I would love to give this book more than 5-stars! "The Pretender" by Jo Harkin is a brilliantly written historical fiction novel that transports readers back to a tumultuous period in English history set in 1487. It focuses on the intriguing story of young Lambert Simnel. He was thrust into the center of a conspiracy as a pretender to the English throne, whose royal family claimed him to be the rightful heir during the reign of Richard III. Simnel, a boy of humble origins, is taken under the wing of powerful figures who groom him to be the lost Earl of Warwick, heir to Richard III's throne. Harkin’s portrayal of Simnel is both compelling and complex—he is not merely a pawn in the hands of ambitious men but a boy trying to navigate his identity amidst the lies and manipulations of those around him.

Hidden away his entire life and raised as a peasant farm boy (named John), he is suddenly plucked from his “family,” kept in secrecy, given a new identity (Lambert Simnel), and educated in royal life as he is transported to Ireland. It is there that he meets his love and one of my favorite characters, Joan, and where he is crowned King Edward VI. There are several problems, though - Joan herself is a problem, and King Henry VII is still in power and hunting the heads of all who claim allegiance to Edward (Lambert).

Harkin's storytelling prowess brings to life the tumultuous and complex political landscape of 15th-century England, Ireland, and Scotland with vivid imagery, meticulous attention to historical detail, and the most fantastic sense of laugh-out-loud humor throughout the book! This compelling narrative skillfully weaves together the personal struggles of the protagonist with the grandeur of royal court intrigue, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of historical fiction. I found myself fully embedded in Lambert's emotions over and over again.

The author's meticulous research is evident in historical details but she also includes so many surrounding descriptive bits that make the setting truly come alive. The characters are multidimensional, each with their own aspirations, dilemmas, colorful personalities, and faults, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative (and again - at times so funny while staying true to the time!). Harkin's prose is evocative and eloquent, effortlessly transporting the reader to a bygone era filled with political machinations, royal ambitions, and personal tribulations.

"The Pretender" is an immersive and captivating exploration of power, identity, and the human desire for belonging as you watch Lambert struggle with who he is and where he belongs. Harkin deftly explores the psychological complexities of her characters, drawing the reader into a world of conflicting loyalties, moral quandaries, and the timeless quest for truth and justice. Lambert has lived so many lives in such a short amount of time that he realizes he yearns for love and freedom to be himself, whomever he chooses to be.

Overall, "The Pretender" is a masterful work of historical fiction that will delight both history enthusiasts and lovers of engaging storytelling. Jo Harkin's skillful blend of fact and fiction creates a gripping narrative that is both intellectually stimulating, humorous, and emotionally resonant. This book is a must-read for anyone with an appreciation for richly detailed historical fiction and the enduring allure of royal intrigue.

A huge thank you to #NetGalley, #JoHarkin, #BorzoiBooks, and #AlfredAKnopf for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. I truly look forward to the release of this book to add a hard copy to my collection!

This a creative and complicated look into history and identity through the eyes of a young man destined to be king of England.
Or, was he destined to be a farmer, but took a different path mid-way to adulthood?

The protagonist is a bright and sensitive young man who allows circumstances to morph him into someone very different as an adult.
Through his maturing process, and his adventures, we realize how random our fate can seem, and the quest for identity in this book leads our hero
to abandon his principles to avenge a loved one’s death. When he achieves his objective, another quest begins.

My mind was spinning at the cunning and deceit of the political animals seeking to control who sits on the throne of England. It was challenging to sort the good guys from the evil-doers, but in some ways it appeared that there was little difference between the two. So, of course, it was difficult to discern who’s who.

Netgalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.

Historical British fiction that at times was slow . Once familiar with the writer's style the book was interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC!

This book was an escape in the best way. I loved that our main character completes a sort of hero’s journey, depending on how you view his character; it’s a bildungsroman of a very normal boy who quickly becomes the least normal man alive, at least in his mind. I was left quite emotional on the ending for reasons I’m still unpacking; I thought it was rather perfectly done. Even though Lambert/John/Edward was a real person, this novel feels like a fairytale. The prose perfectly oscillates between amusing and serious, absurd to philosophical. All in all a gripping ride.

Loved the story so much. It took me a minute to get the cadence of the book, but once I got into it, I flew through it. It did drag at times, but was still an easy read and great story.

What a fantastic debut. A coming of age story that raises the stakes about identity and love with wit and realism. I loved it (and I would absolutely DIE for John/Lambert/Edward/Simnel).

Solid historical novel for patrons that enjoy reading early English history. Different perspective from a lesser known character vying for the crown!

