King's Fool

Shadows of the Crown #6

by Margaret Campbell Barnes

When country lad Will Somers lands himself the plum position of jester to the mercurial King Henry VIII, he has no idea that he's just been handed a front-row seat to history.

With a seat near the throne and an ear to the floor, Somers witnesses firsthand the dizzying power struggles and sly scheming that marked the reign of the fiery Tudor king. Somers watches the rise and fall of some of the most enigmatic women in history, including the tragic Katherine of Aragon, the doomed Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor, who confided in the jester as she made the best of the fragile life of a princess whom everyone wished was a prince.

Based on the life of the real Will Somers, King's Fool is infused with Margaret Campbell Barnes' trademark rich detail and historical accuracy. This intimate peek into the royal chambers gives readers a unique view on one of the most tumultuous periods in English history.

First published in 1959 by world-renowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes, King's Fool is a remarkable insider tale of the intrigue, ruthlessness, and majesty of the Tudor court. When country lad Will Somers lands himself the plum position of jester to the mercurial King Henry VIII, he has no idea that he';s just been handed a front-row seat to history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Tudor Period, 16th Century, British Literature, Royalty

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Margaret Campbell Wood was born on 17 February 1891 in Rotherfield, Sussex, England, UK. She was the youngest of ten children, who had a happy childhood in the Sussex country side. She was eventually educated at small private schools in Paris and London.

She married Peter Barnes in 1917,( a furniture salesman), and the couple had two sons, Michael and John. Michael, a Royal Armoured Corps Lieutenant, was killed during WW II.

She died on 1 April 1962 in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

Her books are historical novels, called Shadows of the Crown, that follow the history of the English Crown. The majority of her books were written between the 1940's and 1950's. Her last and posthumous novel Lady on the Coin was finished by the novelist Hebe Elsna

Over two million copies of Margaret's historical novels have been sold worldwide.

Reviews

[Orsolya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical archives have made no attempt to hide the fact that monarchial courts loved to employ court jesters or ‘fools’ purely for entertainment purposes. Whether this is/was politically correct is a discussion for another time and place. These fools fit into two categories: (1) true fools whom probably suffered from a mental or learning developmental defect that the court took advantage of and (2) Artificial or ‘Fake’ fools whom are best compared to modern-day stand-up comedians (having had no developmental deficiencies). Will Somers, the famous fool under the employ of King Henry VII (and in some capacity until Elizabeth I); was a fake fool even though prosperity tries to pen him as an idiot savant (Will’s only issue was a possible case of scoliosis). Margaret Campbell Barnes – the historical fiction author to be reckoned with in the 50s/60s – aimed to bring Will Somers alive with a fully-encompassed, multi-layered view in her novel, “King’s Fool”.

Don’t let the more recent print editions of “King’s Fool” fool you (pun intended) with their covers of a woman in Tudor-era finery: “King’s Fool” is a first-person narrative following the life of Will Somers and not of a royal woman or personage. Barnes begins “King’s Fool” by acknowledging historical liberties (rather than at the end of the novel) and forewarns that the plot is based on historical fact but the love story is purely her own invention and is used as a story driver. This disclaimer allows the reader to go into the novel with reasonable expectations.

“King’s Fool” explores Will Somers beginning in his teen years making for a refreshing macro-view of Will whose spotlight usually starts to shine during his time at the court of King Henry VIII. Barnes lays the foundation of a developed, rounded individual eliminating the stereotypical image of Will being a foolish “little person”. Readers find Will to be relatable and effortlessly create a bond which heightens the pace and intrigue of the story.

In typical Barnes fashion, “King’s Fool” is rich with an illustrative tapestry of setting details and lovely literary language. To say that “King’s Fool” is well-written is an understatement as the novel has a classic literature edge to it which was the norm of historical fiction novels of the 50s. Barnes strives to be more history-based than fluffy, romanticized fiction and manages to be successful with “King’s Fool”. One wouldn’t expect anything less with Margaret Campbell Barnes – this is her expertise!

“King’s Fool” has a smooth narrative without overly-contrived tidbits and even infuses flourishes of philosophical strands. Barnes uses Will as a literary device to not just showcase a character study; but to analyze the reasoning behind the events of Tudor history. These meanderings are insightful, complex and are certainly thought-provoking for history-lovers familiar with the Tudor dynasty. “King’s Fool” is a fictional piece but is sort of a debate conversation-starter that views history in a new way.

