Neil Blackmore

1809 and England is exhausted by war. The French are targeted and so are homosexuals, who are seen as beyond redemption. John Church is a radical preacher who runs a chapel in Southwark and preaches of love and freedom. Popular with the working men as well as the emancipators John makes a good living but hides a secret. He is a 'Molly' and when asks to perform same-sex weddings he gets involved even though he is breaking the law.
I really loved this book which surprised me as I was not a great fan of the previous book by Blackmore that I read! I really liked the fact that this is based on a true story and therefore gives a lot more insight into the underground world at the time. Moreover, Blakemore takes a lot of artistic licence and makes Church an unreliable narrator which heightens the story and allows for twists at the end.… (plus d'informations)

From before the first page when I read the Dramatis Personae and saw King James I & IV described as 'a sodomite and a failed intellectual' followed further on by William Shakespeare as simply 'another playwright' I knew this book was going to be one for me. Blackmore uses language that is honest and crass but felt completely appropriate to the story. An historical tale told in a modern way.

Narrated brilliantly by Sir Francis Bacon who speaks to us directly and paints himself repeatedly as an outsider in the court of King James. He is 'the cleverest man in Britain' and has many enemies plotting his downfall while Bacon himself plots to elevate his own position. He presents himself as morally superior to his aristocratic 'superiors' while simultaneously working with the queen to replace King James lover Robert Carr with one of their own - George Villiers - in order to have the king's inner ear. However trouble begins when Bacon and Villiers begin a relationship themselves and Bacon despite his better judgment falls for the boy.

The story is one of power and love. Both the power of love and the love of power and how either can elevate and corrupt. Bacon's narration is what really makes the book stand out. His realisations not only of his position and those who work against him but also his realisations of himself and how he is perceived by others. A great read.… (plus d'informations)