Book Reviews

Title(s): 'Lionheart' and 'A King's Ransom'

Author: Sharon Penman

Reviewer: Mr Bond

These two books are fictional history written about the two parts of Richard I's time as King. The first book is all about his journey to the Holy Land and his efforts to win back control of Jerusalem in the Third Crusade. The second book follows the end of the Crusade and Richard's challenging journey back to his lands in France, and the subsequent battle to win back his lands from Philip of France. 

While both books are written as historical fiction, they are based on accurate and detailed research into the true events of Richard I's reign. Those who have studied the GCSE topic on Richard and John will recognise all of the key events which take place, however these books will enable you to better understand them within the context of the Middle Ages and the culture of the time. You will also learn lots more interesting things about Richard and the other leaders of Europe, most of which are based on factual evidence. The Author's note at the end of each book outlines where facts have been embellished or characters fabricated. 

While each book is large (600 pages), they are written in a way that captivates you and makes it hard to put the down. 

Title(s): 'The Five''

Author: Hallie Rubenhold

Reviewer: Mrs Canning

This book is eye opening. For the 130+ years since five women were murdered by the same killer in Whitechapel in 1888, people have believed that these women were all prostitutes. It is one of the things that everyone 'knows' about the victims of Jack the Ripper. Hallie Rubenhold's book, and her research for it, shows that this is not the case. Rubenhold treats the history of these women with respect, dignity and compassion. Looking at the primary evidence about their lives, Rubenhold details their lives in fascinating detail, making them women again, rather than just victims. Reading the book gives fascinating detail about life in Victorian London, and all the unfairness that existed. As working class women, the victims of the Whitechapel murders faced the many difficulties of being unable to earn enough to support themselves or their children. 

This is an 'easy' book to read in the sense that it is very readable, it is hard to stop turning its pages. It is also incredibly sad; these women, and most working class Victorian women, lived incredibly difficult lives. This book is also incredibly useful for anyone studying the Whitechapel topic in Crime and Punishment at GCSE.