Quick Take

Richard III. A man. A king. A legend. He ruled England for only two years, but the legacy of Richard III remains both fascinating and divisive. From his childhood in the intensely loyal and close-knit York family to his rise as a thoughtful but troubled ruler, This Son of York is a passionate and deeply personal account of the life of Richard III. A man who loved his family and his country. A king who struggled to overcome the challenges not only of a turbulent time but his own human frailties. A legend whose true life is only now coming to light. Inspired by the discovery of Richard III's grave and its revelations, award-winning author Anne Easter Smith brings together her decades of intense research, five celebrated novels on the Wars of the Roses, and her sustained passion for Richard III in this culminating book on the last Plantagenet king.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: This Son of York

Introduction

"This Son of York" by Anne Easter Smith is a captivating historical novel that delves into the life of Richard III, one of England's most fascinating and controversial monarchs. Smith's extensive research and passion for the subject shine through in her portrayal of Richard III, humanizing him and bringing his story to life. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in the Wars of the Roses and the complex legacy of Richard III.

About Anne Easter Smith

Anne Easter Smith, the author of "This Son of York," is a renowned historical novelist known for her meticulous research and vivid storytelling. Born in the UK and now residing in the US, Smith has lived in the US for over 40 years. Her six novels set during the Wars of the Roses have been published by Touchstone at Simon & Schuster and others. Smith's writing has been featured in numerous national magazines, and she has received numerous accolades for her work. Visit her website at www.anneeastersmith.com to learn more about her and her books.

Analysis of Views

Engaging and well-researched: Readers praise Smith's ability to bring history to life through her meticulous research and vivid storytelling. The book feels like a living, breathing work that transports readers back in time, allowing them to experience the events firsthand.
Humanizing Richard III: Smith's portrayal of Richard III as a complex and multifaceted character resonates with readers. She presents him as a man who struggled with his own human frailties, as well as the challenges of a turbulent time. This approach makes readers empathize with Richard III and see him as more than just a historical figure.
Passionate and personal account: Smith's passion for Richard III shines through in her writing, making the book feel like a personal account of his life. Readers appreciate the depth of her research and the way she brings the era to life, making it feel like they are experiencing it themselves.
Engaging plot and character development: The book's plot is engaging and keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The character development is particularly noteworthy, with Smith skillfully portraying both Richard III and other historical figures with depth and nuance. Readers feel invested in the characters' lives and their struggles.
Historical accuracy: Smith's attention to historical accuracy is highly appreciated by readers. She incorporates real-life events and figures into the story, ensuring that readers gain a deeper understanding of the time period while enjoying an engaging narrative.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive research: Anne Easter Smith's extensive research shines through in "This Son of York," making it a reliable source for those interested in learning about Richard III and the Wars of the Roses. Readers appreciate the depth of knowledge she brings to the subject matter.
Engaging storytelling: Smith's ability to bring history to life through her storytelling makes "This Son of York" an enjoyable read for both history enthusiasts and general readers alike. The book's engaging plot and well-developed characters make it a compelling read from start to finish.
Humanizing portrayal: Smith's portrayal of Richard III as a relatable and complex character resonates with readers, making it easier for them to connect with him and understand his motivations. This approach adds depth to the historical figure and makes his story more relatable.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetitive language: Some readers find that Anne Easter Smith overuses adverbs and adjectives, which can be distracting and detract from the flow of the narrative. This repetitive language may hinder readers' ability to fully immerse themselves in the story.
Foreshadowing: While foreshadowing can add tension to a story, some readers find that it becomes overly prevalent in "This Son of York." The constant reminders of future events can be distracting and detract from the overall reading experience.

Conclusion

"This Son of York" by Anne Easter Smith is a highly recommended historical novel that brings the life of Richard III to life with meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and a humanizing portrayal of a complex historical figure. Readers appreciate Smith's attention to historical accuracy, her ability to bring the era to life, and her skillful character development. While some readers find certain aspects of the book repetitive or overly foreshadowed, overall, "This Son of York" is a captivating read that offers a fresh perspective on the life of Richard III and his legacy during the Wars of the Roses.