C.J. Sansom

Advantages: well-paced, excellently written, beautifully descriptive
Disadvantages: does there have to be any?

..., it is the descriptive writing of Sansom. The picture of Tudor London he paints; of the narrow streets, of the paths travelled, of the river and the life around it, of the political climate, of the people, of the law, are all so perfectly detailed that the world seems almost tangible as you read it. Set in and around Cheapside and Chancery Lane, in parts, made it all the more fascinating for me as these are parts of London on my doorstep. With the help of all Sansom's imagery, it wasn't difficult for me to see London as it was then. Sansom uses real historical characters and events throughout the story, weaving the fictional tale around these strong strands. He does a fantastic job of describing the last hooray of Cromwell, and the man's desperation as King Henry's marriage to Anne of Cleves comes to pieces, watching as it does so, his own career and life... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Evocative of a turbulent period, interesting characterisation
Disadvantages: The murder mystery element is not quite as good as the scene setting

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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Gripping plot, interesting period of history (to me)
Disadvantages: Poor characterisation, repetitive writing, assumes in depth knowledge of period

...the subject matter and the location, this story was always going to be starkly told but Sansom lacks a spark of vitality to bring the locations alive and the characteristion is poor. He conveys the devastation of the city quite well but there is something lacking. The characters are pretty one dimensional and not very credible. It may have something to do with the public school upbringing and the middle class outlook of Forsyth and Brett but I found them pompous and tiring. As for Piper, the son of an east end shopkeeper who attended public school on the back of a scholarship, his chirpy demeanour and his optimistic spirit were a frankly laughable stereotype of the most crass kind. The style of writing was not only lacking in descriptive quality but it was also stilted and repetitive. I don’t know how many times “Barbara bit her lip” or “Bernie... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful