Many of the mainstream newspapers have now published reviews of ‘Summer of Blood’. Here’s a round-up.
The Telegraph
Tom Payne likened the events of June 1381 with the current political turmoil. He (or perhaps the kind folk on the Telegraph books desk) gave the book four stars out of five.
Choice cut: “To read this book, it’s a relief that the A2 and the A12 aren’t already blocked with yeomanry ready to lynch MPs for betraying Queen and country. “
Click here to read Tom Payne’s review.
The Sunday Times
John Guy was unsure about the role of women in the book and wanted more complexity in the explanation of the Peasants’ Revolt’s causes. Phooey. Still, it was a very prominent review and rather beautifully laid out.
Choice cut: “Jones paints a vivid portrait of Tyler…”
Yeah, let’s not worry about what comes after that ellipsis.
Click here to read John Guy’s review.
The Herald
A meaty review by Colin Waters under the headline ‘Rural rebels with a familiar war cry’ appeared in mid-May. I cannot presently locate it online, but if I find a link it will go up. It described ‘Summer of Blood’ as ‘pacy, direct and sensitive to the contradictions between what we know happened and what we have imagined over the centuries.’
Choice cut: “The Peasants’ Revolt could have been designed for the current fashion in historical studies for character-driven strong narratives.”
The Scotsman
The Scotsman ran a brief but natty review.
Choice cut: “This short, clear history of a long, hot summer is… an introduction to the unexpected complexity of the age.”
Click here to read the Scotsman review.
The rest
I’ll post some of the blog links to SOB, as well as a link to my slot on last week’s BBC Today programme and some recent articles I’ve written, later today. If you’ve spotted any reviews I might have missed, do please email and let me know