This book followed the story of a pretender to the English throne during the reigns of Richard III and Henry VII. It was an interesting story and funny at points, but it was far too long, which caused the story to drag at times.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This read was very eye-opening, into the true story of a VERY important person working as a spy! A spy, you guys?! That just sucked me right into the book.

I love historical stories like this! For those who enjoy an exceptional book that portrays a gripping look into the British monarchy and life within the court. This book has your heroes and your villains placing you in the fifteenth-century, in England.

I would love to read more books like this from the author! It was very well written and I would highly recommend this book to those who want a history lesson that will pull you in and drop you right into the fifteenth-century. What an amazing experience. I felt like I was there.

*The Pretender* by Jo Harkin is a smart, suspenseful novel that delves into questions of identity, memory, and truth. With gripping twists and complex characters, Harkin crafts a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers on edge. It's an intriguing and immersive read that leaves a lasting impact.

I requested and received an eARC of The Pretender by Jo Harkin via NetGalley. Stumbling upon this on NetGalley was a very happy accident. I saw the cover and thought it might have been some sort of historical horror fiction, but then I read the blurb and discovered this was a book about Lambert Simnel! Love historical literary fiction and royal history is my nonfiction reading specialty, so I was absolutely thrilled to see this. Harkin’s novel follows John Collan from boyhood until he is swept away from his village when a well-dressed man from London appears and proclaims John to be the son of the long-deceased George, Duke of Clarence, stashed away for his own safety. He’s told he must go by Lambert and keep his real identity a secret as he is immersed in an education befitting a king. Dark rumors about Richard III and whispers that Henry Tudor will defeat him swirl through the country, leaving Lambert in a precarious position. As he is primed for the crown, Lambert is uncertain of his future and even more uncertain if it is what he wants.

Harkin’s writing is absolutely magical! From John’s childhood rivalry with his father’s goat I was totally absorbed. I took an immediate shine to John because of the book’s very charming introduction to the character. This story is told in a really unique voice that makes it easy to see why the author’s work is compared to that of Hillary Mantel or Maggie O’Farrell and makes the text compulsively readable. The particulars of the story unfold in a very natural (and occasionally humorous) way for readers who aren’t familiar with the key historical figures/context of the era.

The Pretender is historical fiction, a coming-of-age story, a revenge narrative, a tale of courtly love. There are so many wonderful elements to this book that made me absolutely fall in love with it! I was excited by the synopsis, but the actual story exceeded my expectations. Harkin presented a wonderful cast of sharply defined and enjoyable characters. Joan and Philip are still occupying my mind. The novel is on the longer side, but my interest never once waned. The opening act was so well done that I was fearful that what followed would lose some of the charm, but my fears were unrealized. Each section of the story was well balanced and progressed the story, leaving me torn between lingering longer on certain scenes and pressing forward so that I could find out what happens next. I left this reading experience very satisfied, only wishing there were more to read! Definitely one of my top reads this year, and I’m sure it will absolutely delight readers upon release. I predict this will grace many Best of 2025 lists!

Jo Harkin’s The Pretender is a riveting historical fiction novel that delves into the enigmatic life of Lambert Simnel. Set in 15th-century England, it follows John Collan, a village boy turned would-be king, navigating a treacherous game of thrones. Harkin's portrayal of John's transformation into Lambert is both vivid and engaging. The standout character is Joan, a sharp-witted Irishwoman whose strategic brilliance adds depth to the narrative. While the pacing can occasionally lag and some modern humor feels out of place, the novel’s rich historical detail and dynamic characters make it a compelling and enjoyable read.

One can never go wrong when reading about pretenders during the 'Game of Thrones' like Plantagenet times, so I knew I was in for a great read - but even I was blown away by how good this was! Unputdownable and funny are the two words I would use to describe this!. Fantastic and utterly addictive would also suffice :) Either way, you are in for a treat!

The Pretender by Jo Harkin is one of those rare historical novels that pulls you into the dusty streets and glittering courts of 15th-century England and doesn’t let go. Harkin takes a fascinating footnote in history—Lambert Simnel, a boy who went from nobody to a would-be king—and spins it into a rich tapestry of intrigue, identity, and ambition.

We meet John Collan, a simple village boy whose biggest problem is dodging the local devil goat (and honestly, who can’t relate?). But when a mysterious stranger from London shows up, John’s life takes a wild turn. Turns out, he’s not just John Collan; he’s the long-lost son of the Duke of Clarence, thrust into a deadly game of thrones where he’ll either wear the crown or die trying.

Harkin does an amazing job bringing this underdog to life, especially as John—now Lambert—is yanked from his quiet village and dropped into the chaotic world of royal politics. The way she captures his transformation, from a boy who’s just trying to survive to a young man who understands the power he wields (and the danger that comes with it), is nothing short of brilliant.