This doesn’t mean that “King’s Fool” is absent of sour notes. There are a few too many gossipy moments with Will and other characters simply discussing events rather than living them while conversely putting Will into the center of happenings he surely wasn’t privy to (this is a fictional novel, after all). Barnes also passes some incorrect history recaps off as fact – whether these are a result of insufficient research or just a narrative plotline created for “King’s Fool” is unknown.

Barnes has the habit of filling her pieces with improper grammar and extensively beginning sentences with, “And” and “But”. These appear to be a writing style used to make the story and characters sound more ‘real’ and conversational. When viewed as a tactic; it is tolerable but it might bother some readers. “King’s Fool” is also a victim of a plethora of misspelled and incorrect word forms (in fact, my copy had hand corrections from previous readers). Where was the editor?! Granted, I read the first edition printing so perhaps this is corrected in subsequent printings.

Even though the look into Will’s life is compelling with the ability to process him as a whole, intelligent, cunning, loving man rather than just as a court jester; there is also something linear and one-note about his characterization and the story, overall, Barnes fails to produce a complete character growth and arc and replaces this with a love story in “King’s Fool” between Will and his fictional future-wife, Joanna. In a sense, not much happens in “King’s Fool” except in the background and surrounding Will. Despite these flaws, “King’s Fool” encourages page-turning and is delightful in its own right especially with history told from Will’s point-of-view.

“King’s Fool” doesn’t experience a true climax as many readers are used to and yet the text still manages to evoke emotional responses from readers. This can’t necessarily be said for the conclusion of “King’s Fool” which is a combination of bland, unbelievable and “too good to be true” (and not based on fact). Sadly, the end of “King’s Fool” is not wholly memorable.

Even taking minor flaws into consideration; “King’s Fool” is another terrific read by Margaret Campbell Barnes (I recommended all of her pieces) and not only showcases Will Somers but offers a philosophical breakdown of Tudor history. The plot is simple but effective and drives the narrative in an effortless manner. “King’s Fool is suggested for all readers interested in the Tudor period of English history (and specifically that of King Henry VIII).

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Returning to paperback early 2009!

It may be surprising that I only gave 3 stars to one of *Granny's* books, but relative to her other works, this one falls somewhere in the middle. KING'S FOOL, the story of Henry VIII told from the perspective of his royal jester, Will Somers, is a solid read, though by no means her most riveting work. It has, however, been picked up by Sourcebooks to be re-released in paperback early next year (once again featuring companion materials contributed by me). The first person narrative from the perspective of a male character makes it a unique work from MCB, and certainly carries the same humanity and insight as her other books. But let's hope that for the next one, Sourcebooks begins to look to other subjects.

[Natasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a superb read, and I enjoyed it immensely. I have always loved reading about Henry VIII and this story was a different point of view about court life. Great characters and settings. It was well written and very enjoyable.

[LibraryCin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will Somers was Henry VIII’s court jester from the time his daughter Mary was around 10 years old. Will remained Henry’s jester through all Henry’s wives until Henry passed away. Initially, Will found work for a local merchant, but when he accompanied that merchant to Court, he was enticed to stay and work as Henry’s jester. Will apparently became quite close with Henry and his family. This book has a fictional romance component to it.

There was a short author’s note at the start that explained that the romance was fictional, though much of the rest of the story is true; I always appreciate that kind of note or I would have wondered. I actually found Will’s life more interesting initially when he worked for the merchant, but then my interest waxed and waned through the rest of it. It seemed like Henry went through his last 5 wives very quickly in this book (and I suppose he really did, but this book seemed to speed that up), but of course that wasn’t the focus of the book, either. Overall, it was ok for me.

[Janet Wertman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much enjoyed. At first I could not believe that someone would dare to challenge Margaret George’s masterpiece, then I realized this came first! Too, it is much more solidly grounded around Somers than Henry (though of course Henry is quite prominent!). Always a pleasure to find different perspectives…..

[Éowyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a couple of other historical novels by this author, which were quite enjoyable, but not great. I had to review this after finishing this morning as it was so much better and a really rewarding read.

The novel covers the reign of Henry VIII from the point of view of Will Somers, the man who becomes the king's jester or fool. This gives the book a totally different twist and insight from something concentrating on the usual courtly suspects. Will is in the thick of things, with a front row seat in the course of history, if you like, but he's not one of the players in the drama.

The novel is actually written in the first person, and it's very rarely that I like this because in the hands of most authors it is clunky, but here I had to go back and check that this was so, as it seemed so natural.

