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Appearances are not what they seem... Kronos is a fool in the court of King Henry VIII. Jeered for his dwarfism, lauded for his juggling...and discreetly desired by noble ladies. One dangerous moment of eavesdropping nearly costs him his life. Brutally maimed and abandoned, he is rescued by an apothecary and nursed back to health. When his rescuer learns of Kronos's import, he contrives to make himself a rich man.
“A man of my stature must have twice the wits if he is to survive amongst men twice his height.” These opening words of Mary Lawrence’s latest novel, ‘Fool’ begin an, epic journey from being abandoned as a malformed infant on a midden heap to the court of King Henry VIII.
Told mostly in retrospect, our unreliable narrator is named ‘Kronos’ by his rescuers, with typical irony. I enjoyed the well observed details of his early life at a monastery, although it is hard to think of a character less well suited to monastic discipline.
This story builds on the author’s excellent ‘Bianca Goddard Mystery’ series, exposing the harsh and dangerous realities of life for the lower levels of Tudor society. I also liked the inventive use of language, enough to convey an authentic sense of time and place.
Not for the squeamish, there are some disturbing details of cruelty and injustice, yet these are plausible and typical of the period.
I hope Mary Lawrence will consider a sequel, as like all the best stories, ‘Fool’ leaves the reader wanting to know more. Highly recommended.
Tony Riches
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About the Author
Mary Lawrence lives in Maine and is the author of five Bianca Goddard Mysteries set in Tudor London featuring a cast of commoners. Bianca uses her wits and a smattering of alchemy to solve murders in the slums of Southwark. Suspense Magazine named The Alchemist’s Daughter and The Alchemist of Lost Souls "Best Books of 2015 and 2019” in the historical mystery category and each mystery has been a top 100 best-selling historical mystery. Her articles have appeared in several publications most notably the national news blog, The Daily Beast. Fool is a standalone Find out more at www.marylawrencebooks.com and find her on Facebook and Instagram
