Sunne in Splendour

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best
Review: Although I don't accept the premise that Richard was a bad guy, this is one of the more interesting and intriguing historical novels I have run across in a long time. Extremely well written, the characters literally come alive. You can't wait to know what is going to happen and you won't want it to end. A fabulous read all the way through.

Rating:
Summary: Remember , Historical Fiction, not History
Review: A very good novel. For History, the definitive bio is by Charles Ross. I get the impression from some of the other reviewers that this novel is the only book on the subject for their taste. True, much will never be known, but the kids dissappeared once he took power, and he killed several opposers with no trial, or by tribunal of his supporters. It is important to remember who Henry Tudors' English supporters were: mostly of Edward IVs household. I'd say they had some idea of who they were fighting against. If there was any thought that the Princes were alive, would Henry take such a deadly risk? As I've said, tho, good novel. I'm writing this, coincidently, on the anniversary of Bosworth, the greatest day in the history of Wales since the days of Owen Glendower and of King Arthur. Henry was taking on much longer odds that day than Richard. Imagine having the Stanley Bros. as 'allies'? Whew!

Rating:
Summary: Incredible historical fiction
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read. As a bibliophile with a degree in history, I have to say that this book, along with Penman's Here Be Dragons series, have truly had an influence not only on my personal reading preferences but also on my perception of history. This book made me realize that historians are not always correct, and the victors really do tell the tale. Richard III has been dehumanized throughout the centuries until he is known as being almost impossibly cruel and evil. Penman shows us a very plausible picture of a man struggling against circumstances and his own values in a morally difficult situation--not the murdering monster that he has been branded. Well written, amazing historical details, memorable and human characters, and a rich descriptive narrative make this a truly amazing book.

Rating:
Summary: Richard redeemed
Review: Ms.Penman does a masterful job of mixing fact and fiction. She takes a much maligned king and using all of the facts available to any good researcher, draws a very different picture of the man than many historians have vilified. The book is so well written that it holds your attention from start to finish. If you're into history made as real as today's headlines, "SPLENDOUR" is the book to read and keep.

Rating:
Summary: One of My Favorites
Review: I love fictional history books and this one of the best I have ever read. You become so emotionally intertwined with the characters that after I finished the book, I ran to the library to read as many non-fictional accounts of Richard's last battle. It is an amazing time with amazing characters and Penman brings it all to life.

Rating:
Summary: Good King Richard
Review: This book is possibly the best book I have ever read. I am currently reading it for what.. the 15th time, I think it is. And I still love it. The story of Richard is absolutely gripping and heartrending, I found myself crying several times at the end, which is something I have never done before. The first part of the book may be at bit slow, but when Richard ascends the throne, the relationship between Richard and Edward described there, forms a large part of the guilt and sadness in Richard's mind which make his death at Redmore Plain seem a bit suicidal. Richard lived 500 years ago, but ms Penman has made him a timeless character, you are not likely to forget. A man, who's greatest virtue became his greatest flaw and destroyed his life. Read the book, and enjoy a truly beautiful tale of real people.

Rating:
Summary: Penman tops Weir
Review: Penman's novel The Sunne in Splendour is one of the finest fictional treatments of Richard III in existence (perhaps only Josephine Tey's Daughter of Time is in the same league). Unlike Weir, who had absolutely no basis for forming the conclusions she drew and whose manipulation of her sources is maddening, Penman's portrait and conclusions are eminently logical and psychologically reasonable. No one knows what happened to those "princes in the tower," but Penman's explanation is more than satisfying--it just sounds right. She is not the first to vincdicate Richard, but she is among the best. For a historian's handling of the same material, you might want to try Paul Murray Kendall's "Richard the Third" (see especially Appendix I where Kendall presents all of the evidence both for and against Richard--nothing in Penman contradicts any of the evidence; one cannot say the same for Weir!).

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining historical fiction
Review: "The Sunne in Splendour" is well-written, interesting, and entertaining. Penman has a knack for creating memorable characters, and for bringing this time period to life (minus dirt, lice, malnutrition, etc.). However, Penman's version of history is highly romanticized, and she subscribes to the revisionist portrayal of Richard III. (For a well-documented depiction of Richard III, try Alison Weir's book, "The Princes in the Tower".) I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read...just remember that it's fiction, not fact.

Rating:
Summary: The Sunne in Splendour
Review: Excellent historical novel drawing a new and more believable picture of Richard III. Especially enjoyble due to geographical and details. I would reccomend this novel to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Another one of Penman's Fans!
Review: Just wanted to add my name to the list of Penman's devoted fans. I've read them all, but this one is my favorite. She makes English history almost comprehensible! And if a few facts can stand a reinterpretation, at least she gives you a basis for remembering the major players and dates.