Obviously, hindsight is a wonderful thing in history and some of the points made are from the point of view of someone with historical hindsight, but there's also a lot of psychological truth in there and you can quite clearly see why characters act the way they do.

Now, my only problem is that MCB was not a writer of authorial afterwords, like many present authors. What I really want to know is how much of the story is true (within the bounds of fictional probability!) and what is fiction/surmise - and what happened to Will Somers next?!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first novel I've read by Margaret Campbell Barnes and I found it to be an easy and enjoyable read. I thought it was well written and interesting. The history is painted in broad strokes and seen through the sympathetic eyes of Will Somers, King Henry VIII's fool.

I enjoyed Will's first person narrative and the relationship between Henry and his fool. But my favorite part of the book was reading about Will's life and relationships. I particularly enjoyed his relationship with his first master Richard Fermor, Richard's daughter Joanna and their parish priest Father Thayne. I would have liked more details about all of them and I would have liked it if Barnes had written another fifty or a hundred pages of this story.

I thought it was an easy read and a unique perspective showing the human side of Henry Tudor. I liked it but I'm not sure that it will be one that will stay with me for very long now that I've finished it.

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Somers starts out with a dull life in the country on the family farm. Even his family admits that he doesn't make a good farmer. That doesn't leave him with any real options, until an option lands in his lap.

Will is one of the few lucky country children that had an education. He is given to a merchant, Richard Fermer , to work for. He has a good head for numbers and he must do the books and take inventory. He is good at what he does, but it bores him. The one shining light in his new life is Joanna, Master Fermer's daughter. He knows that it would not be possible to marry her, yet he dreams of a life with her.

Please read the rest of my review here:
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2009/04...

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a good read, entertaining, but rather superficial. It tried to cover all six of Henry’s wives in only 300 pages, which isn’t nearly long enough. If someone was reading this who was not very familiar with Tudor history, they would most likely have felt lost with all of the names and how quickly large scale events were breezed past. There was very little depth and interaction with the characters, but more like Will Sommers was rattling off a condensed version of things that had happened. Major figures, like Cardinal Wolsey, were glossed over, Thomas Moore was mentioned once in a passing sentence, and all six of the wives were barely mentioned at all. There was more focus on Will Sommer’s life - which was ok, but according to the author his relationship was fictional. I was hoping for more focus on King Henry’s life, how this “fool” interacted with the king and his observations of the court, and of course, the king’s relationships with his six wives. It just lacked overall depth and character development. I would have preferred a longer novel with deeper storytelling than a rushed, condensed telling of history.

[Gilda Felt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is written as if by Will Somers, himself. And though very little is known about the man, Barnes is able to take what little information there is and turn it into a plausible, interesting, and, well, loving story about his history, his life at court, and his relationship with Henry VIII.

Will is a very young man when he first enters Henry’s employ, while Henry is middle-aged, and already dealing with the weight that will plague him the rest of his life. Yet somehow they manage to build a close almost friendship, with Will becoming Henry’s sounding board during the turbulent years of Henry’s reign.

Amazingly, the author manages to make Henry almost sympathetic at times, as we see him through Will’s eyes. How does a good and honest man deal with someone like Henry? Especially as the king’s tyrannical impulses take over? Mostly because Henry has always been good to him, and because Will is a good man, he continues to look for what good is left in his friend. That outlook will see him in good stead.

[Michell Karnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fictional account of the real person Will Somers who was Henry Vlll's fool. I liked how Will Somers was person who did not have any agricultural or trade skills in an age when most men had to have these types of skills to survive. He lives on the estate of Matthew Fermor as an accountant. During his time there he falls in love with his master's daughter who he can never hope to marry. Then Will catches the eye of Henry when he accompanies his master to court for a short visit. He becomes Henry's fool and his life is forever changed. He forms a friendly relationship with the King and is witness to all of the big events surrounding his six marriages. He is especially fond of Princess Mary and Anne of Cleves. Both of these women help Will to marry Joanna the daughter of his former master. After Henry's death Will is able to retire to a home of his own due to money left to him by the King.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, a book I enjoyed. Whew, it's been a long dry spell. You don't have to know your history although most of us know the tales of Henry the Eight. "Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived. I learned this as a child using my hand and starting with the first knuckle go across even the valley, and the saying provides an easy way to remember. A good tale dealing with the real "fool" and his sponsors and of course the rest of the case is well known to all. Take the time, read the book, you will get a different opinion of Henry, Lady Mary, and The Fool.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. I rate it 4.5 to 5 star ⭐️s. Written the year I was born (1959) it has a quality to it that’s often lacking in newer historical novels. I will find other books by this author including the one about Anne Boleyn though I have read so many featuring her life already. Perhaps Margaret Barnes will treat her story kindly as she did King Henry. This was a refreshing perspective on the old tyrant that I enjoyed very much.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because it’s a different perspective on the Henry the VIII and his many wives stories in that it’s told from Will Somers his court jester’s perspective. It was different but it was also sort of bland. There is a lot of history included and that’s pretty fascinating as well as very well written. I enjoyed the perspective but for some reason all of the characters feel two dimensional.

