Queen by Right by Anne Easter Smith

[gilda_elise]

Comments

[lee_the_t]

Why would a corn crop be wrong in 1450? Keeping in mind the English called wheat corn (for some crazy reason) back then. IIRC they called a lot of crops "corn" back then that were not what we know as corn today.

Disappointing that it sounds Mary Sue-ish. I love English history but I prefer nonfiction because the fiction seems always so unconvincing (romance-novel-ish).

[gilda_elise]

Well, that’s weird. But she does name other crops, so I don’t think she was using corn as a generic term.

I’ve read several very good historical novels that didn’t degenerate into a romantic mess. I got the feeling that she couldn’t make up her mind as to which way she wanted to take the book. Was it going to be a romance novel, or something closer to an historical novel that’s more “historical “, than a novel. She ended up not doing either, I think.

[lee_the_t]

I don't remember why stuff that we don't call corn today was called corn (I'm sure there's an etymological reason). I learned that reading about The Corn Laws (which I'm sure you've heard of). I visualized corn and then went "What? It's WHEAT?" But if she did her homework, using the word "corn" wasn't an error.

[gilda_elise]

You may very well be right. I asked my English friend about it, and though she had never heard of it, she looked it up and sure enough that’s what practically all grain was called. Not sure if l’ll give the author a pass, though, since she got Richard III’s birthplace wrong. *g*

[shooting2kill]

Imagine living at the time of Joan or Arc! Incredible. Sorry it left you a little disappointed but thanks for this rec.

[gilda_elise]

Yes, it would have been an incredible time. I just wish she had better used the situation.

[nakeisha]

It's a shame it was rather a disappointment for you.

[gilda_elise]

I’ve certainly read better. There’s an exceptional four novel series by Eleanor Fairburn about Cecily; I was hoping this would be as good. No such luck. 😕

[honor_reid]

I'm sorry this wasn't quite what you wanted. Hopefully the next book will be better!

[gilda_elise]

I was surprised that I didn't care for it more, considering the topic.

It was. ☺️

And so it took so long for me to respond. I'm apparently not getting the response emails from LiveJournal.