Jeremy Shotts

Historically very interesting. Nice way of learning some history. Undoubtedly based on meticulous research and evoking a part of the world I love and which richly deserves attention. But the storyline is very contrived. The characters are not really very nuanced. The love story in particular seems to me very Mills and Boon. There are holes and incnisistencies in the plot and 21st Century behaviours and values are neatly cut and pasted onto the novel's people. I'd characterise it as no more than a good holiday read and I'm frankly surprised at the lavish praise it seems to garner.