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Book of Colours
From Robyn Cadwallader, author of the internationally acclaimed novel The Anchoress, comes a deeply profound and moving novel of the importance of creativity and the power of connection, told through the story of the commissioning of a gorgeously decorated medieval manuscript, a Book of Hours.
London, 1321: In a small stationer's shop in Paternoster Row, three people are drawn together around the creation of a magnificent book, an illuminated manuscript of prayers, a Book of Hours. Even though the commission seems to answer the aspirations of each one of them, their own desires and ambitions threaten its completion. As each struggles to see the book come into being, it will change everything they have understood about their place in the world. In many ways, this is a story about power - it is also a novel about the place of women in the roiling and turbulent world of the early fourteenth century; what power they have, how they wield it, and just how temporary and conditional it is.
Rich, deep, sensuous and full of life, Book of Colours is also, most movingly, a profoundly beautiful story about creativity and connection, and our instinctive need to understand our world and communicate with others through the pages of a book.
Praise for The Anchoress:
'So beautiful, so rich, so strange, unexpected and thoughtful - also suspenseful. I loved this book.' Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love
'Affecting ... finely drawn ... a considerable achievement.' Sarah Dunant, New York Times
'Elegant and eloquent' Irish Mail
'Cadwallader's writing evokes a heightened attention to the senses: you might never read a novel so sensuous yet unconcerned with romantic love. For this alone it is worth seeking out. But also because The Anchoress achieves what every historical novel attempts: reimagining the past while opening a new window - like a squint, perhaps - to our present lives.' Sydney Morning Herald
'A novel of page-turning grace' Newtown Review of Books
London, 1321: In a small stationer's shop in Paternoster Row, three people are drawn together around the creation of a magnificent book, an illuminated manuscript of prayers, a Book of Hours. Even though the commission seems to answer the aspirations of each one of them, their own desires and ambitions threaten its completion. As each struggles to see the book come into being, it will change everything they have understood about their place in the world. In many ways, this is a story about power - it is also a novel about the place of women in the roiling and turbulent world of the early fourteenth century; what power they have, how they wield it, and just how temporary and conditional it is.
Rich, deep, sensuous and full of life, Book of Colours is also, most movingly, a profoundly beautiful story about creativity and connection, and our instinctive need to understand our world and communicate with others through the pages of a book.
Praise for The Anchoress:
'So beautiful, so rich, so strange, unexpected and thoughtful - also suspenseful. I loved this book.' Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love
'Affecting ... finely drawn ... a considerable achievement.' Sarah Dunant, New York Times
'Elegant and eloquent' Irish Mail
'Cadwallader's writing evokes a heightened attention to the senses: you might never read a novel so sensuous yet unconcerned with romantic love. For this alone it is worth seeking out. But also because The Anchoress achieves what every historical novel attempts: reimagining the past while opening a new window - like a squint, perhaps - to our present lives.' Sydney Morning Herald
'A novel of page-turning grace' Newtown Review of Books
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2018
139 people are currently reading
2155 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Cadwallader
7 books126 followersRobyn Cadwallader has spent much time and energy teaching creative writing and all kinds of English literature at university, with a special interest in medieval literature. She writes poems and short stories, and her novel The Anchoress won the Varuna LitLink NSW Byron Bay Unpublished Manuscript Award in 2010. Her PhD thesis about female virginity and agency, Three Methods for Reading the Thirteenth-Century Seinte Marherete, is a study of the story of St Margaret of Antioch, patron saint of childbirth, who was swallowed by a dragon and burst out its back, proclaiming herself a hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
September 6, 2018
To own a book, especially a beautifully illuminated Book of Hours was a sign of wealth and prestige in the 14th Century. This very engaging novel is about the making of such a book by John Dancaster,a London illuminator (or limner) and his atelier. His wife Gemma, herself a skilled limner, newly apprenticed son Nick and his senior apprentice Benedict all assist in either the making of the colours, drawing the decorations or the elaborate task of layering on the colours and gold leaf when required. To assist in such a massive job, John also hires a skilled limner newly arrived from Cambridge, William Asshe and much of the story is seen through his eyes.
I really enjoyed the detailed description of the illustrating of the book. Each chapter is prefaced by a little gem of an excerpt from a book that Gemma is secretly writing on the art of illumination for Nick. As a woman Gemma cannot be acknowledged as a limner and must hide how much she helps out when actually she is a wonderful artist. I also enjoyed the description of the type of illuminations used to illustrate the text - the beautiful letters at the start of the text, religious scenes from the bible, gorgeous vines and fruit and flowers in the margins but also the whimsical scenes of ordinary men and woman and amusing animals.
