I enjoyed this book, the story within a story and the general premise. It fundamentally challenges the unknowable biases present in historical archives.
The story is centred around an unnamed, reluctant medieval king who is forced to the throne after both elder bothers die unexpectedly. He doesn’t want the life of signing off death warrants or sending the men of the army to certain death in battle. He takes his own course.
Who is stronger, the man forcing himself to be something he doesn’t want to be, or the man who resists, only to be seen as weak.
The story is told through the context of an historic scene setter, specialising in creating the correct feel around foods, eating, and banquets. Her role is to research the archives to learn more about the king she is depicting and to set the scene appropriately.
However, when the people at the time of the king who are present in court aren’t entirely sure what was happening, then how can we trust any account that came from them. Each having their own unique perspectives, their own biases, political objectives, etc.
I enjoyed the themes, the insights into those creating historic theatre, the history, the writing style and the thoughts it left me with. You can’t ask more of a book than that.
