Publication Date: 19th June 2024
Tour guides enthusiastically share captivating tales and fascinating facts about the past, their voices rising above the excited murmurs of eager listeners. Children on school trips glance around, their expressions a mix of wide-eyed wonder and discreet boredom as they take in their surroundings. The Tower of London, a majestic fortress that looms over the Thames, is steeped in history, its ancient stones whispering stories of nobility, intrigue, and treachery that have unfolded within its formidable walls over the centuries.
Beneath the surface, however, lies something even more intriguing—historically rich truths that hold the keys to some of history's greatest mysteries. As tourists explore, the ghosts of the figures from the past accompany them. Yorkists and Lancastrians mingle side by side, while Anne Boleyn and Richard III walk through the halls they once inhabited, listening to the many inaccuracies being shared and occasionally joining in a haunting.
"Kindred Spirits: Tower of London" by Jennifer C. Wilson offers an engaging perspective on the lives and afterlives of some of history’s most famous figures, presenting a story that is both entertaining and truly captivating.
In a unique twist on the telling of historical stories, the kings and queens of the past rise again in this novel, walking amongst the very people who are eager to learn about their lives. Ghostly stories come to light, for the Tower of London has always been said to be haunted, and with all of the ghosts of this story filling their time and amusing themselves by haunting the unsuspecting, this novel comes across as truly believable as you read. One of the most entertaining aspects is the unlikely alliance between Richard III’s brother and Anne Boleyn’s brother, both named George. They share similar ideas about how to scare those who might encounter them. Their light-hearted hauntings add an incredibly entertaining twist to the narrative.
One interesting aspect of this novel is the relationships between the ghosts. Not all of the characters had good relationships in life, so reuniting in the afterlife presents challenges as they navigate their rocky interactions and attempt to overcome past grievances and misunderstandings. Many characters’ actions had significant impacts on the lives of others, with some even being the direct cause of others' deaths. With so many ghosts gathered in one place, particularly from a tumultuous period in history, personality clashes are inevitable. As the characters settle into their natural roles after years of being together and getting to know one another, the resulting hierarchy is certainly intriguing. Richard III naturally assumes a leadership role over the diverse group of queens and nobles. Despite facing reluctance from others, he strives to keep everyone in line, even if that means occasionally having to rein in his brother's hauntings.
One of the main focuses of this story, aside from Richard's attempt to maintain control over a group of high-ranking ghosts, is the unravelling of long-lost truths in history. It is well-known that history is often told from the perspective of the victors, and for many of the ghosts present, their versions of events differ significantly from what is taught and discussed in the Tower. A major event that comes into question is the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. The truth behind what happened to Richard's nephews remains a mystery, even to the King himself. He has spent centuries desperately seeking the truth and trying to locate the boys to ask them what happened. All he knows is that he did not kill them, despite what many claim. Richard's heartache becomes evident as he listens to tour guides and tourists discussing his alleged involvement in their disappearance. He is still deeply affected by their loss all those centuries ago and longs to find them. As the novel progresses, his desperation intensifies; hope rises and falls, and the prospect of discovering the boys seems increasingly impossible. Richard is portrayed as a character you can't help but empathise with, and his struggles are almost soul-crushing. If you could reach into the pages and pull him into a hug, you would do so without hesitation.
The friendship between ghosts is certainly enthralling and makes for some interesting conversation and comparisons. Anne Boleyn and Richard III did not live during the same periods, but both sat atop the throne and ruled over England. They have much in common, despite hailing from different eras, and Anne provides a sorely needed companion to Richard’s leadership. Richard, despite being surrounded by many souls—both living and ghostly—feels desperately lonely. He spends his nights searching the Tower for his nephews, yet he comes up empty-handed each time. This ongoing search begins to weigh heavily on him. Anne provides a welcome respite from this burden, helping to keep everyone in line while also offering Richard someone to talk to and confide in. Anne is the perfect addition to this story, helping to care for Richard while he tries to look after everyone else. Anne is a strong character, unafraid to stand her ground, yet she is also more than willing to help those around her. Together, she and Richard form a formidable partnership, ensuring that everything in the Tower, at least in the ghost realm, runs smoothly.
"Kindred Spirits: Tower of London" by Jennifer C. Wilson is a captivating novel that intricately depicts many historical figures brought together in the afterlife. It combines elements of mystery and humour, ensuring that your attention remains engaged throughout the story. For a more casual exploration of the lives of the Tudors, Lancastrians, and Yorkists, this novel offers an imaginative narrative on how these diverse historical characters might have interacted if they had lived at the same time. It's an intriguing read that is sure to entertain and hold your interest.
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
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