If you are interested in historical
novels set in Tudor's England, Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom should be on your list of
books to read.
Set in the reign of Henry the VIII, these
mystery series follow the life and work of lawyer named Matthew Shardlake. The author provides quite vivid descriptions of the social
and political environment surrounding Henry the Tudor's England,
especially the fear of self-expression and problem of
absolutism.
This was a very turbulent time for England. When religious reformation started by Luther and his
followers in Germany, Henry VIII began his own religious
reformation, led by all powerful chief minister Thomas Cromwell. Henry VIII simply to
confiscate properties associated with Church of Rome and to divorce
from his first wife (that Pope would not allow).
However later, Henry VIII, fearful that
too much freedom in religious matters could undermine social
structure of the kingdom, backtracked and instituted more
conservative approach that eventually led to downfall of Thomas
Cromwell.
This particular novel, titled Dark Fire, is set
during the final year of Thomas Cromwell life (year of 1540). Asked
by his former master, Thomas Cromwell, to investigate reports about
Greek fire, an ancient weapon also known as dark fire, Shardlake
uncovers the "fictional" conspiracy against Cromwell
initiated by his political rival, Lord Norfolk. However, in the end,
Shardlake is not able to prevent the downfall of Thomas Cromwell.
In
addition to this, there is a side story running throughout book
related to young woman who is accused of murdering her young
relative. However, thanks to Shardlake's efforts, she will be
exonerated and real culprits found. The author has included a very
interesting detail about usage of belladonna drops by the young girls
in 16th century to make them look more attractive and "comely"
by pupil dilation (belladonna plant contains atropine, an original
active ingredient of eye drops used in current ophthalmology).
Overall, this novel is not as great as "Heartstone"
but it is still easily readable and I would recommend it.
posted by David
Usharauli
