What do You think about We Speak No Treason (1971)?
This is the story of King Richard III told in three voices: his young lover, the court fool, and one of his men of arms. Each story-teller brings a unique and haunting perspective to the events that ultimately left us with the prototypical villain of Shakespearean fame. This book works as an exoneration of that same man, casting him as a misunderstood and double-crossed figure of tragedy.The prose are beautiful and dream-like, and indeed you feel as though you are reliving the history through someone's long forgotten dream. It is also one of the more historically accurate narratives I've read of this episode in history. Highly recommended.
—Tess
A defence of Richard III.Interesting Facts from the book:The order, given by Richard IIII, to have fine garments made for Edward IV's two little sons is still extant. This was given long after the rumours that he had had them imprisoned and murdered in the Tower.Richard III believed Margaret Beaufort (Henry VII's mother) to be his supporter right to the time of the Battle of Bosworth. Her husband, Lord Stanley, defected and joined the Lancaster troops at the battle.Richard's three known children were Edward, his son with Queen Anne Neville, Katherine, his illegitimate daughter, whom he cared for and an illegitimate son, John of Gloucester, who was murdered by Henry VII.
—Elaine
I was interested and suprised to read a book that presents Richard III in a positive light. I became invested in the characters, specifically the main character, Richard's first lover, and the lush language used to evoke the events surrounding the War of the Roses. I recommend it to any who enjoy a good historical fiction.Incidentally, the title is an excerpt from Shakespeare's The Life and Death of King Richard III (i.i.): "we speak no treason man; we say the king is wise and virtuous...". Because of the context of the quote, Richard III (or Gloucester at the time of this speech) is being "ironic" here, I leapt at reading this book. Thusly, I was surprised to find it presents Richard III in a positive light.For a more sympathetic view of Richard, a much maligned historical figure, see the web site of The Richard III Society.
—Monica
