Here Was a Man

‘Here was a Man’ is the first book I’ve read featuring Walter Raleigh as the main character. Not knowing much about him, particularly his years during James I’s reign, I was interested in reading a dramatised account of his life.

The narrative is episodic, skipping over years where nothing of great importance occurs. His wife and his queen are the two main women in his life. I liked the wooing scenes when he falls in love with his wife-to-be. The scenes with Elizabeth are often intense. The author does a good job in developing all her characters, especially these three.

I liked the story well enough, though didn’t find it to be as exciting as the synopsis implied. It’s occasionally spoiled by writing with hindsight:

‘Her own show more red-gold hair had recently given place to a wig, the first of a collection that was to number six hundred at her death.’

Other scenes are so dry and devoid of drama that they read like a textbook:

‘Essex’s anger had been a sight to see, too, when he had arrived too late and had threatened court martial and had been defied.’

A few revisions of the manuscript could easily have dramatised the above quote.

Overall, this is a decent first novel by my favourite author, but not in the same league as many of her later titles. show less

My grandma thought I would like this. I haven't read it, and have to admit forgot I owned it. Must get around to reading it.