King’s Fool
by Margaret Campbell Barnes
Another great novel from this author! I really enjoyed her book My Lady of Cleves, though found the one on Anne Boleyn (Brief Gaudy Hour) had a sketchy timeline and depicted Anne as I hate seeing her: shallow and evil. You can read my previous reviews on those:
My Lady of Cleves and Brief Gaudy Hour
Now, back to King’s Fool… This is the story of the life of Will Somers, royal jester to Henry VIII. I would liken this book to The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George, though more abridged and it has a little more to do with Will’s life rather than Henry’s. They both show Henry in a positive light and make his decisions seem more rational than the topical history suggests.
Will starts life as the son of a churchman and has learning, though his family is poor. He secures a position in an affluent merchant’s household as clerk and meets the lovely daughter, Joanna. He does have personality and antics here and there, though they don’t come to royal notice until he accompanies his master to court, where he apes the noblemen and catches they eye of the king. Through all six wives he is beside his king, not only as jester but also his friend and confidant.
I like how this novel ties in with the previous ones I read, though, again, not Anne Boleyn’s character. But others I did enjoy, such as the Lady Mary, Hans Holbein and Anne of Cleves. There is just the right balance of Will’s life as jester and his life as himself, Will Somers the former clerk of Easton Neston.
I’m giving this book 5 stars because it has everything I like in a historical fiction novel: solid characters (not too good or too bad), a good plot (how can you go wrong with Henry VIII and his wives?), great wording and diction (not overly antiquated or too modern) and historical accuracy. I am quickly becoming enamored of this author’s writing!
Hello, my name is Arleigh... welcome to my book review site! Here you will find author guest posts, book news, reviews and various articles on the genre. My favorite author is Jean Plaidy, of whom I have built a 
I have had Margaret George’s book on my shelf and I think I even started it once but just didn’t get going. I’m hoping that King’s Fool is a nice intro to get me more interested in the whole story! Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the lovely review, Arleigh. Never a dull moment for this guy, I’m sure. Sounds like a very colourful life – exciting too. Too bad about the Boleyn portrayal. Fortunately you weren’t too put off by this and the book turned out to be very good!
I absolutely love your reviews. ( I just found your page from your newest giveaway )
Anyways, I was just wondering if these books should be read in any particular order?
Kristen, yes I have to admit the M. George book is quite intimidating because of it’s size! I only got through Anne Boleyn in it and then skipped around through to the end. One day I hope to tackle it front to back!
Lucy… I already knew and expected the Anne Boleyn bit because of her other novel on her. So I guess since I was ready it really didn’t bother me as much…
Hi Jessica.Marie! No, they are not a series so just pick one and go with it!
I really enjoyed this one also. I hope there are plans to reissue her novel The King’s Bed.
Wonderful review! I am really enjoying this book. I will be posting my review this week. I just have a short ways to go. Anne of Cleves just arrived.
[...] Read my review! [...]
I prefer better balanced portrayals of Anne as well, but in this novel I was particularly struck by the comment about Anne that Thomas Wyatt makes that it is often fear that makes people so relentless. I really enjoyed that moment of insight – and the novel overall.
Great review! I’ve linked to you here