'The Pretender' centers on a real peasant who learns he is heir to England's throne
In this NPR's Book of the Day episode, author Jo Harkin discusses her novel about a 15th-century peasant boy who learns he may be the heir to England's throne. Drawing from historical events in 1483, the story follows ten-year-old John Colin as he transitions from peasant life to the role of potential monarch, exploring themes of identity and royal succession during medieval times.
The discussion delves into how Harkin builds upon historical records while crafting her fictional narrative, taking inspiration from Hilary Mantel's approach to historical fiction. The episode also examines the real-life figure behind the novel's protagonist, Lambert Simnel, whose story took an unexpected turn when he received a royal pardon and was given a position in King Henry VII's kitchens rather than facing execution.
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1-Page Summary
Historical Context and Events That Inspired "The Pretender"
Jo Harkin's novel "The Pretender" weaves together historical events from 15th-century England with a compelling narrative about identity and royal intrigue. Set in 1483, the story follows John Colin, a ten-year-old peasant boy who becomes entangled in claims that he is actually the offspring of the Duke of Clarence and the rightful Earl of Warwick.
Peasant Boy to Heir of English Throne
The story centers on John Colin's transformation when nobles reveal his supposed true identity as Edward, Earl of Warwick. As the claimed heir to the throne, John must quickly master the skills expected of a medieval monarch, including horsemanship, martial arts, and scholarly pursuits. This dramatic shift from peasant to potential king creates significant inner turmoil as John grapples with his identity and new role.
Blending History and Fiction in Historical Fiction
Harkin takes inspiration from Hilary Mantel's approach to historical fiction, using documented events as a foundation while creatively filling historical gaps. The author builds upon the brief historical mentions of Lambert Simnel, crafting a more detailed narrative while staying true to the known facts of the period.
Fate of the Real-Life Figure Behind Novel's Protagonist
The historical Lambert Simnel's story took an unexpected turn after his failed attempt to claim the throne. Rather than facing execution, he was pardoned by King Henry VII and given a position in the royal kitchens. This surprising act of mercy effectively ended Simnel's political aspirations and provided inspiration for Harkin's exploration of what might have followed in her protagonist's life.
1-Page Summary
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Actionables
- Explore your own family history to uncover any potential historical narratives or figures you might be connected to. By researching genealogy databases and historical records, you can find interesting ancestors who may have played a role in historical events. This personal connection to history can inspire creative projects or deepen your understanding of your heritage.
- Write a short story that reimagines a small event in your life with a historical twist. For example, if you once found a lost item and returned it, rewrite the story as if it happened in a different era, with the lost item being a significant historical artifact. This exercise can enhance your creative writing skills and give you a new perspective on everyday events.
- Volunteer at a local historical society or museum to engage with historical narratives firsthand. By interacting with artifacts, documents, and stories from the past, you can gain a deeper appreciation for history and its impact on the present. This involvement can also provide inspiration for your own creative endeavors or simply enrich your understanding of the local history.
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Historical Context and Events That Inspired "The Pretender"
"The Pretender" is a novel that intertwines the tumultuous history of 15th-century England with a stirring narrative of identity and royal intrigue.
Novel Set In 15th-Century England Post-"Princes in the Tower" Deaths
Novel About Lambert Simnel, Peasant Boy and Claimed Lost Heir To the Throne During King Richard III's Reign
Set in the year 1483, "The Pretender" tells the captivating story of John Colin, a ten-year-old peasant boy who is thrust into the center of a royal mystery. He is led to believe that he is none other than the offspring of the late George, Duke of Clarence. According to the tale spun around him, he is the true Earl of Warwick and potentially the future king of England.
Duke of Clarence Swaps Infant Son With Peasant Child to Protect York Royal Family
Jo Harkin, the author of "The Pretender," delves into the historical speculation surrounding the Duke of Clarence. She discusses a daring plot wherein the Duke allegedley attempted to safeguard the future of the York royal lineage by swapping his infant son with a peasant child. This act of desperation was meant to protect his son from the intrigues and dangers that befell those close to the throne.