The Book of Hours in this novel is being made for a wealthy noblewoman Lady Mathilda Fitzjohn as a status symbol to help her show to the world her family’s improving status. She has asked that it not only contain prayers and texts to help her pray but illustrations that would reference her and her husband’s families and prospects. At the time the book is commissioned, 1320, her husband Robert has been called to fight against King Edward II and his favourite Hugh Despenser who he has allowed to seize power and property. Mathilda’s story is told in chapters alternating with the illumination of the book, as she waits for the revolt to end and her family’s fate to be known. The writing is just as luscious as the descriptions of the illuminations and I enjoyed the details of the process as much as the overall story and historical setting.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Harper Collins for a digital copy of the book to read
I really enjoyed the detailed description of the illustrating of the book. Each chapter is prefaced by a little gem of an excerpt from a book that Gemma is secretly writing on the art of illumination for Nick. As a woman Gemma cannot be acknowledged as a limner and must hide how much she helps out when actually she is a wonderful artist. I also enjoyed the description of the type of illuminations used to illustrate the text - the beautiful letters at the start of the text, religious scenes from the bible, gorgeous vines and fruit and flowers in the margins but also the whimsical scenes of ordinary men and woman and amusing animals.
The Book of Hours in this novel is being made for a wealthy noblewoman Lady Mathilda Fitzjohn as a status symbol to help her show to the world her family’s improving status. She has asked that it not only contain prayers and texts to help her pray but illustrations that would reference her and her husband’s families and prospects. At the time the book is commissioned, 1320, her husband Robert has been called to fight against King Edward II and his favourite Hugh Despenser who he has allowed to seize power and property. Mathilda’s story is told in chapters alternating with the illumination of the book, as she waits for the revolt to end and her family’s fate to be known. The writing is just as luscious as the descriptions of the illuminations and I enjoyed the details of the process as much as the overall story and historical setting.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Harper Collins for a digital copy of the book to read
July 8, 2018
Book of Colours, a beautifully written, multi-layered historical fction, set in early 1300s England was a five star read for me.
There are three connecting story lines:
The family of limners and their workers/apprentices are preparing an illuminated book for a noble lady;
Mathilda, the noble lady has commissioned the book; and
Gemma, the wife of the head limner is preparing an book of her own as an instruction in the art of illumination.
I enjoyed the style of writing, which is poetic and sensual. Also, the different timelines, which intersected and had their own pace. The characters are lifelike, and they and their stories develop well during the course of the book. This all made it quite a suspenseful read for me. I also enjoyed the settings which through the use of language brought that era, its sights and smells alive.
I highly recommend Book of Colours and thank the publishers for the opportunity to read it.
There are three connecting story lines:
The family of limners and their workers/apprentices are preparing an illuminated book for a noble lady;
Mathilda, the noble lady has commissioned the book; and
Gemma, the wife of the head limner is preparing an book of her own as an instruction in the art of illumination.
I enjoyed the style of writing, which is poetic and sensual. Also, the different timelines, which intersected and had their own pace. The characters are lifelike, and they and their stories develop well during the course of the book. This all made it quite a suspenseful read for me. I also enjoyed the settings which through the use of language brought that era, its sights and smells alive.
I highly recommend Book of Colours and thank the publishers for the opportunity to read it.
June 28, 2018
My View:
A fantastic read that has a Dickenson like bleakness juxtaposed against the passion and the colour of the limners for their craft; a black/grey existence versus illumination and colour, creativity, life.
In depth research, locations that leap of the page, characters and their circumstances that will touch your heart, this is a great read.
And there is a bonus for all art lovers/creators – each chapter is prefaced with a paragraph or two from a book that one of the character is writing about their craft “The Art of illumination.” I appreciated every word.
A fantastic read that has a Dickenson like bleakness juxtaposed against the passion and the colour of the limners for their craft; a black/grey existence versus illumination and colour, creativity, life.
In depth research, locations that leap of the page, characters and their circumstances that will touch your heart, this is a great read.
And there is a bonus for all art lovers/creators – each chapter is prefaced with a paragraph or two from a book that one of the character is writing about their craft “The Art of illumination.” I appreciated every word.
July 19, 2018
“…let all of life be there in the book, from high to low, animal and monster, story and joke, devotion and dance, for God the Great Artisan made it all.”
