Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett Review
I have a deep interest in Thomas More'south family, then when I saw this novel about his foster daughter Margaret Giggs Clement, I had to bank check it out. Unfortunately, although the author has given Giggs an engaging character and she deftly plumbs the contradictions posed by More'due south humanist and anti-heretical personae, the book chop-chop becomes a farrago of melodrama and conspiracy theories. At times, Bennett's historical inaccuracies and stylistic descent into the literary equivalent of Cheez Whiz were irritating. But more troubling was Bennett's disability to apprehend the early modernistic mind. Both Giggs and Holbein display an unease with what they telephone call religious "bigots"--that is, anyone with overly zealous religious beliefs, whether Catholic or Protestant. I institute it very hard to believe that anyone during this period would have characterized others every bit "bigots" in this sense. Protestants and Catholics fought so intensely considering those on the other side were supposedly deluded by the devil and in peril of damnation. Someone similar Erasmus might have been appalled by the force with which More than pursued his anti-Protestant views, simply Erasmus would have essentially agreed with More's viewpoint that Catholicism must be preserved. In addition, I find information technology very hard to believe that Giggs would accept flirted so closely with Lutheranism, especially given her own deep commitment to Catholicism which resulted in her later exile at Louvain. The religious relativism that Giggs displays is therefore somewhat anachronistic. While she might take helped Lutherans and certainly encountered them, I think Giggs would have e'er had in mind the idea that they were lost souls. Past giving Giggs a more modern perspective, Bennett exalts her above her milieu in a way that is both problematic and disappointing. This book volition probably please an audition looking for historical romance. Anyone with a serious interest in the Mores would be ameliorate off sticking with histories of More and his family unit.
I listened to this book while jogging in one-1.5 hr segments. It made a wonderful companion on my runs.
This story is told from the perspective of Thomas More than'south adopted daughter, One thousand thousand. The story is told in everyday life, not the courtroom, and tells of the people'due south side of events. The events heart on Meg's upbringing, her relationship with her sisters, Thomas More's change & his treatment of heretics. It tells the tale until More is thrown out of court. In between these stories is an alternating account of the boys in the belfry. Who isn't interested in finding out what happened to these two young boys? Although they are probably still somewhere within the walls of the tower, this theory is an interesting one.
All in all, an easy reading blend of history and fiction. An enjoyable audio book.
Rating description: iv.five stars Portrait of an Unknown Woman is an intelligent, thoughtful and interesting historical novel which weaves a vivid, "what-if" fictional story effectually the beautiful and lush 2nd portrait of the Thomas More family as painted by Hans Holbein. The story primarily focuses on Thomas More's foster daughter, One thousand thousand Griggs, but Bennett also gives the reader a realistic peak into what Thomas More and Hans Holbein might besides accept been like had nosotros been privy to their inner-most thoughts and feelings. The story itself spans approximately x years, and follows 1000000 and the More family during the tumultuous years of Henry 8's conflict with the Catholic Church, equally the Reformation storms across Europe and divides the people of faith into conflict with their censor. Bennett portrays both sides of the issue with sympathy, and allows the reader to see how both sides had merit every bit well every bit how both used torture and intimidation to advance their cause. There'south so much to beloved about this book, not least of which is the imagination that Bennett had to create a fictionalized, nevertheless believable, tale all from a portrait. (Writer Tracy Chavelier is also well known for this power i.e The Daughter with the Pearl Earring, The Lady and the Unicorn). Information technology is and so satisfying to read a good story, well told, and to exist able to await at a work of fine art and imagine it to be "truthful". This mode of writing marries the best of fiction and not-fiction, and nearly compells the reader to explore the world from which information technology springs. In actuality, I did finish upwards googling Hans Holbein's gallery, the Reformation, and Saint Thomas More to learn more. What better recommendation can I give then that this book propelled me to learn more after the last page was turned? Bennett'south book is a treasure, and i which I will go along on my shelves for a future re-read. I'm keeping it from a full 5 stars due to the fact that the POV had a tendency to jump unexpectedly and confusingly. Otherwise, a well done debut novel. ****
Extra bonus reader points goes to the hard cover version, which is like holding a small department of the portrait itself. There is a gold, 1/2 folio wrap effectually book cover that tin be removed, leaving you lot with a smooth, beautiful cover depicting 2 of the painted figures from Holbein'south portrait in fine detail. Really lovely stuff.
Vanora Bennett'due south "Portrait of an Unknown Woman" is a fascinating, well researched historical novel nearly two 16th century men, Sir Thomas More and artist Hans Holbein. Central to the storyline is a young woman who meant much to both of them. The history of the tumultuous times in which these people lived is larger than all the characters put together and makes for a dramatic story.
