A Rollicking Tale of Deception and Identity
Historical fiction is a genre I indulge in often and “The Pretender” absolutely captivated me. It’s a novel that brings to life a little-known historical footnote—the fascinating story of Lambert Simnel, the boy who was crowned King Edward VI at just ten years old, only to have history take a very different course.
Plot Summary
The story begins in 1480 with a young boy named John Collan, whose greatest concern is navigating a local village goat—until his entire world is turned upside down. A mysterious stranger from London arrives, revealing that John is no ordinary peasant but the long-lost son of the Duke of Clarence. Whisked away from his humble origins, he is trained, manipulated, and prepared for a potential rise to the throne.
John—later Lambert, later Edward—is sent to Oxford for an aristocratic education, then to Burgundy to learn the ways of European court politics. Alongside the spirited and ruthless Joan of Kildare, a young woman trapped between marriage or a convent, he becomes a pawn in the dangerous game of English succession. His fate teeters between becoming king or dying in battle, but as he grows, he begins to question his identity, and the role others have imposed upon him.
The novel charts his transformation as he experiences love, betrayal, political intrigue, and war—all while navigating shifting identities in a world where power is fleeting and alliances fragile.
Themes
ThemesThis novel is deeply rooted in themes of identity, fate, and manipulation. As John transforms into different personas, his struggle to understand who he truly is and what he wants makes for an incredibly compelling journey. The book explores the intersection of personal choice and political maneuvering—how people shape history and are, in turn, shaped by it.
There’s also a strong focus on the roles of women in this era, particularly Joan of Kildare, whose intelligence and political instincts make her just as cunning as any man. The novel doesn’t just highlight royal ambition but also the quiet, everyday survival tactics of people navigating turbulent times.
What Worked
Jo Harkin’s prose is masterful, balancing wit, bawdy humour, and poetic turns of phrase. The language, meant to evoke the era, does take a little getting used to, but it ultimately adds richness to the storytelling.
The novel is filled with incredible character work—John/Lambert’s gradual transformation is written beautifully, and side characters like Beatrice add bursts of warmth, wit, and humanity. The political intrigue is gripping, and even though I’m not deeply familiar with 15th-century English politics, the storytelling made it engaging and accessible.
There are moments of humour, including boyish curiosity about bodily functions, yet also real emotional depth. Watching John grow up, lose his innocence, navigate betrayals, and experience heartbreak made this a genuinely moving read.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
Who Will Enjoy This Book?If you love immersive historical fiction that blends politics, espionage, and deep character work, “The Pretender” is for you and you will appreciate the way the novel brings historical figures to life with nuance and humanity. Even if you don’t normally gravitate toward 15th-century history, the writing is accessible and engaging enough to pull you in.
That said, it’s not a fast-paced book—at times, the plot slows down, particularly in the second half. Readers who enjoy slower, more atmospheric historical fiction will appreciate it most.
Conclusion
“The Pretender” is a literary and historical triumph—well-researched, gorgeously written, and absolutely absorbing. There were moments where the pacing dragged slightly, but overall, it was a rich and rewarding read that stuck with me long after I closed the final page.
I can recommend this book, especially for those who love deep explorations of identity, political machinations, and richly drawn characters.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
