All Manner of Things by Wendy J Dunn

 

All Manner of Things is the second book in Wendy J. Dunn's Catherine of Aragon Story. While it follows the previous novel and continues to tell the story of Catalina as she arrives in England to become the wife of Prince Arthur, heir to the English throne it is narrated by her cousin and closest friend Maria de Salinas. 

Maria is close to death and recalls her life and that of her dear friend and kinswoman Catalina in a letter to her daughter. The historical detail that Wendy J Dunn has included is magnificent and there is a real sense of the individual characters of each person we meet. Catalina is a nervous young girl adjusting to the idea of England being her home when she meets her future husband and just days later is married to him. Arthur is just a few months younger than Catalina or Katharine as the English court calls her. He is frequently ill and his mother fears for his health. The young couple spend their days together sharing books, ideas and dreams for the future when both are struck down by illness. Maria is by Catalina's side as she is struck down by fever and when Arthur dies Catalina is heartbroken. Both young women fear the alliance between England and Spain is broken until Queen Elizabeth makes a daring suggestion; that Katherine marries Arthur's younger brother, Henry. Despite her mistrust of the young Prince Maria swears to remain by her cousin's side. 

This is a wonderful recreation of a story we think we know but the author has used her own magnificent knowledge of the period to great effect and allows the reader to see with new eyes. A perfect stand alone story and a great compliment to the first in the series. Perfect for fans of Anne O'Brien, Elizabeth Chadwick and Catherine Meyrick. 

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