Vanora Bennett has chosen an interesting time in More's life for this novel of many layers. From my "futuristic" perspective, I was waiting for More to be taken away, but this doesn't happen. So the story is encapsulated in that uncomfortable, trying time when everyone fears the worst only they don't know when, or fifty-fifty if, the rex is going to strike. More even stages his own arrest in front of the family at dinner, just so they will be meliorate prepared when the moment comes. The novel starts at what might be considered the height of his career, but even then our heroine Million is disturbed past the unconfirmed activities inside his cottage, with admission forbidden to everyone but him. Enter Hans Holbein, the awkward aspiring artist about to tackle his near important commission to date. The family portrait was destroyed past burn in the 18th century but nosotros still take an intriguing preliminary sketch with the names of each sitter noted by the writer (thankfully). Meg has been adopted into the family unit and Holbein takes more than a coincidental interest in her, though her sights are assault a certain John Clement with a mysterious past. Meg and John'south turbulent relationship take upward near of the book, with the background of More'south fall from ability and her ain brief flirtation with the endangered protestant population. Or is the book about Holbein? Fleeing his unhappy marriage, he finds comfort in England and becomes infatuated with One thousand thousand. Eventually, after Thomas's resignation, he decides to support the Mores in the only way he can and offers to paint a 2d family unit portrait. In the course of this episode he finds Meg more amenable, for she is disillusioned with her marriage and vulnerable. But More than, ever perceptive and understanding, sets things to rights and manages to make everybody contented. More than or less. Throughout the volume the author skates over the thin ice of Thomas More's fanaticism, heretic torturing and burning—the theme that seems nigh prevalent in our current historical discussions. Meg was constantly torn between horror and rationalism; could her love and prudent male parent be capable of such atrocities? This question is never entirely satisfied, which somehow feels appropriate; I recall More is one of the great enigmas of the Tudor age. I constitute this book to be quite provocative and engaging, and I think it would piece of work with any level of previous acquaintance with the subject.
Ever wonder about the existent story backside the Princes in the Belfry? Portrait of an Unknown Woman presents one version that is plausible, even probable. Thomas More than, a powerful and influential function of Henry Viii'due south court, his family unit, and Hans Holbein are brought to life once more and shown with both shining perfection as well equally dismal human being failings. The mystery of the ultimate fates of the Princes in the Tower is deftly told, incorporating many historic figures, but primarily focuses on the perspectives of Thomas More'southward family unit. An entertaining story that gives the reader a peek behind the curtains of court life, and an overview of court politics. Henry Viii's power, his astute understanding of his people and his ability to leverage his loyal followers (such as More, Cromwell, etc) caused immense changes in the relationship of church and state. Ms. Bennett successfully brought the people and the political climate of the era to life and inspired belief in the story. It'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to imagine many of the secretive plot lines taking place. I enjoyed reading the book, both from a historical signal of view, as well as from an amusement point of view. Her description of the inspiration and human relationship between the artist (Holbein) and his patrons (More, etc) was very interesting.
Fantastic historical fiction! This poignant story is a minor glimpse into the life of Sir Thomas More and his family during one of the nigh turbulent times in Western history. In that location are so many elements to this book, my listen tin't leave it lonely. Showtime there's the history, a time period I already find fascinating mainly because of how it inverse the world/civilization of religion. The amazing fashion in which Vanora Bennett presents the story allows the reader to see both sides of the controversial issues facing Europe at that time and feel a deep sadness for both. Next, she has woven into the story ideas, symbolism, and the art of Hans Holbein the famous Renaissance painter, creating a huge curiosity for me about his work. Lastly, I loved the style she brought in an element of 1 of England's great mysteries, the princes in the tower, and tied it to very real people and their relationships, making a completely plausible solution. Although this is the author'due south first novel, it is the second of hers I accept read. I read Figures in Silk first, and though I liked it and was intrigued past the history presented in information technology virtually Richard 3 and the end of the Plantagenet family unit, I didn't fully appreciate information technology until now. Had I not read it first, I wouldn't have been prepared to sympathise the significance of the characters in Portrait. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about the sixteenth century and the Tudors! Interesting that many of the reviews showed people hated it.
