Jo Harkin’s The Pretender is historical fiction at its finest: a masterful blend of political intrigue, shifting identities, and wry humour. Sweeping through 15th-century England, Ireland, and Burgundy, the novel follows Lambert Simnel, a boy plucked from obscurity and thrust into the dangerous game of monarchy. As a pawn in the Yorkist rebellion, he is shaped, educated, and molded into the rightful heir to the throne—or at least, that’s what his handlers claim. But what happens to a boy who has been turned into a king, only to have the world yank the crown away?

From the very first page, Harkin’s prose is electric. There is a wit here that is rare in historical fiction—a modern sensibility that never breaks the authenticity of the 15th-century setting. She captures the absurdity of power, the precariousness of identity, and the human need for recognition and belonging. Through Lambert’s various incarnations—John Collan, a farm boy; Edward, Duke of Clarence; Simnel, a rebel king; and finally, John Crossley, a royal spy—the novel examines what it means to be a person shaped entirely by the ambitions of others. As Lambert himself wonders, How does one live when nothing is certain, no firm ground?

But let us shift to the style of the book itself—why not join in the fun?

Ah, but see, dear reader, how the boy stands there, trembling, clad in fine velvet, uncertain whether he is a prince or a pawn. Aye, ’tis a grand trick they have played on him, these men of books and swords, whispering of destiny, of crowns within reach. But what be the truth of it? What does he know of kingship, save that it makes one a target? Would he not be better off back at the farm, dodging the devil goat and swiping apples from the orchard? And yet, the world moves ever forward, and here he stands, a lad turned legend, whether he wills it or no.

Harkin’s handling of historical fact and fiction is exquisite. She takes the bones of recorded history and animates them with flesh and breath, filling the gaps with intrigue, emotion, and razor-sharp dialogue. She also makes a bold choice in her use of period-appropriate language—not so much as to make the text impenetrable, but enough to immerse the reader in the time period fully. The humour is biting, the characters complex, and the courtly machinations deliciously tangled. Joan, the fiery, politically savvy daughter of his Irish patrons, is a standout, a woman wielding what little power she can in a world determined to box her in.

If there is any flaw to be found, it is merely that the novel is so rich, so detailed, that it demands a reader who is willing to engage with its depth. Those looking for a quick, surface-level historical drama may find themselves lost in the labyrinth of shifting alliances and double-crosses. But for those who revel in literary fiction with historical weight, The Pretender is an absolute triumph.

A novel of transformation, deception, and survival, The Pretender is both a rollicking adventure and a profound meditation on identity. A must-read for lovers of Hilary Mantel and Maggie O’Farrell, and without question, one of the finest historical novels of the year.

Easy 5/5.

A brilliant book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Gripping , the story begins with the tender-hearted loveable John, peasant son, whose only enemy is a goat. Uprooted and taken, on the orders of a mysterious rich man, to Oxford to be trained by a priest, John finds himself becoming Lambert Simnel, and then Edward, Pretender to the throne. Author Jo Harkin’s dazzling writing captures the earthiness of medieval farm life, moves to the brittle language of an Oxford school room. The politically astute and intellectually convoluted world of Mechelen court follows then to lilting, very funny but brutal Ireland, a pivotal point in the book. With each transformation and displacement comes a change in name for John as he grows further and further away from being the boy he was. Is the Pretender really who his supporters claim he is? The women characters are strong, wiley , interesting and lively in this clever, moving account of the shift from Plantagenet rule to a Tudor king. Harkin shows us life from peasant to king in a funny, poignant and very real way, exposing expediency and pragmatism and the desire to stay alive over any loyalty or love for a king. I loved this very human book and thoroughly enjoyed the pace, language, original writing and humour.

A book that will be enjoyed by all those who enjoy historical novels especially those set in the Tudor period. Based on the story of Lambert Simnel who claimed to be the young prince Edward son of the Duke of Clarence. The author has used this as base for a well written and well thought out story imagining his life and how it might have been.. It is based around historical fact and peopled with people and events from thr reign of HenryVII starting from his victory at Bosworth..
The author explores the social mores of Tudor England often using archaic words and phrases which transports the reader back in time.
A work of fiction rather than a history the affairs of the time are exposed as a background to Lamberts imagined life.
I throughly enjoyed this book and learnt from i II am Happy to give it five stars.