Ambiguous Records of This Alleged Plot Allow Fictional Interpretation
The histo ...
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Historical Context and Events That Inspired "The Pretender"
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Actionables
- Dive into your own family history to uncover potential stories or mysteries that could inspire a creative project. By researching genealogy records, old letters, and speaking with relatives, you might find intriguing anecdotes that could serve as the basis for a short story, a piece of art, or even a personal blog series, much like the historical intrigue found in "The Pretender."
- Create a fictional diary entry from the perspective of a historical figure or someone living in a past era. This exercise can enhance your understanding of different viewpoints and historical contexts. For example, imagine you're a commoner in 15th-century England; write about your day-to-day life, thoughts on the royal family, or how a major event like a royal succession might affect you.
- Start a book club focused on historical fiction to explore and discuss the blending ...
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Peasant Boy to Heir of English Throne
John Colin, a simple peasant boy, is thrust into a world of intrigue and royalty when he learns of his true identity as Edward, Earl of Warwick, and the last York heir, setting the stage for a dramatic challenge against King Henry Tudor and an attempt to restore the York dynasty.
John Colin, a Peasant, Is Told He's Edward, Earl of Warwick, a Lost Heir, and Is Groomed As King
John Colin is approached by nobles who reveal a life-changing truth: he was swapped at birth and is actually Edward, Earl of Warwick. Harkin, one of the nobles, explains that it is John, or Edward as he is truly identified, who is destined to reclaim the throne from Henry Tudor.
Nobles Assert John, True Heir, to Challenge King Henry Tudor and Restore York Dynasty
The story of John Lambert Simnel is deeply rooted in historical context, though the novel adds fictional twists. As a peasant being groomed to challenge King Henry Tudor, John is caught in a web of noble assertions that position him as the legitimate heir and symbol of hope for the York dynasty's restoration.
John/Edward Must Learn Medieval Monarch Skills: Horsemanship, Martial Arts, Scholarly Pursuits
John is indoctrinated into royal protocols, entailing skills such as hunting with birds and dogs, jousting, archery, and sword fighting. Additional ...
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Peasant Boy to Heir of English Throne
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Actionables
- Explore your family tree to connect with your heritage and possibly uncover surprising ancestral stories, much like John's discovery of his noble lineage. Start by asking relatives for information, then use online genealogy platforms to trace your roots. This can give you a sense of identity and belonging, and who knows, you might find a fascinating piece of history that relates to you personally.
- Develop a new skill set that aligns with historical expertise, akin to John learning medieval monarch skills. Choose activities like archery, calligraphy, or chess that stimulate both physical and mental faculties. These hobbies not only provide a fun challenge but also connect you to past traditions, enriching your understanding of history through personal experience.
- Reflect on you ...
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Blending History and Fiction in Historical Fiction
Author Imitates Hilary Mantel, Using History As Foundation and Fiction to Fill Gaps
Jo Harkin, inspired by Hilary Mantel, drafts her historical fiction by anchoring it in factual events and adding creative details to complete the narrative.
Reimagining the Protagonist’s Story: Lambert Simnel’s Brief Historical Mention
Harkin delves into the scant historical traces of Lambert Simnel, who is briefly mentioned in historical records from the late 1400s. She takes Simnel, a character suggested to have been of peasant background with no recorded family history, and weaves a more comprehensive tale around him, filling in the blanks with inventive storytelling. Given that chronicles from that era are rife with propaganda and often blend rumor and hearsay, Harkin finds opportunity in the ambiguity, allowing her the freedom to shape Simnel’s story in her novel.
Author's Historical Fiction Stays True to F ...
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Blending History and Fiction in Historical Fiction
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Counterarguments
- Historical accuracy can be compromised when authors fill in gaps with fiction, potentially misleading readers about the true events or figures.
