pickI liked this book enough that it‘s tough to review here. There is just too much I want to talk about. Shakespeare, Richard II, king at 10, riding out amongst the mob of the Peasants Revolt in 1381, his disinterest in his country, and quest for absolute power. Henry IV, who usurped the throne, was his cousin, the same age, and loyal until he felt threatened. Also - Richard was never insane. An awesome book on the Women‘s Prize longlist.
p. 271: 'It was better to award a light penance that would one day put someone into purgatory to endure further punishment there, than to assign a heavy one that would not be done and might send the defaulter to hell.'
That's not what I expected from medieval confessors. Unfortunately, Orme doesn't cite his source for this attitude.
On to the section about Holy Week, which is obviously timely.
pickBlame it on an upcoming trip to London, but this royal history about Richard II & Henry IV from the Women's Prize Nonfiction Longlist piqued my interest. Also helped that I've read the Shakespeare plays about these kings. At 20+ hours, it was a commitment. My interest waned near the end. But I was immersed for the first 3/4. War, intrigue, rebellion. Nothing was stable for long. Castor is THOROUGH & has a soft spot for Henry IV & his father 👇
Recent acquisition:
📖 Bosworth 1485: Psychology of a Battle by Michael Jones
While listening to this one, I put together this kit and just had to show it to you all. I think it came out great!
pickI'd place this somewhere between "pick" and "so-so." It's a decent read, and provides a good overview of the Teutonic Knights. Some parts, such as the structure of the order, where interesting. However, the style of writing didn't quite draw me in. Still would recommend if you're looking for an introduction to the Teutonic Knights.
so-soI have mixed feelings about this one. I do think it‘s well written, but I also know I am not the audience for it. I knew nothing about these men and felt some sort of prior knowledge was imperative to fully enjoying this book. I never would have made it through the print; the audio was well done.
Random book from our home library:
📖 Green Blades Rising: The Anglo-Saxons by Kevin Crossley-Holland
I‘m trying to keep my recent reads firmly planted in the Middle Ages.
![[tagged book]](https://image.librarything.com/pics/litsy_webpics/icon_taggedBook@3x.png){kind=icon}
