This wonderful novel by Jean Plaidy is the story of Sir
Thomas More, his life, his home and also the story of his family. History of England seems to be a forte with
Jean Plaidy and this novel does not disappoint.
Set during the turbulent times of Tudor England this novel
tells the story of a humble man who lived during unimaginable change and who
also in a way lived well before his time.i.e. There was not really a place for
him in the government circles of Henry VIII but he achieved a measure of
success which was quite astounding but at the same time he would not have
acknowledged his status in the council of Henry VIII as becoming a successful
person. He was more astute and aware of
life and circumstances to have his head turned by material wealth and success. He did not fit the mold of his predecessor,
Cardinal Wolsey.
I especially loved the story of his daughters, how Sir
Thomas More believed that the girls should also be well educated at a time when
girls were not educated to high standards similar to the boys. There was a happy family environment in which
Sir Thomas More married twice. He had
three daughters and a son from his first marriage and a step-daughter from his
second marriage. There was also an adopted
daughter, Mercy, who was of a similar age as Margaret, his first daughter and
Ailie, the step-daughter.
The lives of the
daughters and son are intermingled in this story of high politics and drama
which ensued from Sir Thomas’s time working at the court of Henry VIII. He also eventually moved to Chelsea with his
family, whom he loved very much.
It is unfortunate that this man of the people, who believed
in fairness and justice and was also a trained lawyer who eventually became
Chancellor of England should have such a dramatic downfall. There were many changes at hand and Sir
Thomas could not succumb to Henry VIII’s wishes even though he had resigned in
all conscience as Chancellor of England.
Sadly, Sir Thomas More met his fate bravely on a fine day in
May at Tower Hill.
This novel describes the many wonders of Tudor life and
Tudor London of the times. It is also
imbues the main character, Sir Thomas More, with special qualities and
insights. The love he had for his family
and the beautiful gatherings they had whether outside in the summer weather for
special occasions or a nightly gathering with music and song shines prominently
in this story. It is a beautiful story
of an extraordinary man. He believed he
was the king’s good servant but God’s servant
first.
A well recommended story.
