Jo Harkin’s The Pretender is a captivating historical fiction novel that breathes new life into a forgotten chapter of English history. Inspired by the true story of Lambert Simnel, a pawn in the complex game of 15th-century politics, Harkin crafts a richly imagined world filled with unforgettable characters.

While Lambert Simnel’s life remains mysterious, Harkin’s imaginative reconstruction is plausible and entertaining. The novel is filled with historical detail, wit, and a touch of bawdiness that brings the era to life.

Overall, The Pretender is a triumph of historical fiction. Harkin’s masterful storytelling and vivid characters make this a must-read for lovers of historical fiction alike. It was the first historical fiction for me and it did not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book.. I am a sucker for anything Plantagenet/York related and will read/watch/listen to anything I can get my hands on the topic. This was a unique story and perspective on the history that we all know.

Harkin’s writing is taut and suspenseful, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The well-crafted characters and the relentless pacing make "The Pretender" a must-read for fans of edge-of-your-seat thrillers and psychological dramas.

For Tudor enthusiasts, this novel delves into the life of Lambert Simnel, extending beyond his notorious claim as the Earl of Warwick. The book creatively imagines his experiences with a mix of historical insight, humor, and vivid language, though it can be a bit cheeky at times. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advanced copy.

The prose was so well done and reminded me of some historical fiction I adore such as Hamnet. I loved the story and the overall take on this aspect of history.

This is a historical fiction novel that's based on true events. The writing in this novel is top tier, the author has perfected a writing style that is so lush and descriptive. It's the kind of writing that even when not a lot is happening, plot wise, you're still fully immersed in the story. My favorite character is without a doubt Joan. She is a representation of feminism that doesn't feel performative and it was such a breath of fresh air. I would love it if the author made a spin off and explored Joan's story a little more.

1400s England, and a young peasant boy, Lambert Simnel, gets wrapped up in a Tudor plot capitalising on the mystery of the princes lost in the Tower of London! I loved the writing style of this, and British history is just wild! This story made an engaging book and feels like the perfect fodder for an epic fantasy novel.

“The Pretender” by Jo Harkin is a historical fiction set in late 1400’s England following the life of John Collan (a.k.a code name: Lambert Simons, Simnel, and real name: Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick). From my understanding this story was loosely based on a true story with little known facts, but it did not disappoint . For me, the way this way written bounced around it a bit giving a bit of a disjointed feel. However, I found this novel to be filled with MANY laugh out loud bits making up for any odd sequencing. This was a fun read with quirky characters and colorful language making this an atypical historical fiction worthy of a read. Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and Jo Harkin for this e-ARC.

If you like historical fiction that is based on actual events then this book is perfect. Jo Harkin writes the story of Lambert Simnel and how he became the "Pretender" in King Henry VII time. You will discover Simnel's beginnings and discover wether he was how history protrayed him. Though the book is just based on the actual person you feel likes this is what actually happened in history.

In my humble opinion, if you like the writing style of Ken Follett's Kingsbridge series then you will enjoy The Prentender by Jo Harkin. It is full of descritive story lines it makes you feel like you are in the castles & Kitchens Jo Harkin's story. You will feel like you are understanding Simnel's story in a whole new light and way.

So for any Tudor fans we know that little to nothing is known about Lambert Simnel after his infamous stint as pretender to the throne as the Earl of Warwick. However, this book attempts to write a story of his life (including his time as the pretender) and well past that as a historical fiction novel. I believe the author has done a plausible job in doing so. Rich in history, humor, colorful language and, perhaps, a bit much bawdiness - this is an enjoyable what could it have been like for this young man to experience story. Perhaps a little bit long at 396 pages it was still a relatively quick read. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction with philosophical depth, feminist and oppressed characters, and those who appreciate a Game of Thrones-style narrative.

Harkin's The Pretender transcends traditional historical fiction, offering a profound reimagining of Lambert Simnel's story, a peasant turned Yorkist pawn in the rebellion against the emerging Tudor dynasty. Central to the narrative is John/Lambert/Edward's existential struggle with identity. His frequent reflections on whether he is a peasant, bastard, or earl reveal his imposter syndrome. Despite this turmoil, his romantic devotion to his love interest provides a constant thread.

The novel's female characters, however, often overshadow John. Margaret of Burgundy is a steady force both before and after the rebellion. The chambermaid Beatrice, despite her flaws, guides John towards her vision of goodness. Elyn, an atheist, stands out with her no-nonsense attitude, and Jennott, an early character, leaves a strong impression despite her brief appearance.

Joan, the daughter of the Earl of Kildare, emerges as a particularly compelling figure. Unlike her more compliant sisters, Joan is a cunning feminist who uses her intellect to undermine those undeserving of their power. Her sharp wit and memorable lines, such as her critique of Roman poets—"Men who aren't wanted by women say women are shrews or strumpets. Men who are happy with their women don't write poetry"—provide both humour and insight.

While John's journey elicits sympathy and secondhand embarrassment, the women's roles enrich the narrative with their strength and complexity. The Pretender is filled with tension and unexpected humour, showcasing Harkin's talent for ethical exploration. Despite its departure from her speculative fiction debut, Tell Me an Ending, the novel maintains her nuanced approach to complex themes.

Gratitude to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the e-arc.

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.