Description
As an old legendary king lies close to death, his seven-year old grandson heir unable to fight his corner, the barons and merchants of his court gather to divide the spoils. In the middle are the old king's famous mistress, herself a City woman, her protegee and the customs inspector, Thomas Chaucer, with his aristocratic wife and her sister, the mistress in her turn of the second most powerful man in the land, the king's second son.
This interconnected group of rivals gives Vanora Bennett the chance to explore how the scent of power and profit can change almost any character and how people react to the rise, fall and manipulation of reputation. This immensely ambitious novel is told through several voices including the remarkable royal mistress, Alice Perrers who always took that step too far; the ruthless but romantic John of Gaunt, the richest man in the kingdom; Thomas Chaucer, clever, mild, even cowardly at times but prepared in the end to stand out for his belief against his own interest; and Wat Tyler, childhood friend of the royal mistress and leader of the Peasants' Revolt.
From the much-admired author of Blood Royal, Fortune's Wheel is a stunning novel of courtly romance - and revenge.
As an old legendary king lies close to death, his seven-year old grandson heir unable to fight his corner, the barons and merchants of his court gather to divide the spoils. In the middle are the old king's famous mistress, herself a City woman, her protegee and the customs inspector, Thomas Chaucer, with his aristocratic wife and her sister, the mistress in her turn of the second most powerful man in the land, the king's second son.
This interconnected group of rivals gives Vanora Bennett the chance to explore how the scent of power and profit can change almost any character and how people react to the rise, fall and manipulation of reputation. This immensely ambitious novel is told through several voices including the remarkable royal mistress, Alice Perrers who always took that step too far; the ruthless but romantic John of Gaunt, the richest man in the kingdom; Thomas Chaucer, clever, mild, even cowardly at times but prepared in the end to stand out for his belief against his own interest; and Wat Tyler, childhood friend of the royal mistress and leader of the Peasants' Revolt.
Reviews / Votes
Praise for `Blood Royal':`Bennett writes thoughtful, well-researched historical fiction, finding connections between past and present without too much silliness or fact-bending, and with plenty of romance. Enormous, in every sense of the word' The Times
`A page-turning story, successfully evoking the atmosphere of intrigue and fear that beset the times'
Daily Mail
'A skilful blend of fact and fiction. [Bennett's] characters, story, and fluid writing style sweep you along in a pageant of medieval life. This is quite simply an excellent read!' Historical Novel Society
Praise for `Portrait of an Unknown Woman':
'Bennett's background detail is impeccable - part love story, part thriller, all excellently imagined and written.' The Times
'There is plenty to admire and enjoy in Bennett's portrayal of a society convulsed by radical change...Vanora Bennett is a writer to watch.' Times Literary Supplement
'Distinguished...Romance, intrigue and art history are confidently blended, and Holbein canvases are afforded starring roles.' Daily Mail
`If you want a classier-than-average romantic read, one contender is this fine historical debut, a `Girl with a Pearl Earring'-style tale.'
Sunday Times
Praise for `Blood Royal':
`Bennett writes thoughtful, well-researched historical fiction, finding connections between past and present without too much silliness or fact-bending, and with plenty of romance. Enormous, in every sense of the word' The Times
`A page-turning story, successfully evoking the atmosphere of intrigue and fear that beset the times'
Daily Mail
'A skilful blend of fact and fiction. [Bennett's] characters, story, and fluid writing style sweep you along in a pageant of medieval life. This is quite simply an excellent read!' Historical Novel Society
Praise for `Portrait of an Unknown Woman':
'Bennett's background detail is impeccable - part love story, part thriller, all excellently imagined and written.' The Times
'There is plenty to admire and enjoy in Bennett's portrayal of a society convulsed by radical change...Vanora Bennett is a writer to watch.' Times Literary Supplement
'Distinguished...Romance, intrigue and art history are confidently blended, and Holbein canvases are afforded starring roles.' Daily Mail
`If you want a classier-than-average romantic read, one contender is this fine historical debut, a `Girl with a Pearl Earring'-style tale.'
Sunday Times
More details
Person
Vanora Bennett is a journalist and writer. She lived and worked in Russia for 7 years, writing for Reuters and the LA Times. She has been a foreign correspondent and feature writer and contributed to publications including The Times, the LA Times, the Guardian, the Observer and the Evening Standard. She lives in London with her husband and two sons. She has written two previous novels: Portrait of an Unknown Woman and Queen of Silks. Her latest novel, Blood Royal comes out in May 2009.