HISTORICAL
FICTION
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Debbie
Wiley
Book Reviews |
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A cook at the
stove with his trademark ladle; woodcut illustration from
Kuchenmaistrey, the first printed cookbook in German, woodcut, 1485.
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"Cardinal Woolsey"
(an archaic spelling[14]) by an unknown artist c.1520. Detail from an
oil on panel in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
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The "Tyburn Tree",
where Elizabeth Barton ("The Holy Maid of Kent") died for Treason
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BOOK
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From Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
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The Queen of Subtleties:
A Novel of Anne Boleyn
by Suzannah Dunne
Anne
Boleyn captured the heart of King Henry VIII but historians have noted
that the common man never saw her as the true Queen of England.
Alternating the narrative from that of Anne Boleyn to Lucy Cornwallis,
the King’s Confectioner, THE QUEEN
OF SUBTLETIES offers a unique glimpse into those infamous
moments in history. Anne Boleyn’s downfall is well known but Suzannah
Dunne shows us a different perspective as we see Lucy’s view of the
rise and fall of Anne Boleyn.
THE QUEEN OF SUBTLETIES
is a cleverly written book that will have both fans and naysayers
alike. Suzannah Dunne uses modern vernacular for the
characters which may bother those looking for diehard authenticity of
language. Her approach gives readers a comparison to how the
excesses of the past are similar to those of modern celebrities.
However, she also offers readers a look at the inside of the
confectioner’s kitchen during such a historic moment. Through
Lucy’s eyes, we see the fabulous treats prepared during the rise and
fall of several queens and the differences between each one. Even the
various sweet concoctions created add a deeper insight into the women
of the tale as the underlying hints of intrigue and deception are ever
present. I found myself thoroughly drawn into Lucy’s side of things,
much more so than Anne’s, as it is such a distinctively fresh approach
to the time period.
The title itself offers up a hint at the unusual flavoring and layering
of THE QUEEN OF SUBTLETIES.
On the surface, the story is simply the tale of Anne Boleyn from two
very different perspectives. However, the word “subtleties” has
two meanings, one referring to the specific medieval cuisine in which
sweets are modeled to depict various scenes (the Tudor roses are
mentioned frequently) and the other more common meaning of delicate
understatement. Thematically, both meanings are prevalent
throughout the storyline as the food and intrigues of the court both
mirror one another while revealing the contrasts between Lucy and Anne,
particularly in their manners of expression. In addition, Anne’s
issues with the use and inability to use subtlety are played out with
the backdrop and context of cuisine created by the King’s Confectioner.
THE QUEEN OF SUBTLETIES
moves at two speeds as well, with Lucy’s side chronicling the story at
one pace while Anne’s perspective looks back. The time jumps may
confuse or annoy some readers but will also bring an additional insight
into the underlying intrigues and interwoven relationships when one
sees how everything relates together to form one cohesive
portrait. Suzannah Dunne dares to take some chances with THE QUEEN OF SUBTLETIES to provide
a brilliant and fascinating portrait of Anne Boleyn. Bravo, Ms.
Dunne!
Publisher: Harper
(November 2005)
Reviewed
by Debbie, Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
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