Book of Colours by Robyn Cadwallader has been widely reviewed by Australian Women Writers Challenge participants since its release in April of this year, and as it fits into the historical fiction category, my editorial area, I’ve had the privilege of reading all of these glowing reviews. I was determined to read this novel, sooner rather than later, and I am so glad I did. It’s taken me longer to read it than what is my norm, four nights instead of two, but I can offer two reasons for this:
1. Despite being only 350 pages, the type is very small so it’s actually a much longer novel than the standard large font novels that typify commercial fiction.
2. It’s what I like to call ‘linger worthy’. Not only was I slowing my pace and taking my time, I was going back to re-read sections, particularly the passages that make up Gemma’s book, The Art of Illumination, which I found to be particularly fascinating and insightful.
“Now, day by day, as she painted in the book of hours, she thought over the words she needed, then added a little more to the pages of her book. She was glad it would be hers alone. Her thoughts, her knowledge, her years of experience.”
Passages of Gemma’s book, The Art of Illumination, head each chapter in a subtle, yet telling, manner. As I already mentioned, these were a fascinating insight into not just the processes of illumination, but the actual art of it, the appreciation of it. Intended initially for her daughter, but later given to her son, Gemma’s intent is to pass on all she has learnt about being a limner, even though her gender prevents her from actually trading as one or bearing the title. As a mark of protest, she signs her name to the book, labelling herself as the author, before gifting it to her son, breaking with custom that places women into the roles of helpers rather than authors and artists. Despite the Book of Colours being set in the early 14th century, I felt such a kinship to the two women of this story. This is not because Robyn has modernised their experiences, not at all, but rather, it’s because she has captured that commonality between women that stretches over the centuries. Fitting creative careers in around other jobs and responsibilities, often receiving less acknowledgement and remuneration for these creative efforts; working under the shadow of men who are attributed as having greater talent and knowledge of relevant matters on account of merely being male. I’m not intending to draw direct comparisons between our society today and that of 14th century London. I’m merely noting this affinity I felt for the women within this story, how tangible their struggles to be taken seriously were and how this struck a chord with me. Both Gemma and Mathilda, despite being poles apart in terms of class, were more alike than each would have realised. Gemma running her husband’s business without credit and Mathilda running her husband’s estate without credit. Each of them chafing at the dismissal and the discrimination that prevented them from being their own masters.
This is not only a story about women though. It’s also a story about class, and trade, and persevering in the face of personal failings. Will and John each had to overcome their burdens, to accept their weaknesses and press on. I admired how Robyn wove these struggles into the creation of the artwork for the book of hours. She demonstrated the deep personal connection an artist has to their work, and how this can reach out and connect artists to each other. This is very much a novel that reveres art and books, and Robyn’s descriptions of the illuminations were so vivid, it made me really wish Book of Colours came illustrated itself. Despite books being largely hidden from the masses and reserved for the wealthy, the artists illuminating the pages believed in the beauty of their work and in the value they added to the words scribed within. To illuminate a book was a privilege reserved for the best artists, and that reverence for working on a book was evident within each of the characters within this novel.
“After a time I began to think about the little girl digging the book out of the ashes and opening it, seeing it for the first time like I did. It’s as if she rescued it, that damaged book.”
With a touch of fantasy in the form of a gargoyle shadowing one of the characters, Book of Colours is a richly layered story that brings to life the ancient art of illumination against the volatile background that was London in the early 14th century. Robyn informs gently, weaving detail into her story with a masterful ability to unconsciously teach you so much, while still maintaining the entertainment value that distinguishes a novel of historical fiction from a book of historical fact. Robyn Cadwallader first came to my attention through reviews of her previous novel, The Anchoress, which I am yet to read. Having enjoyed Book of Colours as much as I did, I won’t be leaving The Anchoress to languish on the tbr pile for too long. Book of Colours is a unique novel of quiet perfection, with a satisfying ending that steers away from fairytale happy ever afters and remains grounded in reality. I lingered over this novel, savouring its magnificence and appreciating Robyn’s enormous talent as an author.
Book of Colours by Robyn Cadwallader has been widely reviewed by Australian Women Writers Challenge participants since its release in April of this year, and as it fits into the historical fiction category, my editorial area, I’ve had the privilege of reading all of these glowing reviews. I was determined to read this novel, sooner rather than later, and I am so glad I did. It’s taken me longer to read it than what is my norm, four nights instead of two, but I can offer two reasons for this:
1. Despite being only 350 pages, the type is very small so it’s actually a much longer novel than the standard large font novels that typify commercial fiction.