[Pat Jorgenson Waterchilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read ! This novel written from the perspective of the court jester during the time of Henry VIII.

[Duane · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 14%. There's just nothing here to keep you reading. No real sense of character. Everything just happens. Everything is explained, laid out, stated...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting and well done account of Tudor England by Margaret Campbell Barnes.

[Tanya Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an involving dual-layered story; it combines a fictional auto-biogrpahy of Will Somers, Henry VIII’s fool with an account of Henry’s reign, as seen through the eyes of a minor court functionary, one minor enough to keep his head and his freedom. Barnes choice of Will Somers as her viewpoint character is a good choice, as he served Henry through all six wives, and can be seen as politically neutral and her focus throughout the book is on the personal not the political. Somer’s own life story is very low-key, even when affected by the political witch-hunts of the era, which at times can be distancing for the reader, as for much of the book nothing is happening to the viewpoint character, rather he is observing and narrating events that happen to the royal family. The more dramatic story of Henry’s love life and its ramifications is told in chunks, shining a light on key events only, with little time given to the everyday except during the reign of Anne Boelyn, but each chunk is engaging and at times it feels she passes onto too quickly to the next wife. For me the most interesting character was Anne of Cleeves, about whom I know very little, and this book has inspired me to find out more about the Dutch Queen who remained in this country even after Henry divorced her so unceremoniously.

[Jinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I know, yet another novel about King Henry VIII and his six wives. I have to admit, even I am getting a little tired of it, though obviously not tired enough to stop reading this genre altogether. I was recommended Margaret Campbell Barnes’ novels, so I tried one out during my six hour flight to Hawaii, and managed to read through almost all of it during the flight. I really liked the fact that it was told through the eyes of a 3rd party — in this case, King Henry’s fool (a sort of court jester role), Will Somers. I also really liked how it covered all six of his wives, rather than having to read six books or something, though I do want to point out that this book is about Will mostly, he’s not just a voice the author is using to relay Henry VIII’s love life through.

If you know anything about the real historical King Henry and his six wives, then you already, of course, have a good idea of what the story is about. But less likely, people know about Will Somers, who really was King Henry’s fool and according to sources, a sort of confidante for the king. I didn’t know anything about Will Somers other than the fact he was Henry’s fool, so it was actually pretty refreshing for me to read, what is by now an all too familiar story to me, about Henry and his wives from a different perspective. Will Somers isn’t just a narrator though; he has his own life to live in this book and he goes over his origins: where he came from, how he became Henry’s fool, how he utilized his “power” when it became clear he was a favourite of the king, and his own love life. I’m not sure if Will’s love life part of the story was real or not because, as I said earlier, I had little knowledge of Will to begin with. It was a nice touch to the story though, as it made Will feel like a real person who also had feelings, and not just a court fool.

What I didn’t like was how the book seemed to focus primarily on Henry’s marriages to Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Based on the title of this book, I guess I mistakenly thought each wife would get a roughly equal share of the spotlight, but that’s not true at all. Wives one and two got by far the most time in the spotlight, while everyone else was quickly shuffled through. The author seemed to want to focus more on Will Somers’ own life in the latter half of the book rather than Henry’s, which I suppose is fair since the book is about Will, really. Still, I would have liked it if the last four wives weren’t brushed over. Katherine Parr, especially, I barely got anything about her from this book.

All in all, a solid novel and I would definitely read more of Barnes’ books.

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Somers grew up the impoverished son of a country schoolmaster. He had no talent for farm work but had a quick, sharp wit. In this inventive novel, originally published fifty years ago, Margaret Campbell Barnes imagines how this young man came to be the confidant, even friend, of one of history's largest men, King Henry the Eighth.

Though he comes to live at court at the King's side, as his jester, Will loves and misses his first master, merchant Richard Fermor. He particularly misses Master Fermor's daughter, Joanna, whom he is madly in love with but knows that he is far below in terms of status and wealth. He despairs of ever winning her love and devotes himself almost monastically to King Henry and his court.

