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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is the first book that I have read by Margaret Frazer but I was so impressed by the attention to historical detail that I will now be on the lookout for any others that I can lay my hands on. It is very refreshing at a time when a lot of the historical novels being churned out at the moment are mediocre in the extreme to find an author who loves her subject and is prepared to take the time to research it. Many authors think that the research time is better used by churning out another book. Some reader's may say that there is too much historical detail but I thought that it added more credence to the story.
The characters are both believable and likable and the storyline revolves around Joliffe a traveling actor and playwright and the insight into the theatrical world of the time is both interesting and enlightening. In this particular story Joliffie and the company of players act as spies among the Lords of the land as they vie for the coveted position of regent to young Henry VI. However when men begin to die violent deaths, the players become fearful for their own lives.
The characters are both believable and likable and the storyline revolves around Joliffe a traveling actor and playwright and the insight into the theatrical world of the time is both interesting and enlightening. In this particular story Joliffie and the company of players act as spies among the Lords of the land as they vie for the coveted position of regent to young Henry VI. However when men begin to die violent deaths, the players become fearful for their own lives.
20 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
every word counts towards a picture of medieval London which is as crisp and well-observed - and above all, as convincing - as if it were happening today. The plot is excellent, the historical narrative is effortlessly informative [I know far more now about the interconnectedness, and therefore the reasons for all the plottings, among the noble families] and the story carries you along at a fast trot. I really like the characters, their profession is real, not an excuse for the story, and they are thoroughly professional in all that they do.
All in all, for a fascinating, not too demanding, and totally entertaining read by a first-rate author .. do read this!
All in all, for a fascinating, not too demanding, and totally entertaining read by a first-rate author .. do read this!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
14 reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
A Play of Lords
3 Sep 2007
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I've read almost all of the Dame Frivesse books as well as the A Play of... books by Margaret Frazer. This book again features Joliffe as a member of the acting troupe, but it is a much slower pace than most of the author's books. She spends most of the book on the machinations of power in England in the early to mid 1400's. I usually enjoy the historical detail, but, for me, this time the story suffered for it.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Excellent!
14 Aug 2007
Format:Mass Market Paperback
As a fan of the Joliffe (and Frevisse) series, I would say that "A Play of Lords" is among Frazer's best. Frazer is exceptionally skilled at writing these medieval history-mysteries. She is quite deft at integrating historical facts with fiction. "A Play of Lords" is no exception. It includes facts about intriguing political events that took place during the time period in which the book is set. The mores of that medieval time period are fascinating. Frazer puts factual and fictional elements together and produces (as she always does) a remarkable story and one that transports the reader to Medieval England, which comes alive with her detailed descriptions. As I read, I 'saw' the streets of London and 'walked' along the Thames. I enjoyed the conversations between the characters. It is always a joy spending time with 'the company' and the other characters that Frazer creates. She puts such depth to her characters that it is impossible not to respond to them one way or another. In this book, Mak proves to be an appealing addition, especially in light of Joliffe's assessment of him and then Mak's reaction to that assessment. Of course, Joliffe is an enticing character, and he makes a few decisions that are surprising. Actually, there are several surprises that will keep you turning the pages. The plot held my attention all the way to the end, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments along the way. All in all, "A Play of Lords" is educational; it is humorous, and it is edifying (one of Frazer's many skills includes her astonishing ability to capture the different aspects of human nature, not least the moral aspect). I completely enjoyed reading "A Play of Lords"; I am already awaiting the next Joliffe. In the meantime, thank goodness, there is a Frevisse coming out in Jan.'08 (and that is not soon enough).
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Pretty good
13 Aug 2007
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have no idea how this book would strike someone who had not read the others starring Joliffe, the travelling actor and playwright living during the reign of Henry VI of England. Having read those books, I like this one right well. As a part-time historian myself I am not jarred by any painful inaccuracies, the feel of the time and place and people is right. The mysteries are why I read the books however, and this one is OK although not the author's best effort ever.
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