The Pretender

A Novel

De: Jo Harkin

Narrado por: John Hollingworth

Set in the tumultuous period of the Tudors' ascent, The Pretender brings to life the little-known story of Lambert Simnel. From humble beginnings as a peasant boy, Lambert's life takes an astonishing turn when, at just ten years old, he becomes a claimant to the English throne as one of the last of the Plantagenet line. As Lambert navigates the treacherous waters of royal intrigue and court life, complex themes of identity, power, and destiny unfold, weaving a tapestry of ambition and survival in a world where the stakes couldn't be higher.

“A...transporting feat of imagination and storytelling.”—Maggie Shipstead, New York Times bestselling-author of Great Circle

"Original, vivid, and witty. [The Pretender is] Glorious Exploits meets Wolf Hall—and I completely loved it.”—Joanna Quinn, New York Times bestselling-author of The Whalebone Theatre

In 1483, John Collan’s greatest anxiety is how to circumvent the village’s devilish goat on his way to collect water. But the arrival of a well-dressed stranger from London upends his life forever: John discovers he is not the son of a farmer but Edward, Earl of Warwick, the son of the long-deceased Duke of Clarence, and has been hidden in the countryside after a brotherly rift over the crown—and because Richard III has a habit of disappearing his nephews. But now the time has come for him to take his place as rightful heir to the throne and overthrow Henry VII, the first Tudor king.

Abruptly removed from his humble origins, John is put into play by his masters: learning Latin in Oxford, aris­tocratic manners in Burgundy, and courtly machinations in Ireland, where he encounters Joan, the delightfully strong-willed and manipulative daughter of his Irish patrons, a girl imbued with both extraordinary political savvy and occa­sional murderous tendencies. Joan has two paths available to her: marry or become a nun. Lambert’s choices are similarly stark: He will either become king or die in battle. Together they form an alliance that will change the fate of the English monarchy.

Inspired by a footnote to history—the true story of the little-known Simnel, who was a figurehead of the 1487 Yorkist rebellion and ended up working in the court of King Henry VII—The Pretender is historical fiction at its finest, a gripping, exuberant, irreverent portrait of British monarchy and life within the court, with a cast of unforgettable he­roes and villains drawn from fifteenth-century England. A masterful new work from a major new author.

War of the Roses lives

Creates a clever and humorous tale which follows true history yet bestows rich characters and interpretations…kind of amazing a 530 year old minor historical event is finally brought to life.

Extremely talented narrator

Experience all levels of social class in the 15th century through the eyes of a young boy. Treated as a pawn in a political game he finally comes into his own and understands how he was used in the end. A coming of age story. Absolutely wonderfully played by John Hollingsworth. This one is much richer to listen to!

Remarkable

I had high hopes for this, and they were fulfilled. The narration is first rate. The archaic language is a bit of a slog sometimes, but often hilarious too. The creative swearing and name calling is memorable and brings it all to life. And the story…never have the intense politicking and machinations of the royal system been made as clear in all its mayhem. Top books of 2025 so far, there have been precious few.

Brilliant Simply Brilliant

If you are a lover of history, this story is so well written and woven, it’s truly a magnificent tale of truth, of interpretation and chronology. In addition to this possible slanting perspective of historical facts, you have the story relayed in the voice of stellar dialects. In fact from my personal perspective, the story is more alive due to the narration.

I would recommend the narrator as well as the writer in other endeavors. I would recommend to the narrator to please consider more of this type of book to add his voice.

Both of these individuals, the writer and the narrator, have found their special places, their unique roles in their life’s journey!

Well Done!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wonderly good

One of the best books I’ve ever read. The characters, wit and language are all delightful

What a Life

What a great story, and at times, a laugh out loud tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and was sad when it ended.

Meh lots of empty sex

Nothing wrong with sex - but shouldn’t there be something more to a book? Maybe I’m out of touch and this is the main reason people pick up historical fiction - the tired idea that all people back in the day thought of was sex.

Unexpectedly Good!

This was a very entertaining story. Easy to listen to with laugh out loud humor while at the same time encouraging the listener to think.

A bawdy, funny and heartbreaking ride.

As an amateur history buff, I loved this take on the tumultuous early days of the Tudor dynasty. John’s story will break your heart, and the men around him will make you angry. Both will make you laugh out loud. Highly recommend for anyone looking for some historic fiction this summer.

Love this era in this historical fiction novel

This was beautifully written of my favorite time in English history. The Pretender kept me engaged. The narrator was wonderful.