Harkin's intense character study goes beyond ordinary historical fiction in reimagining the true story of Lambert Simnel, who was born a peasant but later used as a pretender prop in the Yorkist rebellion against the newly emerging Tudor dynasty.

The Pretender is literary fiction with underlying existentialist themes of absurdity and authenticity. While John/Lambert/Edward is unsure of his "true" self as a peasant, bastard, or earl, we experience his imposter syndrome through his frequent ruminations on identity, religion, and purpose. The only constant is his dedication to the object of his love because he is ultimately a romantic sap of a child.

Akin to real-life Lambert's status as a political puppet to the adults around him, the character of John(?) is primarily in service to the plot. He is our hero, but women are cast in the more interesting roles. The childfree Margaret of Burgundy is a steady, powerful presence both before and after the rebellion. The chambermaid Beatrice guides our protagonist towards her notion of the good, despite her own deviant proclivities. The atheist Elyn takes absolutely no shit, and neither did Jennott, an early character I wish we spent more time with.

Most important is Joan, daughter of the Earl of Kildare. Unlike her more docile Little Women-esque sisters, Joan is a cunning feminist who uses intellect and deception to harm those ill deserving of their power. Much like John's reluctance to become king or die in battle, Joan's womanly fate is to either become a nun or marry a prince ("this O'Carroll cunt," in her words). She has some of the most amusing lines in this novel. In one of my favorite scenes she criticizes John's interest in Roman poets with the scathing observation, "All the Roman poets hated women...Men who aren't wanted by women say women are shrews or strumpets. Men who are happy with their women don't write poetry." It's true, they don't!

Pieces of this story caused me to gasp with worry, but more often I found myself laughing out loud at Harkin's dialogue. While The Pretender bears very little resemblance to the author's equally brilliant speculative fiction debut, Tell Me an Ending, her talent for dealing in ethical ambiguities is pleasantly consistent.

4.75 stars (rounded up on 5-star systems based on my deep love of Joan).

I would recommend The Pretender for anyone interested in historical fiction that includes broad philosophical problems and characters otherwise relegated to the footnotes of history, readers of deviant, downtrodden, and/or feminist characters, and sadists who enjoy a Game of Thrones style body count.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the e-arc. The Pretender is scheduled for publication in April 2025.