But the real show-stealer here is Joan, the Irish firecracker who’s as politically savvy as she is manipulative. With marriage or a nunnery as her only options, Joan decides to carve her own path—often with a sharp tongue and occasionally with sharp objects. Her alliance with Lambert is a rollercoaster of strategy, ambition, and the occasional murderous impulse, making her one of the most intriguing characters I’ve read in a while.

The setting is equally immersive, whether Harkin is describing the grimy streets of Oxford or the glittering courts of Europe. The political chess game that unfolds is full of twists and turns, keeping you on your toes as alliances shift and secrets come to light.

That said, the pacing can drag a bit when Harkin dives deep into the nitty-gritty of court life, but the payoff is worth it if you stick with it. The layers of intrigue and the richly drawn characters make The Pretender a standout read for anyone who loves a good historical drama with a side of royal intrigue.

In the end, The Pretender is more than just a historical novel; it’s a gripping tale of identity, ambition, and survival in a world where one wrong move could cost you everything. Jo Harkin has crafted a story that’s as engaging as it is thought-provoking, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

The Pretender follows Lambert Simnel, who depending on who you ask, was the true heir to the throne of England or a fraud.

I’ve read a lot of glowing reviews of this story, but I can’t say that this will be one of them. Perhaps I’m simply not the target audience, as someone who had never heard of Lambert Simnel before reading this book. I know the nature of the story is that we’re following Simnel through his confusing and dramatic life, but this book was too long.

I had a hard time connecting with most of the characters, including Simnel. Joan, though not particularly likable, was at least a bright spot.

I struggled to keep picking this book back up.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely fascinating and beautifully written story! This is historical fiction loosely based on the true story of Lambert Simnel. I’ve never heard of Lambert before and immediately looked up the real person after reading the book. The attention to details of the time, as well as the mystery of it all kept me interested until the end. This will be one of the top historical fiction reads of next year.

Thanks so much for giving me the chance to read in advance!

This book was so amazing. Such a great story. I had a wonderful time reading this. I found it very compelling and interesting. There was never a point when I got bored.

Loved this so much. It's really more of a 4.5 than a 5, because I had a few minor critiques (more in a bit), but I would absolutely recommend this to any students of historical fiction and probably to most other readers as well. The Hilary Mantel comparisons are apt, though I have to say that I enjoyed this much more than Wolf Hall -- John/Lambert/Edward/Simnel is to me a more compelling character than Mantel's Cromwell, and I found Harkin's prose more dynamic and more pleasurable.

The Simnel tale is a great story and a wise choice for a historical novel -- there's enough structure in the historical record to give this book a sense of solidity and significance, but not so much as to hinder invention and flexibility with character. We meet many interesting people, only some of whom were familiar to me from Shakespeare and my knowledge of this period, and nearly all of which interested me and sparked my sympathies. Speaking of which, I would really have loved this book to have a historical afterward or a set of author's notes about who was invented and who appears in the historical record. Characters like Joan Fitzgerald, who did exist but is, historically speaking, a footnote, were distracting to me -- I constantly felt the urge to look her up and figure out what was true about her and what was invented (when did she really die?). Maybe this won't be a problem for other readers, and honestly it was hardly one for me -- but I would have very happily read a page or two about her, what is known and what was embroidered, and why Harkin chose her to be the focus of so much of the book. (This goes for lots of other figures too!)

A few little things I didn't like so much. I found the naming confusing at times. Of the characters I'm familiar with from history, some are referred to with their first names -- typically women, children, and kings -- others with their titles, and still others with their last names. That's fine -- that accords with historical convention, and has to do with status and rank. Where it seemed unusual was with characters who were supposedly intimate or closely related to each other. Should Margaret Beaufort really call the Duke of Clarence by his title rather than his name, George? Should J/L/E/S, his purported son, think of him that way? Should Lincoln still be Lincoln, even once he becomes J/L/E/S's most beloved cousin? Doesn't anyone think of themselves as a Plantagenet, or use that name? Not that any of that really matters! Overall, Harkin does a remarkably good job of helping us remember who is who, and giving people their titles instead of their names often helps with that -- Lincoln is otherwise just another John de la Pole, after all. But I was frequently distracted by these choices and wondered why they had been made.

Secondly, this book is too long. Personally, I would cut some of the epilogue, which goes on for a while and doesn't give us much except more time to doubt the somewhat too good to be true friendly lesbian found family setup (is that in any way based in the historical record? I'd love to know). But the problem is more entrenched than that. The book is primarily composed of habitual time. The rare scenes, when we do get them, are always exciting and smartly paced. But they're often lodged in quite a lot of generality, telling us how J/L/E/S is feeling at any given point, what he's worried about, how he's changed from some point in the past, what the castle he's living in is like, etc. There's some pleasure in these passages, of course -- as I've said, I really like Harkin's prose. But there's just no reason this book should be nearly 500 pages instead of, say, 350.