Through Will's eyes, we see each of Henry's six queens from an outside, and male, point of view. Good and honest Catherine of Aragon, scheming Anne Boleyn, bland Jane Seymour, foreign and intelligent Anne of Cleves, silly and empty-headed Kathryn Howard, and motherly Kate Parr. Of course, anyone so close to a royal person will inspire jealousy in some, and power-hungry Cardinal Wolsey and Cromwell are not exceptions. Life at court is not easy, but Will is privileged to have the King's ear and hears firsthand the reasoning and soul searching that go into the history changing decisions that Henry makes during his reign.

The special relationship between Will and Henry allows Will to ask special favors for those in need, and he does what he can to improve their lives by intervening with the King on their behalf. Eventually his generosity is rewarded in a way that exceeds his wildest dreams.

This historical novel is a great addition for anyone who enjoys Tudor fiction. It takes a unique and refreshing look at a well-known story. I found the male point of view and outlook very refreshing.

[MBenzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books about Henry VIII, and while different in their own ways, they still tended to be pretty much the same. The King's Fool, however, was a completely different take on Henry, and I enjoyed it immensely.

I'm not going to summarize since it's already been done here, but Will Sommers is such a likable, caring, every-day kinda man. He's not abusive of the Kings friendship, he's not out to make a fortune or to climb as high as he can in Tudor society. He can't be bought with bribes or intimidated by the men who happen to be riding high at the moment, because he knows they can only climb so high. Many of the men Henry once found favor with ended up losing their heads.

Will Sommers is also a simple man. He became the Kings fool quite accidentally, but he rose to the challenge and did something almost no other man could do...have a genuine and deep 20+ year friendship with the King. He married the woman he was head-over-heels in love with, had a family, and led a quiet, humble life during his 'off' time.

Overall, I absolutely recommend this. HOWEVER!...if you are unfamiliar with the story of King Henry VIII and his 6 wives, I do NOT think you should start with this book. Many important things are omitted from this story or mentioned only in a sentence or two (my guess is because they didn't affect Will directly), and unless you know when everything takes place, time could be very difficult for a Henry armature to decipher. Will rarely mentions specific years, so the only thing you really have to go on as far as finding out what year you're reading about is to see which wife Henry is married to at the time. That aside, this was a GREAT book! It was my first Margaret Campbell Barnes book, but certainly not my last!

[Kirstin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like most historical fiction aficionados, I have read my fair share of Henry the 8th novels and those about his many wives. I was first attracted to this novel because it was supposed to be from a different point of view. The royal jester, William Somers, was there for all of it. He was privy to all the secrets and ways of King Henry so I expected something different and something interesting. I was disappointed. I found this book rather boring to be honest. The story was the same though you get to know the same suspects in a different light which was nice.

I did like William Somers. I found him to be endearing and at the base he was trying to survive royal favor just like everybody else. He was torn between his attachments to different queens, but his affection for the king was always present. As the jester, he was given more liberties than other royal servants and managed to create a good little life for himself. I wish I would have gotten more of this life and less of the wife lottery of King Henry. Overall, it was the same story just told slightly different. While the William Somers story was endearing, the rest of the book was stale in my opinion. If you are in the mood for some Tudor, I would suggest bypassing this one and going for one which focuses on just one wife at time. There is way more detail and intrigue that way.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid fictional account of the reign of Henry VIII from the perspective of his fool and friend, Will Somers. Somers was a real historical character, a young man associated with the merchant Richard Fermor until Henry brought him to court as a fool, close enough to Henry's family to be portrayed with them in a couple of pictures. He hung on at court until around the inauguration of Elizabeth I. Other than that, history doesn't say a lot about the real man.

Barnes makes an interesting case of what life might have been like as a friend and ally of the difficult Henry. It's a pleasant enough read, and nothing egregious happens to the historical truth, but for my tastes the narrator is a bit too idealized, and for someone who is supposedly a brilliant fool, shows little particular wit (we're told he's witty frequently, but never really shown convincing examples of this wit.)

