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5.0 out of 5 stars

An excellent first novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 September 2021
Verified Purchase
Although described as a work of historical fiction Rosemary Grigg's meticulously crafted and carefully researched first novel, 'A Woman of Noble Wit', captures the readers attention on the first page and maintains it until the close of the final chapter.
The pace is rapid as the life story of Katherine Champernowne, the mother of Sir Walter Raleigh, unfolds. Set in the later stages of Henry VIII and Queen Mary's reigns, the narrative tells how a minor aristocratic family from Devon, living on the edge of the Royal Court, managed to steer a judicious course through a period of intense political and religious unrest.
Katherine herself is a product of 16C culture and has left little mark on the official pages of history. She was, however, an educated and astute woman who exerted a profound influence on her descendants and particularly those who rose to high rank. Griggs interpretation of Katherine's character is totally believeable and her attention to detail ensures that her herione's personality stays with the reader long after the pages of the book are closed.
There are a wealth of characters, both real and imagined within the text and the concise cast list, provided by the author, is helpful.
This is a remarkable, well researched historical novel; a real 'page-turner' that I highly recommend

Original review :https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R24VT9NEGA9DRR/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B09FLVZKSK

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