2. It’s what I like to call ‘linger worthy’. Not only was I slowing my pace and taking my time, I was going back to re-read sections, particularly the passages that make up Gemma’s book, The Art of Illumination, which I found to be particularly fascinating and insightful.
“Now, day by day, as she painted in the book of hours, she thought over the words she needed, then added a little more to the pages of her book. She was glad it would be hers alone. Her thoughts, her knowledge, her years of experience.”
Passages of Gemma’s book, The Art of Illumination, head each chapter in a subtle, yet telling, manner. As I already mentioned, these were a fascinating insight into not just the processes of illumination, but the actual art of it, the appreciation of it. Intended initially for her daughter, but later given to her son, Gemma’s intent is to pass on all she has learnt about being a limner, even though her gender prevents her from actually trading as one or bearing the title. As a mark of protest, she signs her name to the book, labelling herself as the author, before gifting it to her son, breaking with custom that places women into the roles of helpers rather than authors and artists. Despite the Book of Colours being set in the early 14th century, I felt such a kinship to the two women of this story. This is not because Robyn has modernised their experiences, not at all, but rather, it’s because she has captured that commonality between women that stretches over the centuries. Fitting creative careers in around other jobs and responsibilities, often receiving less acknowledgement and remuneration for these creative efforts; working under the shadow of men who are attributed as having greater talent and knowledge of relevant matters on account of merely being male. I’m not intending to draw direct comparisons between our society today and that of 14th century London. I’m merely noting this affinity I felt for the women within this story, how tangible their struggles to be taken seriously were and how this struck a chord with me. Both Gemma and Mathilda, despite being poles apart in terms of class, were more alike than each would have realised. Gemma running her husband’s business without credit and Mathilda running her husband’s estate without credit. Each of them chafing at the dismissal and the discrimination that prevented them from being their own masters.
This is not only a story about women though. It’s also a story about class, and trade, and persevering in the face of personal failings. Will and John each had to overcome their burdens, to accept their weaknesses and press on. I admired how Robyn wove these struggles into the creation of the artwork for the book of hours. She demonstrated the deep personal connection an artist has to their work, and how this can reach out and connect artists to each other. This is very much a novel that reveres art and books, and Robyn’s descriptions of the illuminations were so vivid, it made me really wish Book of Colours came illustrated itself. Despite books being largely hidden from the masses and reserved for the wealthy, the artists illuminating the pages believed in the beauty of their work and in the value they added to the words scribed within. To illuminate a book was a privilege reserved for the best artists, and that reverence for working on a book was evident within each of the characters within this novel.
“After a time I began to think about the little girl digging the book out of the ashes and opening it, seeing it for the first time like I did. It’s as if she rescued it, that damaged book.”
With a touch of fantasy in the form of a gargoyle shadowing one of the characters, Book of Colours is a richly layered story that brings to life the ancient art of illumination against the volatile background that was London in the early 14th century. Robyn informs gently, weaving detail into her story with a masterful ability to unconsciously teach you so much, while still maintaining the entertainment value that distinguishes a novel of historical fiction from a book of historical fact. Robyn Cadwallader first came to my attention through reviews of her previous novel, The Anchoress, which I am yet to read. Having enjoyed Book of Colours as much as I did, I won’t be leaving The Anchoress to languish on the tbr pile for too long. Book of Colours is a unique novel of quiet perfection, with a satisfying ending that steers away from fairytale happy ever afters and remains grounded in reality. I lingered over this novel, savouring its magnificence and appreciating Robyn’s enormous talent as an author.
August 16, 2018
I really love a good historical novel but often hesitate picking one up because they can be hit and miss for me. To make it a great read, the author not only needs to be well informed about the era, but also have the skills of creating vivid characters and an atmospheric setting to facilitate the perfect time travel experience. Not an easy task (and I am not picky at all – lol)! I am happy to say that Robyn Cadwallader has those superpowers, which made this book a wonderful reading experience, and I am mad at myself for letting this sit on my shelf for so long!
The medieval times have always held a special fascination for me, and Book of Colours is set in the dark times of 14th century Britain. At the time, persistently cool and wet weather conditions made crops fail and led to one of the biggest famines in Britain’s history, causing a huge increase in disease and a death toll of up to 25% of the population. On top of the natural hardships, there was crime, war and unrest to contend with, and unemployment was rife. Whilst some people still believed the church’s claim that it was “the will of God”, others began to question their faith and reliance on a seemingly cruel God. With the creation of her unforgettable characters, Cadwallader manages to not only capture this atmosphere of upheaval, but also the mindset of the people during those difficult times– and yet it remains a story of hope and survival, which left a warm glow in my heart.
