The Watch That Ends the Night

I actually read The Watch That Ends the Night by Allan Wolf a few months ago for the Historical Novel Society. Since the review has been published now, I'm safe to post it here...and I must say that this is one book NOT TO BE MISSED. It is beyond awesome, told in verse, and one to savor.  Below is the actual review:

Simply put, The Watch That Ends the Night by Allan Wolf is one of the best books I've read all year. Written in verse, it is the story of the Titanic from its launch to its sinking, told in twenty four different voices, including those of third class passengers, first class passengers, crew, and even the iceberg. We learn of the hopes of young third class teens, the desperation of a second class father, the con artist in first class, the valiant musicians, and the new Marconi wireman, plus many more; with the exception of only one, all were real passengers aboard the ship, and all were changed forever when destiny met a silent, waiting iceberg in the dark of the ocean.

Creative and captivating, Mr. Wolf keeps the action steady as the stories of the passengers race toward a struggle with life and death. I was equally enthralled with young Frankie Goldsmith's ice dragon adventures as I was with Captain Smith's realization that this final voyage would not be to his anticipated retirement. Wolf's research is detectable in all his details, and this Titanic buff was pleased to read his illuminating author's note in the final pages. I could easily have inhaled this novel in one long breath, but I made myself savor each word, right down to the lines falling off the pages as Thomas Andrews takes his final plunge with the ship. As 2012 is the centenary of the sinking of the great ship, there will doubtless be lots of information and many books available, but this one should definitely be the one literature and history lovers should seek out. Highly, highly recommended.

Thanks to the Historical Novel Society for providing me with a copy of this wonderful novel.


~taminator40

Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman

So...I reviewed this wonderful novel a while ago for the Historical Novel Society, but couldn't post it until the review went to print. And now is the time to share my thoughts! It does take a bit to get into the novel, and a knowledge of history would help, but this one is a wonderful take on a fascinating, often misinterpreted Ruler. Keep reading:

The title of Sharon Kay Penman’s highly anticipated new novel, Lionheart, says it all: This is the story of Richard Plantagenet: king, soldier, count, mother’s favorite, crusader. Yet it hardly comes close to actually describing the depth and breadth of this chronicle and the lyrical way Penman brings this legend vividly to life.

Lionheart encompasses the time immediately after Richard and his fellow king, Philippe of France, embark on a crusade to free Jerusalem from Saladin’s rule until Richard’s ultimate decision to return to rescue his kingdom from the machinations of younger brother John. Richard is portrayed as headstrong and arrogant, yet justifiably so since his military prowess was ferocious. Penman writes Richard with all his faults yet also his strengths, but the story is at its best when Richard’s sister Joanna takes the stage. Joanna is truly her mother’s daughter and her scenes ripple with conviction and personality. She, along with other secondary characters, both real and fictional, serves to give us the most intimate look at the Lion who is equal parts myth and truth.

Lionheart is not an easy book to read, as it is filled with an author’s nightmare of similarly named people and a good deal of information building necessary to illuminate the story. The beautifully described settings and the character interactions are simply outstanding, however, and this reader was enthralled by Penman’s gift of placing you directly inside the story to experience all of the grittiness of war. Richard was a complex man who often polarized those who knew him into two camps: you either loved him or you hated him, but there was no middle ground. With Lionheart, I predict that there will be many more who will feel the enigmatic pull of Richard’s personality; Penman has written a tour de force that has me ready for the sequel right this minute. Highly recommended.

~taminator40

Can't Say Much, But...Mark Your Wishlists!

I can't give a full review here yet since I'm reviewing this one for The Historical Novel Society, but I will say this much...mark your wishlists for The Virgin's Daughters by Jeane Westin, which comes out in August. Tudor fiction at its best!

~taminator40