This Son of York: A novel of Richard III

Passionate narration of a passionate novel about a kind, maligned king The English actor Chris Humphreys brings 15th century England astonishingly to life and with it, the heroic man who would become Richard III, in his vivid narration of THIS SON OF YORK. Richard of York has been poorly presented over the centuries since Shakespeare’s historical play took the political side of the Tudors who had killed him. Richard’s reign was brief: only two years in his early thirties. Worldwide interest in him was rekindled in 2012 when his proven remains were discovered under a carpark in Leicester where he had been buried in a lost abbey after falling in the battle of Bosworth. Chris Humphreys is perfect to narrate this story: with his shaping of sentences and scenes, he evokes the tenderness of the young Richard who watches the world through lost friends, dying soldiers, his bullying older brother, his beloved scamp of a dog and faithful nursemaid, his adored father who is too often away and his exquisite, brave mother. Childhood rivalries becomes serious issues between young men as older brothers grow, die tragically, marry unwisely, and betray; slowly, inexorably, the young Richard progresses from being the scrappy last of four heirs to the English throne to taking his place as king. And then the old enemies of his father, the Lancasters, return to brutally unseat him. Richard’s reign was just two dramatic years though people can’t stop arguing about the rights and wrongs of it for well over five hundred more. The unforgettable story is excellently told through the author’s writing and the narrator’s considerable skill in bringing the many players to dispute and love and fight again in this excellent reading.

Seems no one is ‘meh’ about Richard III. From the Tudor era until relatively recently he was a nephew-killing, throne-usurping monster and I had no reason to dispute that. Then I read Josephine Tey’s Daughter of Time and discovered a whole universe of people who had an entirely different, far more benign view of Richard. When his remains were uncovered in the Leicester car park in 2012, the conversation about him and his history spread to the whole world. Anne Easter Smith, who is definitely a Richard sympathizer, has authored a series of books set in Richard’s time culminating in this one, the story of Richard’s life. It’s now available to the listening public as an audiobook. While audiobooks aren’t usually my preferred method for consuming literature, I admire Ms Easter Smith’s writing, so I gave it a go. Richard is depicted as intelligent and perceptive, shaped by the conflicts in his life as he grows to maturity. He endures bullying from his older brother George; he worships Edward, his oldest brother who becomes King, only to later watch and lament his hero’s decline resulting from excess. He suffers feelings of inadequacy because of his short stature which is augmented by what we now know was scoliosis. He treasures loyalty above all else and despises betrayers, yet often his life events turn on betrayals. Stepping reluctantly into kingship he seems a decent fellow, but questions linger. The audiobook version gives us the deep, mellifluous voice of Chris Humphreys. In this Yank’s opinion, Mr Humphreys’ British accent in the role of narrator is perfect for the subject matter. He brings the tale to life, nailing regional accents and developing different characters’ distinct voices. Soon enough I was lost in the 15th century. As I moved through the story, I appreciated Mr Humphreys’ clear enunciation. He’s wonderfully easy to listen to! This book, like all Ms Easter Smith’s others, skillfully combines extensive research and her talent for teaching us a little history while telling an engrossing tale. If you like your historical fiction read to you, you’ll enjoy this version. Recommend!

Ms Smith has woven fascinating tale of the very complicated life of Richard III. Her story covers most of Richard’s life and well illustrates how his character may have developed to influence the decisions he made. Ms Smith is known for her careful research and it is truly reflected in the fascinating details presented in her tale. Also, the discovery of Richard’s remains and the subsequent medical findings, adds yet another layer in explaining who he really may have been. I had previously read the print copy of this book but “heard” so much more of the story in the audio version, without the distractions that I sometimes experience when reading. “This Son of York” is the final book in Ms. Smith’s York series and, I think, brings Richard’s story full circle. I wholeheartedly recommend this audio book.