Anyone with a love for books and art will appreciate the intricate details Cadwallader shares about the creation of a medieval “book of hours”, a richly illuminated tome of prayers and psalms commissioned by one of the rich landowner’s wives. Cadwallader’s extensive knowledge of the subject becomes obvious as she describes the processes involved in the making of the book: the preparation of the parchment, the mixing of the paints from substances such as bone, plants, urine and precious metals, the processes of carefully constructing the pictures that will do justice to the religious texts. The author’s skill lies in seamlessly weaving these details into a story about the everyday lives of the limners working on the book, each bringing with them their own histories, pasts and secrets that shape their particular style of art. The role of women in medieval society is explored through the character of Gemma, a talented limner from a long line of artists, who – as a female – is not allowed to officially work in her role but must paint under her husband’s name. She rebels against society in her own way, not only by secretly painting in the book of hours but also by writing a book on the art of illumination for her son, an apprentice limner, which was so interesting that I couldn’t get enough of it!
I was so fascinated by Cadwallader’s descriptions that I spent hours googling images of books of hours, remembering seeing them on visits to museums in Europe, where they still offer valuable glimpses into this distant past. The artwork in some of them is incredible, and I could appreciate the many months the fictional limners spent on illustrating Lady Mathilda’s book. With the beauty of the artwork offset against the harsh environment and living conditions, I felt instantly transported back into history – not only immensely enjoying this virtual time travel, but also learning so much along the way. I am so infinitely grateful that owning books is no longer just a privilege of the rich! I also loved the despair of those tumultuous times reflected in small details Cadwallader includes in her story, such as the supernatural element of the gargoyle following Will’s every footstep as a symbol of his demons.
In summary, if you appreciate a well-written historical novel brimming with fascinating detail of the era, then I strongly recommend this book! Personally, I loved every step of the journey and I feel that I have learned a lot about medieval art that has given me a whole new appreciation for the courage of our ancestors finding beauty despite hardship, and gratitude for all the privileges we take for granted today – especially books.
4.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Australia for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
The medieval times have always held a special fascination for me, and Book of Colours is set in the dark times of 14th century Britain. At the time, persistently cool and wet weather conditions made crops fail and led to one of the biggest famines in Britain’s history, causing a huge increase in disease and a death toll of up to 25% of the population. On top of the natural hardships, there was crime, war and unrest to contend with, and unemployment was rife. Whilst some people still believed the church’s claim that it was “the will of God”, others began to question their faith and reliance on a seemingly cruel God. With the creation of her unforgettable characters, Cadwallader manages to not only capture this atmosphere of upheaval, but also the mindset of the people during those difficult times– and yet it remains a story of hope and survival, which left a warm glow in my heart.
Anyone with a love for books and art will appreciate the intricate details Cadwallader shares about the creation of a medieval “book of hours”, a richly illuminated tome of prayers and psalms commissioned by one of the rich landowner’s wives. Cadwallader’s extensive knowledge of the subject becomes obvious as she describes the processes involved in the making of the book: the preparation of the parchment, the mixing of the paints from substances such as bone, plants, urine and precious metals, the processes of carefully constructing the pictures that will do justice to the religious texts. The author’s skill lies in seamlessly weaving these details into a story about the everyday lives of the limners working on the book, each bringing with them their own histories, pasts and secrets that shape their particular style of art. The role of women in medieval society is explored through the character of Gemma, a talented limner from a long line of artists, who – as a female – is not allowed to officially work in her role but must paint under her husband’s name. She rebels against society in her own way, not only by secretly painting in the book of hours but also by writing a book on the art of illumination for her son, an apprentice limner, which was so interesting that I couldn’t get enough of it!
I was so fascinated by Cadwallader’s descriptions that I spent hours googling images of books of hours, remembering seeing them on visits to museums in Europe, where they still offer valuable glimpses into this distant past. The artwork in some of them is incredible, and I could appreciate the many months the fictional limners spent on illustrating Lady Mathilda’s book. With the beauty of the artwork offset against the harsh environment and living conditions, I felt instantly transported back into history – not only immensely enjoying this virtual time travel, but also learning so much along the way. I am so infinitely grateful that owning books is no longer just a privilege of the rich! I also loved the despair of those tumultuous times reflected in small details Cadwallader includes in her story, such as the supernatural element of the gargoyle following Will’s every footstep as a symbol of his demons.
