The Sunne In Splendour - Sharon Penman > Reviews (2)

This is one of the best books that I have ever read - the research is meticulous and the way Ms Penman blends solid historical fact with what has to be surmised scenarios is wonderful

I have NEVER believed most of the blatant bad propaganda about Richard of Gloucester who ultimately became the ill-starred King Richard 3rd. and in this book Ms. Penman makes an excellent case for my belief.

Shakespeare was mainly responsible for the historically prevalent view of the hunch backed cripple BUT he took his view from the Tudor's blatant hatred of the Yorkist dynasty, the Tudors having come to power on the death of Richard at Redmore (Bosworth) in August 1485. I suppose that even if Shakespeare did not believe the propaganda he had to take the current view as he lived and wrote under the reign of a Tudor, Elizabeth 1st.

It is a well attested fact that Richard was highly regarded and revered by people 'North of the Trent' and that he was a good and loving husband to his beloved Anne (Neville).
Richard's life was a life of trouble, betrayal and sadness and having read this book several times, I always feel that I do not want to read the last part because this is where he meets his ignominious end, betrayed at the last by Northumberland and Stanley; then his body was desecrated and even denied proper Christian burial.

I believe Ms. Penman has devined the story correctly and that, at the last, Richard had lost his beloved wife, beloved only son and knew that Stanley and Northumberland were ripe for betraying him. Taking into account these facts, he had no heart for the battle and is it any wonder it ended like it did?

All in all this is a wonderful book and I heartily recommend it to anyone - even if you have no interest in history it's still a wonderful story.

ALL OF MS. PENMAN'S BOOKS ARE GREAT BUT THIS IS HER BEST IN MY OPINION!!