REVIEW: A Good Deliverance by Toby Clements
In Warwick, 1468, Sir Thomas Malory is seized and taken from his garden to Newgate Prison for reasons unknown. Toby Clements’ (Kingmaker Series) latest novel spins a web filled with facts and fiction to tell the exciting tale of the author of Le Morte D’Arthur and a man who was a knight during The Hundred Years’ War and The War of the Roses.
A Good Deliverance plays on both the known and unknown of Sir Thomas Malory. His work is known as the greatest work relating to the Legend of King Arthur and is seen as one of the first great western pieces of literature. Some claim he was a brave knight of The Hundred Years’ War and The War of the Roses whilst others speak of his time in jail for horrendous crimes. Toby Clements uses the mystery to stunning effect. A Good Deliverance begins with Sir Thomas seized and thrown in prison. He retells his life story to a young lad whilst sitting in his cell, waiting for his day of execution. It is a thrilling setup and one that Clements executes to perfection. It allows Sir Thomas to give his side of the story, blending fact and fiction in this fascinating historical novel, playing on both the known and unknown with its audience. It allows for Sir Thomas to speak to his sceptical jailor about the coronation of Henry V, the Battle of Verneuil in Normandy, and even throw in a mention of Joan of Arc. It brings to life what is a very brutal and chaotic time in history in Britain, and one which other authors have used as inspiration for their own work and fantasy worlds (hello George RR Martin). There is political intrigue, great battles, rivals in love, and much more to keep grimdark fans happy.
Clements’ dark humour shines through the story and the back and forth between the proud, and sometimes arrogant Sir Thomas and the low-born, sceptical jailor’s son listening and not entirely believing his story. It is a story written as well as any I have read in the past few years and it made me want to dive into the history further. With jousting competitions and the War of the Roses written with such great skill, it reminded me of how inspirational this brutal era has been for many writers (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Fire and Blood especially popped up in my mind). Sir Thomas Malory is an absolute delight to read in this story due to Clements’ expertise. He is lecherous, cowardly, loses in tournaments, and causes the death of friends but he is a master storyteller and Clements allows this to really stand out in the way the novel is framed and that is one of the best aspects of the story.
An expertly written tale full of humour and interest regarding a mysterious historical figure. A Good Deliverance is a stunning work of historical fiction from Toby Clements that brings to vivid life a story of Sir Thomas Malory – the not-so-chivalrous knight who wrote Le Morte D’Arthur. An excellent read!
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