We Speak No Treason

This is the story of King Richard III told in three voices: his young lover, the court fool, and one of his men of arms. Each story-teller brings a unique and haunting perspective to the events that ultimately left us with the prototypical villain of Shakespearean fame. This book works as an exoneration of that same man, casting him as a misunderstood and double-crossed figure of tragedy.

The prose are beautiful and dream-like, and indeed you feel as though you are reliving the history through someone's long forgotten dream. It is also one of the more historically accurate narratives I've read of this episode in history. Highly recommended.

I want to begin this review by stating that, although I am not a "card carrying" member of the Richard III society, I am deeply affected by the history of this time. I love Richard III novels, and non-fiction. The tragedy of this time is unmistakable. Richard was such a GOOD and loyal person, until his brother Edward IV died. I do believe that he is the most likely suspect in the disappearance of his nephews. The murder (because I believe that is what it was)of William Hastings shows he had enough nerve to dispose of those who could possibly block his way to the crown.
This book is more than 40 years old but I loved it. Rosemary Jarman makes it highly obvious nearly from the beginning, which way her beliefs swing in this Ricardian show more controversy. I'm not telling, as it would spoil the book! It is told from the perspectives of three people in Richard's life: the Maiden, the Knight of Keen Sight, and Patch the court fool. It gets a bit sleepy during part of the Knight's tale, but not for long.
The ending of the book felt particularly heart wrenching and slightly bizarre, in light of the recent discovery of Richard III's body. Almost prophetic.
It's a long book but it's a definite recommend. show less

This is another novel about the life and times of Richard III, from the aspect of a young maiden who bore his bastard daughter. Related in four voices: the maiden, a court jester, a knight who rode w/ Richard, and again the voice of the maiden who is now a nun. Many of incidents are historically accurate, in agreement with some of the other novels I've read; but this book was not as engagingly told - did not compare w/ A Rose for the Crown, or even come close to Sunne in Splendour.