Scan barcode
timinbc's review
5.0
I'm going to go with the full five. The fact that I may need to re-read this surrounded by reference books does not lessen its excellence.
Francis Lymond is a Marty Stu at nearly everything, but he's not perfect. Most especially, he doesn't really trust anyone, and he interferes in others' plots more than anyone since Bugs Bunny.
The excessive erudition is tempered by some of the sharpest dry British wit I've ever read, and I have read a lot of it.
If you like scheming and double-crosses in your political-history stories, this is the book for you.
It would help to have a rudimentary understanding of cross-Channel history after Henry VIII, but not essential.
I feel smarter for having read this.
Francis Lymond is a Marty Stu at nearly everything, but he's not perfect. Most especially, he doesn't really trust anyone, and he interferes in others' plots more than anyone since Bugs Bunny.
The excessive erudition is tempered by some of the sharpest dry British wit I've ever read, and I have read a lot of it.
If you like scheming and double-crosses in your political-history stories, this is the book for you.
It would help to have a rudimentary understanding of cross-Channel history after Henry VIII, but not essential.
I feel smarter for having read this.
headingnorth's review
3.0
I would like to give this 3.5 stars actually. I liked it, but I appreciated it even more. My review is here.
trin's review
5.0
Reread. Oh, Lymond.
This book demands a lot from its reader: the plot is twisty and intricate and at times even confusing; the prose is laden with allusion and song and a great deal of untranslated Latin and French. At the same time, it's a thrilling swashbuckling capital R-Romantic romp. And oh, the characters. Oh, Lymond.
I am impressed anew by how Dunnett builds him up into this impossible, larger-than-life figure: the most clever, the most calculating, the greatest leader of men, the unbeatable fighter, the razor-tongued wit and pretentious pontificator, the lovable rogue, the scandalous rake, The Most Interesting Man in the World. And then she slowly chips away at all his artifice and so brilliantly reveals his vulnerability and all his flaws in such a way as to render him human again -- and only make you love him better. Though delivered wet with crocodile tears, the line lamenting his "beautiful hands" -- now ruined -- still kills me. As does the first sly allusion to his age, and his early interactions with Philippa, and when Richard finally breaks and calls him "Francis" again. Oh, oh, Lymond.
Anyway, my point is he's A++ Literary Boyfriend Material and I love these silly, delightful books.
This book demands a lot from its reader: the plot is twisty and intricate and at times even confusing; the prose is laden with allusion and song and a great deal of untranslated Latin and French. At the same time, it's a thrilling swashbuckling capital R-Romantic romp. And oh, the characters. Oh, Lymond.
I am impressed anew by how Dunnett builds him up into this impossible, larger-than-life figure: the most clever, the most calculating, the greatest leader of men, the unbeatable fighter, the razor-tongued wit and pretentious pontificator, the lovable rogue, the scandalous rake, The Most Interesting Man in the World. And then she slowly chips away at all his artifice and so brilliantly reveals his vulnerability and all his flaws in such a way as to render him human again -- and only make you love him better. Though delivered wet with crocodile tears, the line lamenting his "beautiful hands" -- now ruined -- still kills me. As does the first sly allusion to his age, and his early interactions with Philippa, and when Richard finally breaks and calls him "Francis" again. Oh, oh, Lymond.
Anyway, my point is he's A++ Literary Boyfriend Material and I love these silly, delightful books.
janemay's review
Good, but challenging to read. The characters speak often in period- appropriat references, which can be kind of impenetrable for a modern reader without a classics background. That said, the strong story and characters shine through despite that. I would definitely pick the book up again when I have the time to dedicate to it.
thephysicist's review
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
camiexe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kalupy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0