After Flodden by Rosemary Goring is an outstanding fiction
debut from a powerful and talented author. Rosemary Goring has previously
written the bestselling Scotland the Autobiography and has worked as a
non-fiction editor for many years but this book feels like the work of a
fiction author at the height of her powers. The captivating story features a
handful of characters in the aftermath of the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Patrick
Paniter was James IV’s advisor and secretary and he is haunted by the horrors
of the battlefield and the death of his king. Louise Brenier has asked for
Paniter’s help in finding her brother who hasn’t returned from battle. The indomitable Louise disgruntled with the
search for her brother decides to set out to find him herself and finds herself
caught up in a feud between two border clans.
The action is fast paced and perilous. The characters are believable and
their stories compelling. This novel will have huge appeal for fans of Rose
Tremain and Hilary Mantel. It introduces a period of history which is less well
explored than the rest of the Sixteenth Century and which deserves further
exploration. I cannot recommend this story highly enough; it is a must for all
fans of Historical Fiction.
Here is a link to my review on lovereading.co.uk
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