And thirdly, at times, the humor feels too modern, and there's too much of it (classic peasant!). There are a lot of funny people in The Pretender, and without exception I enjoyed them -- especially Kildare (who I was loath to turn against), Jennott, and Joan. But many of them are funny in the same way, and put together they posed a challenge to my immersion and otherwise pretty solid sense of historicity. I could really feel the book -- rightly -- working to keep itself from falling into a The Great style bawdiness -- and a few times it slipped.

Similarly (and maybe I'm totally wrong about this -- again, a problem an afterword could solve), I was suspicious of J/L/E/S's organically discovered feminist thinking and of his convenient and friendly and quite evolved lesbian BFF. Those features felt like little 2024 intrusions, tiny anxious efforts to keep us caring about and liking a protagonist who is, at worst, a creature of his time -- efforts I felt were unnecessary and, say it with me, distracting.

Despite all that, I want to reiterate that I really really liked this book. It's one of the best new historical novels I've read in years, and maybe the best of the past decade or two period. I'm mentioning all these critiques because they're really the only things I didn't like about The Pretender, and they're minor. Can't wait for this to come out -- I definitely want a copy for my shelf.

[I was provided a review copy from the publisher via Netgalley.]

Oh, what a book! I am only sorry that it is not being published until April 2025, although I am nothing but glad that I got to read it so early.

<I><B>The Pretender</B></I> by Jo Harkin is a sweeping historical fiction novel that tells a highly fictionalized version of the youth and young adulthood of Lambert Simnel, who was claimed to really be Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick, and a challenger to the throne of the newly crowned Henry VII.

Very little is known about the real Lambert Simnel, including his actual name. Some contemporary records apparently call him John, which is presumably where Jo Harkin got the boy's “first” name--John Collan--from.

It is known that the real Simnell was captured and pardoned by Henry VII, who made him spit-boy in the kitchens and later a falconer. It is believed he may have had at least one child, but his adulthood and ultimate fate, like the boy himself, is generally shrouded in mystery.

This makes it ripe for fiction, of course. Thankfully, Harkin plucked this ripeness in just the right season.

While most of the novel is quite fictionalized, it feels plausible enough unless you are an incredible stickler for historical accuracy. While some eras of history are harder for me to accept deviations from the record in, this isn’t one of them, so I didn’t mind any inaccuracies (and there are some, of course) because of the book’s well thought-out conceit.

Simnel, who begins the book as John Collan, transforms throughout the novel–and not only in the outward sense, from farm boy to supposed-heir-to-the-throne. But we are thrust into his internal transformations, which are often half-complete and conflicting, playing with the novel’s themes about identity, belonging, happiness, love, morality, greed and ultimately, the seeming need for revenge.

Who is John, Simnel, Edward? Is he a peasant, a pretender, an earl? Does it matter? Can he love someone else, if he doesn’t know who he is? How is he supposed to live, when he’s been so many people, and none of them, perhaps, were the real him?

There is heartache in this book. Tragedy, abuse, lies that come to fester and rot. There is also humor. There were quite a few passages (including one very well placed “What. The. Fuck.) that had me chuckling. There is beauty and grossness and everything one needs to explore the essence of being human.

The only element of the book that fell very flat for me was a strange detour near the end that focused heavily on sex. Yes, people have sex, including people in the past. I’m not pretending people were prudes. But it was just a bit strange for the book to suddenly hone in on sex as a narrative device for so long; maybe it’s something I will better understand with a re-read, or maybe it’s something that just didn’t gel with me.

But this theme doesn’t last for too long, all things considered. And it does take place in the context of Simnell experiencing yet another changing-of-the-guards in his identity, so there is an element of franticness about the whole thing that keeps it from being too over the top.

The storyline takes place over several years, and Harkin does well to show us the development of Simnel as he ages and is tutored in more complex subjects.

As Simnel goes from a young boy learning basic latin to a young man being presented with moral quandaries as tests for his potential kingship, we see how his moral character develops–even as he is faced with an increasing number of horrific events that test his understanding of the world. And most importantly of all, his understanding of himself.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a sweeping historical fiction that combines humor with witness, stark humanity, and overarching themes about identity, love, honor and revenge.

I’ve read and watched several accounts of this period in history and this book is well researched. I felt for and became attached to the poor child as he was taken from his home at the age of just 10 and groomed to become king. I think the author did a good job of imagining what his life and thoughts must have been like.