2017/09/18/t...
July 30, 2017
Thanks Black & White Publishing and netgalley for this ARC.
This story will make you feel sad and a little sorry for Sebastian Morra but this will not stand up to the test of time. I felt at the end admiration and a keen hurrah for the underdog in life. You can overcome any obstacle if you use your strengths and wits.
This story will make you feel sad and a little sorry for Sebastian Morra but this will not stand up to the test of time. I felt at the end admiration and a keen hurrah for the underdog in life. You can overcome any obstacle if you use your strengths and wits.
January 2, 2018
This book is beautifully written and intensely imagined. I was drawn into the 17th Century France, from Sebastian's harsh early years in a remote fishing village, through to his expert and sometimes hair-raising navigation of the intrigues and danger of the royal court. It's beautifully plotted too. A must-read!
September 23, 2017
I was not that keen on reading this book so was putting it off. However once I picked it up I couldn't put it down.
Superb
Not factually accurate, which is a shame, the story drags you in and keeps you there.
A must read
Superb
Not factually accurate, which is a shame, the story drags you in and keeps you there.
A must read
August 19, 2018
Highly entertaining historical drama, using a painting in the Prado Museum as its starting point. Set a century and a half before the French Revolution, is worth a try if you like this genre of fiction.
August 2, 2023
Una scrittura attrattiva e un mistero che sa fondersi bene con la storia, un thriller storico da non perdere! Magistralmente scritto da Sinclair in un'edizione curata nei minimi dettagli da Corte editore!
July 21, 2017
Review to come!
March 18, 2018
Very good
An interesting and entertaining read. I do hope the author does a sequel as Sebastian in Spain could be good.
An interesting and entertaining read. I do hope the author does a sequel as Sebastian in Spain could be good.
February 7, 2019
I'm torn. I want to give it 5 but there are some things that bugged me.
4.5!
4.5!
July 22, 2019
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It is an entirely fictional tale loosely built around some historical material. At times, the story stretched credibilty too far but it remained a good read.
December 10, 2021
I had such high hopes for this book. I found the storyline predictable and just uninteresting. I disliked the main character which is never a good thing. I really struggled to finish this book.
December 18, 2021
Well-researched book. Maybe not a page-turner
September 12, 2024
A good yarn!
December 9, 2017
I really like the tale. Written in such a way that interested me, and about a very interesting person.
The life of court dwarfs aren’t that nice, having to make a fool of themselves and probably do all sorts of things. Sebastian is one, although he does take it but because he has little choice while hiding his mind.
I enjoyed his mind, and the kind of beliefs that he held. All the while may be educated but he mostly spent it being a fool rather than used despite his intelligence. Although Sebastian is used in plenty of court intrigues, and the Cardinal is someone that becomes an important part.
But Sebastian was the soul of the novel, he is the main voice of it all. Describing everything in such a way that made him stand out to me as a charming man.
The court intrigues was very easy to understand and even I like how it is presented. Sebastian is the centre of it all, along with the king and of course the Cardinal. Although the future king Loius XIV was born, but some doubt his parentage.
And that I liked how it was handled here, with Sebastian escaping court and serving in the future Spanish court. In a way that I never expected him to, all the while being born out of a painting leaving a lot up to interpretation. But everything still fits nicely with the timeline.
Personally I like the research put into this story. And overall, Sebastian is the core of the novel. If you dislike him, chances are you won’t like the novel.
The life of court dwarfs aren’t that nice, having to make a fool of themselves and probably do all sorts of things. Sebastian is one, although he does take it but because he has little choice while hiding his mind.
I enjoyed his mind, and the kind of beliefs that he held. All the while may be educated but he mostly spent it being a fool rather than used despite his intelligence. Although Sebastian is used in plenty of court intrigues, and the Cardinal is someone that becomes an important part.
But Sebastian was the soul of the novel, he is the main voice of it all. Describing everything in such a way that made him stand out to me as a charming man.
The court intrigues was very easy to understand and even I like how it is presented. Sebastian is the centre of it all, along with the king and of course the Cardinal. Although the future king Loius XIV was born, but some doubt his parentage.
And that I liked how it was handled here, with Sebastian escaping court and serving in the future Spanish court. In a way that I never expected him to, all the while being born out of a painting leaving a lot up to interpretation. But everything still fits nicely with the timeline.
Personally I like the research put into this story. And overall, Sebastian is the core of the novel. If you dislike him, chances are you won’t like the novel.
August 24, 2017
I stumbled on this book by accident and absolutely loved it. It does have some limitations (see below), but the story is compelling, well written and departs from the usual, inaccurate, stereotypes of the era (ie Anne of Austria a poor innocent victim, Richelieu a devil incarnate, etc).
The book has a limited number of characters and the author focuses on getting into the head of two in particular - Sebastian, his main character, and Cardinal Richelieu - his patron. Both are done quite well, but it is the portrayal of Richelieu that I particularly enjoyed. It is harder to convincingly portray a historical personage, especially one who has been maligned in so many books, than it is to portray a fictional character.
