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Summary: Historical fiction at its best
Review: This novel simply took my breath away. The attention to detail and historical background is impressive, and the characters truly live and breathe. I hated to finish it. While I have to acknowlege that the flattering, romantic portrait of Richard III that is presented in this book is no doubt a far cry from reality, I was more than happy to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the spectacular panorama of 15th century England that Ms. Penman presents.
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Summary: Breathtaking account of the life of Richard the 3rd.
Review: This book is a must for everyone interested in English history. Here the carachters come to life and you find yourself sharing their joys and sorrows as were you right there with them.This is a book that refuses to be put down once you've started reading it!!! The spell last until the last page is turned and then you start looking for another.
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Summary: pretty good, but SHOULD have been better
Review: The fourth star is for Penman's portrayal of Richard as the decent man unfairly maligned by history--the way I've come to see him. However, I must say that while this book was excellently-well researched and incredibly interesting, I've seen Ms. Penman write far better (the Wales trilogy is her best work, and three of my favorite books of all time). While I realize when you're writing an historical novel, accuracy is a crucial element, Ms. Penman nonetheless has an unfortunate tendancy to get a little too carried away by the details. She does this in "While Christ and His Saints Slept" as well (not in the Wales trilogy, thank goodness!), telling the story through the eyes of minor characters such as Veronique and Francis, rather than the major ones such as Richard and Anne. What happens is, she switches back and forth between characters, and as a result, few get the right amount of attention and developement. I mean, Richard is the hero; the story should be told through HIS eyes, not those of his followers. At the Battle of Bosworth, for heaven's sake, the reader should be clinging to Richard's shoulders as he makes that furious, valiant, fatal attack against Richmond, not hanging back and watching from the sidelines with Francis Lovell! Not that I have anything against Francis, which you may think since I've griped about him twice. It's just that this is RICHARD'S story...I wanted to get inside his head, walk around in his boots. All this switching around got too distracting. Still... Don't be daunted by the length of this book. It's really quite fast paced, and never boring. As I said, the subject matter is fascinating and Ms. Penman displays such potential for great writing, which will, unfortunately, not be realized in this work, but later, in her incredible Wales Trilogy. Still... this is a good read for anyone interested in the mystery surrounding Richard's character and for anyone who, like myself, prefers their roses white.
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Summary: The best work of fiction I've ever read.
Review: I'm a avid reader and have read thousands of books. I've never read a better written book. I've purchased it 20+ times and have given copies to friends, family, and business associates. Without question the masterpiece of historical fiction. Ms. Pennman is an artist - we are in a richer world for her work.
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Summary: Captavating - memorable, the best way to learn history ever.
Review: This was the 2d Penman book I had read (I am reading my 6th one now) and from the moment I went on the the bridge with Edmund until Henry Tudor prevailed I was captivated. Tears flowed, history became alive for me as it rarely has. When my boss left for England last week I told him "You must read this book". He called me from Warwick Castle - plans made long before I read Sunne in Splendor - so excited. The guide told him that he could have lead the tour - all from reading this marvelous book. Forever will I remember the White Boar & the Sunne in Splendor. Please - do yourself a favor - read all of Penman's books - you will never be sorry.
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Summary: Absolutely brilliant!
Review: Well,I cannot recommend this wonderful book enough. This is one the best books I have ever read, and readers will feel like they are actually living in the world that Penman so vividly recreates. I was so captivated by the story that I hardly stopped reading the book until I had finished it. What I love so much about this book is the strong characterisation, some of the betrayals and scenes were so heartbreaking that I actually caught my breath as they were described. Well, rather than blab on about how wonderful it was (i'll be here forever), I recommend that all readers try this book for themselves and transport themselves back to Richard III's era!!
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Summary: And a fine travel book...
Review: Read this book, visit Westminster Abbey, and feel the chills down your spine as you stand before the crypt of Edward IV and Elizabeth just steps from that of Will Hastings. Go to the Bloody Tower for the keys ceremony at night and remember the boys. Think of Henry VII and his Elizabeth at Windsor with their miraculous granddaughter Elizabeth I back in Westminster. I don't know the TRUTH about Richard or Edward or Henry VII, but the unsolved mysteries behind their acts does not make this any less superb a novel.
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Summary: Penman's finest work is a true gem that everyone should read
Review: I have always been fascinated with English history and historical fiction. Penman succeeds in encapsulating a troubled period in European history. Moreover, Penman humanizes man who has wrongly gone down in history as one of England's worst monsters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was captivated by Sharon Penman's extraordinary storytelling abilities. This book is a must read for any fan of English history.
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Summary: ... Made glorious summer by BOTH sunnes of York
Review: Having saved "The Sunne in Splendour" for last, I didn't think I would like it as much as the "Dragons" trilogy or "When Christ ..." It was full of battles (which I did enjoy, finally I know what a vanguard is) and Anne Neville was really the only woman I could sympathize with, although not even that much. Penman's choice to open the story with a young Dickon and Edward helped me understand the characters remembering them when they were younger, especially Edward in his excesses. Understanding Richard III as I do now, I am not disappointed that the mighty Plantaganet dynasty ended with him. The only saving grace in the Tudors' rise to power is that he was descended from Endyved Fychan and therefore, a bit of Llewelyn's Wales invaded England. I visited Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle and loved it because of all the history it contained; now I can't wait to go back for another visit.
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Summary: Amazing
Review: I have read this book several times - the first in the late 80's. I have always been interested in the Plantegents. This book made me so sad by the end of the first reading - I became a believer in Richard 111 and to the idea that he got screwed by the Tudors - both during his lifetime and in history. This seems to be political spin-doctoring as its highest levels. I have read all of Penman's other books - and while I enjoyed them all - the Sunne in Splendour remains one of my all time favorites!
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