In her historical fiction debut, "Portrait of an Unknown Woman," Vanora Bennett has brought a crucial slice of English language history to life with compelling characterizations and a bully eye for menses item. Based on the ascension and fall of humanist author and statesman Sir Thomas More than during the English Reformation and the High german artist, Hans Holbein, who created a painting of More than's family during that time, "Portrait" is a piece of work rendered in stunning clarity and often scenic prose. Although some readers may find the idea of Thomas More torturing anyone in the proper name of God quite bizarrely out of sync with his grapheme as they understand it, Bennett's characterizations all have the ring of actuality within the framework of her novel. She has fabricated Meg Giggs (Thomas More than's ward) a stiff and thoughtful graphic symbol and has believably placed her centrally in the vortex of the political and religious convergence of Reformation England. By doing so, Bennett is able to present the details of that turbulent era through Meg's intelligent and sympathetic eyes. The actual plot points move rather slowly during the book's beginning half but the reader is far too carried away by the novel's intriguing, shadowy forebodings and compelling characterizations to actually find this. When the plot does quicken its pace, Bennett reveals her genius – axiomatic throughout her entire volume – for seamlessly interweaving fiction with fact: "All through the spring and summer we lived apart from reality in our own joy. We paid no attention the day the poor devout queen went on her knees in the divorce court and swore, in her Spanish-absolute voice, that she had come to the king's bed a virgin all those years before, or to the stories of the look of cloy on the rex'southward face as he publicly pushed her away." In the current climate of increasingly strident ideologies, Bennet's remarkably balanced and sympathetic portrayal of the novel's key religious dispute is nothing brusque of miraculous. For instance, a Protestant character describes his new devotion to God in the following way: "there are people – like me – who believe that being a Christian means they're allowed to have a simple conversation with God without having to pay a priest for the privilege. People who believe that . . . all y'all accept to do is truly believe and your sins will exist forgiven. . . " Just Thomas More waxes no less lyrical regarding the beauties of Catholic worship when he describes it equally "the sacred continuum that joins everyone alive now with every Christian from St. Augustine onward who has believed what nosotros believe and worshiped as nosotros worship. Take that away . . . lose the beauty of Latin, the common language that unifies all believers . . . and you're left with nothing but the ranting and babbling of lunatics.". There are a few sexy scenes/situations in the volume which seem extremely out of place considering the high moral principles consort by the Thomas Moore family unit, but I suppose these additions are a nod to 21st century readers hungry for a bit of bodice-ripping in all their historical fiction. These scenes don't overwhelm the narrative but they practice seem quite out of place. Although the enjoyment of this volume is greatly enhanced by a general understanding of Plantagenet/Tudor history, it is sure to please anyone with the slightest interest in cute writing and realistic characterizations fix inside a historical framework.
I picked upwards this book hoping for some other "Daughter with the Pearl Earring", simply was sorely disappointed. The main thing that struck me nearly the book was information technology's incredible length, and unbelievable non-action. There was no climax. There was only weak plot. It took FOREVER to listen to the 12 discs that made up this audiobook, and I was counting the minutes later on the 4th disc. That's a lot of minutes. Also, at that place was a lot of "twinkling" and "dimpling" mentioned in this novel...as in, he "twinkled" down at his lovely girl, or she dimpled at the memory of her happy childhood studies...it was annoying. I call up at one point some of the children'southward legs actually twinkled in the air while they were being held by their father, and i almost gave upwardly on this volume altogether at that point. Oh, another skillful line was that during a sex scene the man looked down at her body harpooned under his on the forest floor. Um...ew. Since when is "harpooning" sexy? Only for some reason, I stuck it out, and I'm not entirely happy I did. Of interest with this novel is that it is actually based on truth - all of the characters and much of the goings-on are documented history - the story centers around Sir Thomas Moore and his family during the time of King Henry Viii's reign in England. This was at the tale finish of the Renaissance, with the Boleyn saga as a distant groundwork. So, I watched "The Other Boleyn Girl" while reading this book, and they enriched each other, every bit they gave me a better properties over which to place this fairly pallid story. So, if y'all freaking LOVED that motion picture and want to know more about the times at King Henry's court surrounding the seduction of the king by Anne Boleyn, this would give the reader a little bit more than info. Merely otherwise, unless you lot're obsessed with post-Tudor England, reading about Renaissance men who love to curiosity at the sizes of their own intellects, men possessed with religious righteousness to the betoken of feeling justified in torturing other man beings for wanting to read the Bible in a linguistic communication they would empathize (English language) rather than listening uncomprehendingly week subsequently week to latin masses, and women who could think of aught more than marrying and having babies, perhaps in that location are other books you could be reading...
Meg More than is a skilled healer, a young woman who has been educated past scholars. Her male parent has not made a marriage match for her, equally he has for all of his other children and she is lonely. Hans Holbein the younger has been deputed to paint a portrait of the More family and arrives at their abode at the same time as John Cloudless their former tutor. Million has always loved John Clement despite the fact that he is older than her father. Hans Holbein finds Meg'southward beauty captivating and they get adept friends while he paints the family portrait. While Holbein painted the family unit portrait Thomas More was in the king'southward skillful graces and a position of power and esteem. Years later when Holbein returns to London many things have changed for England also the More than family. As a style to pay his respects Holbein paints a second portrait. (I highly recommend reading the hardcover copy of the book and then that you tin meet the second family portrait.) The 2d painting is a story without words and the truths within it come tumbling out. I really enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the reoccurring theme of mistaken identity and the story of the princes in the tower. Though I have to agree that information technology has some dry patches and sometimes came off sounding like a lesson from Fine art History class. But having been a pupil of art history I didn't listen too much. And I also thought that the momentum built up to the middle and and so I wondered where it was going to go. But I call back that Vanora Bennett did a very nice job of bringing the story dorsum around over again and the ending was well washed. In fact the ending was my favorite function. She has created a moving story that touches on truth, honesty, trust and expose.
I enjoyed this perspective on those crazy power mongers who lived during the reign of Henry VIII. Vanora Bennett creates a fictional account of the life of Meg Griggs, Thomas More's adopted daughter. Thomas More being 1 of King Henry Eight's devoted servants and a staunch defender of Catholicism. Bennett offers us insights into the mind of those who are then devoted that they would risk their lives to defend their ideals and harshly punish those who criticize them.
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