Still, compared to some of the more ridiculous historical fiction about the Tudors, this isn't too far over the top. It's quick reading and squeezes a good amount of history and depth into less than 300 pages.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed historic fiction, particularly historic fiction about the life and times of the Tudors, but lately it has been a bit difficult to find a book about this era in history that both catches my attention and is enjoyable to read. I find that either the authors re-tread old ground without having anything new to say or they slide to the opposite extreme and insert a lot of sensational, implausible things just to get a rise out of their readers. All in all, I was starting to feel a bit jaded on the genre and really was hoping to find a new book or new author that could inject some new life into the proceedings, which is why I am so happy that I happened upon Margaret Campbell Barnes’ novel, King’s Fool. It was entertaining, interesting and featured a main character that I really enjoyed getting to know. Will Somers’ unique place in the Tudor court (close enough to see and know Henry VIII and his family intimately but removed enough from the political maneuverings that he remained likeable to reader) makes him the perfect narrator, full insight, compassion and wit and I truly enjoyed hearing his story and seeing history through his eyes.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all the Tudor historical fiction I have read, I loved this refreshing perspective told from real life court jester Will Sommers. He must have truly been exceptional for his time to have not only fallen into the jester position but to have kept it for over 20 years and being one of the closest confidantes to Henry VIII.

Regardless of the poetic license taken with Will's romantic life and details of what he felt, heard, and saw, the tale is quite believable and possible.

My only regret is that the book wasn't a little longer. There seemed to be room to flesh out more of the skipped-over timeframes. The book description also alludes to the fact that Will may have worked in the subsequent Tudor monarchs reigns, at least up to the point Elizabeth takes the throne. I would have liked to stretch to see what Will was up to in those years, especially what he thought of Mary's choices on the throne and what his perspective was of the pendulum swing back with religious regards.

Very much enjoyed this novel and will look at more from the author in the future!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not quite as advertised. If you want a novel about the Tudor court full of all the intrigue an rumors generally associated with the Tudor court, you won't find that here. If you want a well written story about a man who lived during an interesting time, read this book.

There is just something about an older book (this novel was originally published in 1959) that makes me smile. The writing style is something almost non-existent today. If you are a fan of author like Jean Plaidy, Anya Seton, and Norah Lofts, you will enjoy Margaret Campbell Barnes. She manages to bring the past to life without bogging down the reader with much of the trash generally associated with the Tudors. There is a romantic element to this novel but it's what I like to think of as a simple romance. The love story isn't overpowering and it takes place outside of a bed.

[KyleeJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve wanted to learn more about Will Somers since reading Philippa Gregory’s books about the women in Henry VIII’s life. How interesting it would have been to be within Henry VIII’s inner circle, but not to be considered a threat by such a powerful man.

Will Somers was in just such a position. Born in Shropshire, England Will Somers was the only son, only child actually, of a churchman father and a Welsh mother, she died of the plague when Will was only four. Will had pretty happy life until his beautiful singing voice broke at 14; his father taught the choristers and this seemed to be their big connection. Soon after, Will moves in with his Uncle Tobias, a farmer. On his uncles' farm is where Will Somers meets Richard Fermor, a wool merchant. Meeting and becoming part of the household of Master Fermor is only the first of some very big events in the life of Will Somers.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different slant on a well-known historical figure. Told through the eyes of the very real Will Somers, this book offers a different perspective of Henry VIII and his six wives. I really liked Will--very likable, humble, without being too self-effacing, he offers a nice contrast to the scheming, conniving courtiers that populate court life. He also offers a sympathetic view of Henry, although he is honest about Henry's increasing tendency to despotic rule as he gets older. My biggest criticism--and it drives me crazy--is Ms. Barnes lack of dates and ages. I like to KNOW how old the characters are when things are going on and since this is historic, the years in which significant events occur. I'd really like to read more of her books as I have enjoyed this one and The Tudor Rose, but that lack of dates thing leaves me feeling adrift.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this book in the beginning due to Barnes' writing style. After I adjusted to her writing style, I found the book rather enjoyable. It was different perspective about Henry VIII's life and reign as King of England. Will Somers, the court jester, has been portrayed in many novels about this time period, but you never truly knew that much about him (at least from some of the novels I have read). What you did know was only his jokes and antics from being the court jester. This novel is about his early life before joining court and up until the death of the King. The book is a good read, but I did find it difficult at times. I do wish it had been a little more detailed with the other marriages of the King.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

As geeky as it sounds, there was too much back story to this book than I cared for. I was more interested in a first hand account of what went on at court having to do with Henry personally, but this book focused on Will Somers' (fictional) private life. I appreciate that the author specified that his back story was fictionalized and imagined, but that court events were true. Also, like too many Tudor-era books out there, the book spent a large chunk of time on the events during Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn, which became tiresome considering he had 5 other wives.

This book was an easy and quick read, but I wouldnt recommend it for someone looking for some actual historical information and events, but for someone looking for a historical novel.