Thanks to everyone who over the last couple of weeks has nominated a favourite historical novel. I passed on our list to the Walter Scott Prize, and from the submissions received they have compiled a top ten on which everyone can vote (until 16th. December). The winner will be announced early next year.
I've read five of the books on the list, and strong as the field is I'm in no doubt as to which I'll plump for: Dorothy Dunnett's The Game of Kings comes top of the poll for me. It's brilliantly, exuberantly over-written, and a joy for that! It's dense in detail and rich in ornament but vital and vibrant in its colour; it's stocked full of references and quotations (and requiring more frequent resort to a dictionary than any novel I've read) but paced fast and furious, neat and deft in the running of its course. I loved its characters from wise, clever Sybilla and gentle, courageous Christian, to blustering Buccleuch (who has some of the best lines!), hot-headed Will, and Lymond himself - he of the cornflower blue eyes - what reader would not fall for him?
In the final few pages the other day I went straight to Topping & Co. and bought Queens' Play, book 2 in the series, and I shall start it soon - a treat in store.
When I originally read the Lymond Chronicles (more years ago than I hate to admit to) I LOVED them and I may have reread them about 30 or so years ago too. I have tried since summer to reread them starting with THE GAME OF KINGS and each time I fizzle. It is probably for the very reasons (all of which I admire and applaud) that you found so wonderful. I love the books but I think I shall not read them again. It is not that I want a quick read or that I am a lazy reader but the brain is definitely slowing down a bit as I move into advanced middle age!
Posted by: Ginny in America | 13 December 2019 at 01:00 AM
I just checked out the list, and I'm not sure why or how I missed commenting in the first place, but I did.
If I had the chance I would add the Horatio Hornblower series which I loved, loved, loved (and read as they were originally published. And I would add some of Eric Newby's books although they are not novels. An American favorite is THE COUNTRY OF THE POINTED FIRS by Sarah Orne Jewett. It is superb.
Posted by: Ginny in America | 13 December 2019 at 01:05 AM
Ah well, Ginny, at least you had pleasurable reading experiences at the time and to look back on!
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 December 2019 at 11:57 AM
I read 'The Country ...' a few years ago and enjoyed it enormously. As you say, it is superb.
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 December 2019 at 11:58 AM
Sad that Andrew Miller didn't make it to the last 10 - such a good author....
Posted by: Bookertalk | 15 December 2019 at 05:15 PM
You have me interested in reading the Lymond Chronicles now. I enjoy historical fiction. I love the Patrick O'Brian series which begins with Master and Commander; I have read the first 17.
Posted by: Terra | 31 December 2019 at 04:29 AM
I am so glad you enjoyed Game of Kings - not everyone has the patience!
Posted by: Constance | 01 January 2020 at 07:46 AM