- The creative liberty taken by authors in historical fiction might overshadow lesser-known historical facts, further obscuring the historical record.
- By focusing on a character with scant historical evidence like Lambert Simnel, Harkin may inadvertently perpetuate or create myths that become entangled with public perception of history.
- The assertion that Harkin's work stays true to facts while embracing creativity could be seen as subjective, as different historians and readers may have varying opinions on what constitutes staying "true to facts."
- The idea that historical records from the late 1400s are rife with propaganda, rumor, and hearsay could be challenged by historians who argue that contemporary sources, despite their biases, can still provide a reliable account of the past when critically analyzed.
- The approach of aligning closely with another author's method, such as Hilary Mantel's, might limit the originality of Harkin's work or her potential to innovate within the genre of h ...
Actionables
- Start a creative journal where you reimagine the backstory of a minor character from your favorite historical event. By focusing on a lesser-known figure, you can practice blending fact with fiction, just as you would in developing a character like Lambert Simnel. For example, if you're interested in the American Revolution, pick a soldier mentioned once in a diary and create a life story for them, using historical context as your guide.
- Organize a book club with a twist where each member reads a different historical fiction novel and then shares how the author has woven fact with fiction. This will help you understand different techniques and approaches to historical fiction storytelling. You might discover new ways authors fill in gaps and how they balance historical accuracy with creative liberties.
- Engage in role-playing exercises based on historical events, taking on the persona of a ...
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Fate of the Real-Life Figure Behind Novel's Protagonist
John Lambert Simnel's life after a failed coup attempt is a story rarely told, but it offers insight into the mercy sometimes shown in tumultuous times.
Lambert Simnel Pardoned by Henry VII After Failed Throne Claim
The real child, John Lambert Simnel, found an unexpected reprieve after his attempt to seize the English throne ended in failure. He was pardoned by King Henry VII, illustrating the king’s capacity for mercy or perhaps a savvy political move to avoid creating a martyr.
Spared, Simnel Was Given a Royal Kitchen Position, Ending His Political Aspirations
Following his pardon, Simnel was assigned work in the royal kitchens, effectively putting an end to any political ambitions he might have harbored. Various historical accounts diverge on the exact nature of his duties, with some stating he became a ladle washer, while others suggest he was tasked with turning a spit.
Benign Fate Offers a "Second Act" for the Protagonist After a Failed Coup Attempt
Taking artistic liberties with Simnel's life, author Harkin uses her book to propose what might be co ...
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Fate of the Real-Life Figure Behind Novel's Protagonist
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Counterarguments
- The pardon of John Lambert Simnel could be interpreted not as mercy but as a strategic political move by Henry VII to prevent Simnel from becoming a martyr or a rallying point for future rebellions.
- Assigning Simnel a position in the royal kitchens might not have been a benign act but rather a calculated decision to keep a close watch on him and prevent him from engaging in further political intrigue.
- The "second act" in Harkin's book, while offering a narrative of redemption or normalcy, may oversimplify or romanticize the aftermath of a failed political coup, potentially downplaying the harsh realities and lifelong consequences such an event would have on a person.
- ...
Actionables
- Reflect on past failures to identify a new direction or opportunity in your career. Just as Simnel was given a new role after his defeat, use your setbacks as a chance to pivot. Write down a recent failure or disappointment and brainstorm five alternative paths or roles that this experience could lead you to. For example, if you were passed over for a promotion, consider roles in a different department where your skills could be an asset.
- Offer forgiveness and a second chance to someone who has wronged you in a personal or professional setting. Take inspiration from King Henry VII's pardon of Simnel by reaching out to someone who may have made a mistake that affected you and propose a way to move forward positively. This could be as simple as having a conversation to clear the air or offering to collaborate on a small project to rebuild trust.
- Create a short story or character arc inspired by the concept of a "second a ...
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