Roses are Red

An exceptional read within the historical-fiction genre is Conn Iggulden’s Wars of the Roses Trinity
. Iggulden is best known for his series on Genghis Khan, but this is also an exceptional book. The book is actually part of a series, but as I discovered, can certainly be read without further reference- one of the other book in the series is Stormbird.

The author takes the reader from one battle to another through the thoughts and dialogue of the key players belonging to the nobility of mid-15th century England.

While the battles’ gruesomeness is vividly described, Iggulden doesn’t linger too long on the fighting, reserving as much attention to the inter-war intrigues and historical relationships that give impetus to the ‘Wars’ between the Houses of Lancaster and York.

Iggulden balances historical continuity with fictional heroism, so that while the story unfolds as history would dictate, the players appear somewhat larger than life – more like Shakespearean actors than mundane nobility. The combination makes for an enjoyable, fast-paced, read that endeavours to bring to life a fascinating, historically-significant period of English history.

 A welcome addendum to the novel is the author’s closing note which provides historical closure.  Like another fiction book, station eleven, this a book I recommend reading