After Flodden by Rosemary Goring

[Vanessa]

After Flodden by Rosemary Goring

Patrick Paniter was James IV's right-hand man, a diplomatic genius who was in charge of the guns at the disastrous battle of Flodden in September 1513 in which the English annihilated the Scots. After the death of his king he is tormented by guilt as he relives the events that led to war. When Louise Brenier, daughter of a rogue sea trader, asks his help in finding out if her brother Benoit was killed in action, it is the least he can do to salve his conscience. Not satisfied with the news he brings, Louise sets off to find out the truth herself, and swiftly falls foul of one of the lawless clans that rule the ungovernable borderlands. After Flodden is a novel about the consequences of the battle of Flodden, as seen through the eyes of several characters who either had a hand in bringing the country to war, or were profoundly affected by the outcome. There have been very few novels about Flodden, despite its significance,and none from this perspective. It's a racy adventure, combining political intrigue and romance, and its readership will be anyone who loves historical fiction, or is interested in the history of Scotland and the turbulent, ungovernable borderlands between Scotland and England.


My Thoughts:

I will start the review by saying that I loved this book and found it a very engrossing read. Set in Scotland just after the battle of Flodden in 1513, during a turbulent time in Scottish history, I thought this was a fascinating and intriguing tale of love, war, espionage and adventure with a good plot at its heart. It cleverly combines historical fact with fiction and is so vividly and beautifully written that I almost felt I was there!

The story centres around five or maybe six main characters who are all suffering from the after effects of the battle, my favourite of whom are Louise Brenier, a young woman searching for her brother who is feared dead, and Hob, an orphaned boy who she befriends when tragedy strikes. All the characters are well drawn and believable, and I enjoyed travelling on their individual journeys.

It's a fast paced tale set during a period in history about which I know little, so I was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to read and review this compelling, atmospheric and exciting book by www.lovereading.co.uk. A real page turner and one I would recommend to all historical fiction fans.

[Rowan]

Set during a turbulent time in Scottish history? When was the non-turbulent period of Scottish history? I haven't found it yet.

[annis]

Posted by Rowan

Set during a turbulent time in Scottish history? When was the non-turbulent period of Scottish history? I haven't found it yet.

Lol! The least turbulent time in Scottish history that I can think of was after the last of the Jacobite Risings was utterly squashed, and that was a grim time for the Scots who'd been on the losing side. However, relative peace gave the Scottish economy a boost through the late 18th and 19th centuries. Life was still pretty harsh for the Highlanders, though and the Clearances of the 19th century saw many of them emigrate (not necessarily voluntarily) to places further afield. In the case of my husband's ancestors the clan laird became financially unable to maintain his clan. He had to sell up his estates and did the best he could for them by buying them passage on ships to British colonies so they could get a fresh start.

[Vanessa]

It's quite peaceful now, so I believe! I've been on many holidays to Scotland and some of the scenery is simply stunning.