The Sunne in Splendour

Imagine the perfect book, one that makes you feel every emotion under the sun, whose writer showcases incredible skill, and whose characters felt more real than your own mother. Well that is what reading The Sunne in Splendour was like.

This is my second time reading this book. After my first introduction into the world of Richard III over ten years ago, I wanted to recapture it. The book delves into Richard III from a young age, and from this it captures the essence of the man, preparing the reader for the inevitable decision he makes to take his brother's crown. Murder, mystery, espionage, loyalty, this book captures it all in glorious detail.

The author, Sharon K. Penman, raises question over Richard III involvement into his nephews disappearance. Eloquently explaining in the Author's Notes her reasoning for this.

This book… show more.

Much like Tey’s book, the author raises questions about Richard Plantagenet and whether he was the much-maligned monster of Shakespearean imagining. I love SKP’s books as they draw you into the narrative and keep you entertained for hundreds of pages. 

I started reading every novel of Penman’s I could get my hands on when I was in my PhD. Reading had become a chore – something I did for my research. I had forgotten how to read for fun. My roommate in grad school had been a librarian and reminded me that books weren’t just something you “mine” for information.… show more.