The precarious period between Richard III and Henry VII is the subject of The Pretender. Pretenders to the English throne are shifting allegiances. Who is the true monarch? However, what I admired most about Jo Harkins's writing was how full and genuine Lambert Simnel became, rather than merely completing a shadowy historical figure. Harkin's meticulous research ensures that the suspense, humour, and mystery are maintained while adhering to established facts. An absolutely amazing historical fiction book.

A young boy John is taken from the farm where he lives with his family to be groomed as Edward Earl of Warwick, son of the Duke of Clarence (brother of Edward IV) to challenge Henry VII for the throne of England.
The book follows John as the Yorkist rebels seek to take the throne and his subsequent capture to work in the kitchens of the King.
A retelling of the story surrounding one of the pretenders at the time when Henry was looking to shore up his shakly hold on the throne of Englang.
A good read for anyone who likes medieval fictional history.

The Pretender by Jo Harkin is a captivating and imaginative historical fiction novel that reimagines the life of Lambert Simnel, a young boy who was raised in obscurity to protect himself from the political intrigue and dangers of the English court. In the late 15th century, Lambert was thrust into a high-stakes game of power when he was claimed to be the rightful heir to the English throne and briefly crowned King Edward VI, despite his true identity being a mystery.

Set against the backdrop of a crumbling Plantagenet dynasty, the novel centres around John Collan, a peasant boy in 1480, whose quiet life is upended by the arrival of a stranger from London. He learns that he is not the son of a humble villager but rather the long-lost son of the Duke of Clarence, hidden away to protect him from the dangerous machinations of Richard III. As John embarks on a journey of self-discovery, he is sent to Oxford, trained in court etiquette, and groomed to take on his royal destiny.

Harkin weaves a tale of political intrigue, shifting allegiances, and the tension of living under the looming threat of death, as John (Lambert) is forced to face the stark reality of his future: either claim the throne or perish in battle. His path intersects with Joan, the sharp-witted and politically astute daughter of his Irish patrons, who becomes both an ally and a romantic interest. Their alliance is central to the novel, as their contrasting fates and political acumen form a compelling dynamic.

The narrative is rich in historical detail, and while it takes liberties with the real-life events surrounding Lambert Simnel, the fictionalized portrayal of his rise and fall adds an emotional layer to the story. The blend of historical accuracy with artistic license creates a vivid, immersive experience, bringing to life the dangers and complexities of court life, the fierce ambitions of the time, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Harkin’s portrayal of Joan is particularly engaging, as she is a character who defies convention—strong-willed, manipulative, and politically savvy, with a moral compass that can shift depending on her interests. Her partnership with Lambert adds depth to the plot, and their complex relationship enhances the novel's emotional weight.

Though The Pretender is based on the life of a historical figure shrouded in mystery, the novel thrives as a work of fiction, offering a fresh and exciting perspective on one of the lesser-known figures in English history. Readers who enjoy richly layered historical fiction with strong, multifaceted characters and a touch of romance will find The Pretender a compelling and rewarding read. Harkin has crafted a vivid portrait of an alternate history, exploring the fragility of power, the allure of the throne, and the human cost of ambition.

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Suspenseful and sharp political hist-fic that left no spave for breath. Believable world building that felt immediate and gritty. Great characters and a plot that lands like a punch. Highly recommend

A book that made me laugh and cry from the beginning to the very end, I felt like a part of this world, of the political schemes, of treasons and betrayals, of plotting and evil. And between all of this there was love and humility that were sacrificed in the name of revenge. It’s now one of my favorite historical stories I’ve read, the 15th century England feels so real, and dirty, and posh, and elusive, and magical and horrifying at the same time. Harkin’s writing is on another plain of existence, sharp and fast and with no sparing of your feeling, raw and honest; punch in the gut of your love for these characters. Historical fiction in its finest. I am sure when this book gets released it will be a phenomenon.

Huge Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for providing me with the ARC of this masterpiece.