Based on extensive research, original letters and records of the Elizabethan Court, this new account explores the life of Tudor adventurer, courtier, explorer and poet, Sir Walter Raleigh, who has been called the last true Elizabethan.
I've always been curious about Sir Walter Raleigh and I don't believe I could have found a more thorough retelling of his life story, than Tony Riches' Raleigh. Told in a first person narrative, we are immediately placed in the man's shoes as we experience the adventurer's world first hand under Queen Elizabeth. His life is covered from his time studying law and writing poetry, hopeful that a chance meeting with the Queen's favorite courtier, Robert Dudley, might be his ticket out of a vocation he finds uninteresting. Alas, nothing becomes of the opportunity.
Raleigh longs for a life of favor and adventure and gets his opportunity to captain a vessel in his brother's fleet headed for the New World. It is a testament to Raleigh's determination that he would take on such a role with no experience. True to his nature, Raleigh charts his own course and the first foray into sailing ends in disaster.
Disappointment and debt plague Raleigh and he descends into drunkenness and fighting, predictably ending in prison on two separate occasions. But he is given another chance and he redeems himself in Ireland by actively suppressing the Irish.
Riches' research is impeccable and his evenhanded retelling of Raleigh's life felt as though I had experienced it first hand. The descriptions of court politics, Elizabethan culture, and naval adventures were relatable and spot on.
The author has successfully given life to a man who, these days, is mostly remembered for a few anecdotes. Riches has fleshed out Raleigh's perspective and his yearning to rise, so much so that I rode the roller coaster of his successes and failures right along with him.
Mary Lawrence
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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. Her latest historical novel, Fool is released on 14th April. Find out more at www.marylawrencebooks.com and find her on Facebook and Instagram
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