Title: The Sunne in Splendour
Author: Sharon Kay Penman
First published October 1, 1982
936 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345363138 (ISBN10: 0345363132)
Rating: 4.4
Overview
Sharon Kay Penman’s The Sunne in Splendour offers a captivating tale of England’s controversial monarch, Richard III. In this remarkable novel, Penman challenges the long-held belief that Richard was a bitter, twisted, and scheming hunchback who murdered his own nephews, the princes in the Tower.
Through extensive research and masterful storytelling, Penman portrays Richard as a gifted man who was more sinned against than sinning. Born into the treacherous courts of fifteenth-century England during The War of the Roses, Richard was raised in the shadow of his charismatic brother, King Edward IV.
Despite being loyal to his friends and passionately in love with a woman he could not have, Richard’s life was filled with the sights and sounds of battle, court politics, and the passions and prejudices of royalty. Penman’s retelling of Richard’s life is beautifully rendered and an absolute must-read for any history lover.
About the Author
Sharon Kay Penman is an accomplished author with a diverse educational background. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where she chose to study history.
Later, she pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law and began working as a tax lawyer.
One of Penman’s most popular books is The Sunne in Splendour, a historical novel that tells the story of Richard III of England. This book has earned a spot on the Historical Novel Society’s list of best historical novels.
In 1996, Penman shifted her focus and wrote four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during Richard I’s reign. These mysteries did not gain as much popularity as her “straight” historical novels, so she returned to that genre in 2002 with Time and Chance, which covered the lives of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II.
In 2008, Penman published Devil’s Brood, which she intended to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. However, she soon realized that there was still more of the Angevins’ story to tell, resulting in Lionheart and The King’s Ransom.
The main character in both books is Henry and Eleanor’s son, Richard the Lionheart, although Eleanor, John, and Richard’s favorite sister, Joanna, also receive significant attention. Penman has recently completed her latest work, The Land Beyond the Sea, set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century.
This book will be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam’s and in the U.K. and Australia by Macmillan and Co. It is scheduled for release in early March 2020.
Editoral Review
Sharon Kay Penman’s historical fiction masterpiece The Sunne in Splendour is a sweeping epic that transports readers back to the tumultuous era of the Wars of the Roses. First published in 1982, this novel follows the fascinating life of Richard III, from his childhood as Duke of the York to his controversial reign as King of England.
Penman’s extensive research and vivid imagination bring the past to life with breathtaking detail and intensity, making The Sunne in Splendour a truly unforgettable reading experience. As a historical fiction novel, Penman’s work is grounded in the real events of the time period it portrays.
The author incorporates actual historical figures such as the Tudors, Stuarts, and Plantaganets into her narrative, blending fact and fiction seamlessly to create a vivid picture of fifteenth-century England. Penman’s writing style is lush and descriptive, bringing the setting and culture of the time to life in Technicolor detail.
She writes with a patient and detailed narrative, drawing out scenes with a devotion to characterization and historical context. The themes of honor, loyalty, and betrayal are also prominently featured throughout the novel, as Penman explores the complex political and personal relationships that shaped the period.
The plot of the novel is a thickly woven tapestry of political machinations, personal relationships and nuanced cultural development. The novel’s primary focus is on the relationship between Richard III and his immediate family, particularly his brother Edward IV who was king before him.
The novel also delves into the antagonist forces to his rule, from the Woodvilles to the Tudors. Penman portrays Richard as a sympathetic protagonist who is haunted by dark secrets and driven by a desire to restore order to his chaotic realm.
Her writing is both sympathetic and critical, providing readers with multiple viewpoints on her central characters. Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of The Sunne in Splendour is Penman’s ability to structure such a complex story so effectively.
The pacing of the novel never lags, and the plot twists and turns in ways that are both surprising and satisfying. The characters are three-dimensional and multi-faceted, with their own customs, cultures, and motivations, providing readers with an immersive experience that many historical fiction books fail to deliver.
Despite its many strengths, the book is not without its flaws. At nearly 1000 pages in length, The Sunne in Splendour can feel overwhelming at times.
Characters are sometimes difficult to keep track of, and certain plot points may be overplayed in the course of the novel. However, Penman’s depth of research and knowledge about the period make this book an unparalleled achievement in its genre and a must-read for history buffs and fans of compelling storytelling alike.
Overall, The Sunne in Splendour is a towering achievement in historical fiction literature. Sharon Kay Penman’s careful research, attention to detail, and engrossing writing style make her novel a lush and immersive experience that will appeal to a wide range of readers.
With its compelling plot, nuanced characters, and extraordinary historical accuracy, this book is not to be missed. For all those who love history, this book is an absolute must-read.
The Washington Post gives The Sunne in Splendour a stellar review and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