The author does not paint a picture of an inhuman, cruel dictator, concerned only with his own power (as some popular fiction would have it), but rather a complex person, utterly devoted to doing everything to save his country from a disastrous situation that is not of his own making, applying his indomitable will and intellect to overcome adversity, frailty, constant danger, and very much human, even if he is forced to conceal his humanity because "what [he] feel[s] has nothing to do with the needs of France".
Having read numerous books (both non-fiction and fiction) on this period of history and pretty much every biography of Richelieu published in English language (yeah, I'm a bit of a fan!), I thought this book captured his personality better than any other work of fiction.
For those who are not students of this period of history - don't worry, there's enough adventure to make this a thrilling read even if you are not into analysing the character of historical personages. Sebastian is an excellent, unlikely hero. Clever, occasionally funny, damaged and imperfect. Reminding us that we are all born dwarfs, it is what we become that matters.
Overall, I loved reading this book (pity it took me less than 2 days!). However, I do have some quibbles, which may not bother most readers.
First, as previously mentioned, there is a limited character palette. It makes the book easy to comprehend, but does limit the depth. In particular, I thought the author could at least give some peripheral characters names (many of which are well known historically in any event), just to add some realism.
Second, there are anachronisms that are unnecessary and do nothing to enhance the story. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with historical fiction departing from history, where it serves a purpose or creates extra drama (eg. the author substituting the extraordinarily bungled execution of Chalais for that of Cinq Mars may add drama). But there are instances where the author chooses to be historically inaccurate with no apparent purpose. For example, the mention of Father Joseph being in Rome in 1642 - more than 3 years after his death, does nothing but irritate a historically informed reader. He's mentioned once, the mention is completely unnecessary. Similarly, a 1642 comparison of a play to those written by Molier, who at that time wasn't yet 20 and had written no plays yet. Why do that, when an accurate comparison could be made with no loss to the book (eg with Corneille)? And why mention an 18th century fantasy clock, when we are in the 17th century? This is not due to lack of knowledge on part of the author, you can't write a book like this without thorough research.
I'm probably being too much of a perfectionist, but I enjoyed the book so much that I couldn't help thinking why mar such an excellent book with unnecessary inaccuracies.
Anyway, it's an excellent read, well worth the purchase. Fans of this period of history will love it. I expect I'll be re-reading it. Thank you to the author.
The book has a limited number of characters and the author focuses on getting into the head of two in particular - Sebastian, his main character, and Cardinal Richelieu - his patron. Both are done quite well, but it is the portrayal of Richelieu that I particularly enjoyed. It is harder to convincingly portray a historical personage, especially one who has been maligned in so many books, than it is to portray a fictional character.
The author does not paint a picture of an inhuman, cruel dictator, concerned only with his own power (as some popular fiction would have it), but rather a complex person, utterly devoted to doing everything to save his country from a disastrous situation that is not of his own making, applying his indomitable will and intellect to overcome adversity, frailty, constant danger, and very much human, even if he is forced to conceal his humanity because "what [he] feel[s] has nothing to do with the needs of France".
Having read numerous books (both non-fiction and fiction) on this period of history and pretty much every biography of Richelieu published in English language (yeah, I'm a bit of a fan!), I thought this book captured his personality better than any other work of fiction.
For those who are not students of this period of history - don't worry, there's enough adventure to make this a thrilling read even if you are not into analysing the character of historical personages. Sebastian is an excellent, unlikely hero. Clever, occasionally funny, damaged and imperfect. Reminding us that we are all born dwarfs, it is what we become that matters.
Overall, I loved reading this book (pity it took me less than 2 days!). However, I do have some quibbles, which may not bother most readers.
First, as previously mentioned, there is a limited character palette. It makes the book easy to comprehend, but does limit the depth. In particular, I thought the author could at least give some peripheral characters names (many of which are well known historically in any event), just to add some realism.
Second, there are anachronisms that are unnecessary and do nothing to enhance the story. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with historical fiction departing from history, where it serves a purpose or creates extra drama (eg. the author substituting the extraordinarily bungled execution of Chalais for that of Cinq Mars may add drama). But there are instances where the author chooses to be historically inaccurate with no apparent purpose. For example, the mention of Father Joseph being in Rome in 1642 - more than 3 years after his death, does nothing but irritate a historically informed reader. He's mentioned once, the mention is completely unnecessary. Similarly, a 1642 comparison of a play to those written by Molier, who at that time wasn't yet 20 and had written no plays yet. Why do that, when an accurate comparison could be made with no loss to the book (eg with Corneille)? And why mention an 18th century fantasy clock, when we are in the 17th century? This is not due to lack of knowledge on part of the author, you can't write a book like this without thorough research.
I'm probably being too much of a perfectionist, but I enjoyed the book so much that I couldn't help thinking why mar such an excellent book with unnecessary inaccuracies.
Anyway, it's an excellent read, well worth the purchase. Fans of this period of history will love it. I expect I'll be re-reading it. Thank you to the author.
December 10, 2017
I wanted to like this book much more than I did, although I did find it a decent read. In some places I found it jumped a little and I had to read back to see if I missed something. Not sure if it was because I currently have a cold and my attention isn't a hundred percent. That said I did find it enjoyable, and I really liked Sebastian he reminded me of tyrion from the game of thrones books, who I must say is one of my favourite book characters.
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