In summary, if you appreciate a well-written historical novel brimming with fascinating detail of the era, then I strongly recommend this book! Personally, I loved every step of the journey and I feel that I have learned a lot about medieval art that has given me a whole new appreciation for the courage of our ancestors finding beauty despite hardship, and gratitude for all the privileges we take for granted today – especially books.
4.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Australia for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
May 24, 2018
‘If you touch the page, it’s smooth and fine.’
In fourteenth-century England, books are rare and treasured items. They are often symbols of wealth and status: who else (apart from wealthy nobles and the church) could afford to commission a book? In London in 1321, during a rebellion against Edward II and his hated favourite Hugh Despenser, work is scarce. In John Dancaster’s small shop on Paternoster Row, a small group of people are drawn together to illustrate a Book of Hours for Lady Mathilda of the Fitzjohn family. John Dancaster is a renowned limner, or illuminator, he has two apprentices – his son Nick, who is just commencing his apprenticeship, and Benedict, who has almost finished his. John’s wife Gemma also works in the shop and they are joined by Will, who has recently fled from Cambridge. Gemma, John and Will each have their own aspirations, strengths and secrets.
The rebellion will have its impact on both John Dancaster’s shop and on the Fitzjohn family. As the story unfolds, the limits placed on the role of women in 14th century England become clear. Lady Mathilda’s circumstances change as a consequence of the rebellion, while Gemma Dancaster’s skills are not recognised and must be hidden. Will has his own demons to contend with, while John has to contend with a loss of his own.
‘What I meant was simple enough. Even a beggar knows beauty when he sees it.’
The story has two timelines: the creation of the book, and Lady Mathilda’s reflections over that period. The story is also about two books: the public Book of Hours being created for Lady Mathilda, and the private book (‘The Art of Illumination’) being created secretly by Gemma as advice for her son Nick. Each chapter opens with a paragraph or two from ‘The Art of Illumination’.
This book covers topics from the preparation of the skin to the composition of some of the colours.
I enjoyed this novel. I found the information contained in ‘The Art of Illumination’ engrossing. I found the characters (especially Gemma, Will and Lady Mathilda) interesting. I kept turning the pages, not quite sure how the story was going to end but wanting to absorb as much of it as I could.
This is Ms Cadwallader’s second novel, and well worth reading. I also enjoyed her first novel ‘The Anchoress’ and would happily recommend them both to lovers of historical fiction.
‘What worlds these pages make.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In fourteenth-century England, books are rare and treasured items. They are often symbols of wealth and status: who else (apart from wealthy nobles and the church) could afford to commission a book? In London in 1321, during a rebellion against Edward II and his hated favourite Hugh Despenser, work is scarce. In John Dancaster’s small shop on Paternoster Row, a small group of people are drawn together to illustrate a Book of Hours for Lady Mathilda of the Fitzjohn family. John Dancaster is a renowned limner, or illuminator, he has two apprentices – his son Nick, who is just commencing his apprenticeship, and Benedict, who has almost finished his. John’s wife Gemma also works in the shop and they are joined by Will, who has recently fled from Cambridge. Gemma, John and Will each have their own aspirations, strengths and secrets.
The rebellion will have its impact on both John Dancaster’s shop and on the Fitzjohn family. As the story unfolds, the limits placed on the role of women in 14th century England become clear. Lady Mathilda’s circumstances change as a consequence of the rebellion, while Gemma Dancaster’s skills are not recognised and must be hidden. Will has his own demons to contend with, while John has to contend with a loss of his own.
‘What I meant was simple enough. Even a beggar knows beauty when he sees it.’
The story has two timelines: the creation of the book, and Lady Mathilda’s reflections over that period. The story is also about two books: the public Book of Hours being created for Lady Mathilda, and the private book (‘The Art of Illumination’) being created secretly by Gemma as advice for her son Nick. Each chapter opens with a paragraph or two from ‘The Art of Illumination’.
This book covers topics from the preparation of the skin to the composition of some of the colours.
I enjoyed this novel. I found the information contained in ‘The Art of Illumination’ engrossing. I found the characters (especially Gemma, Will and Lady Mathilda) interesting. I kept turning the pages, not quite sure how the story was going to end but wanting to absorb as much of it as I could.
This is Ms Cadwallader’s second novel, and well worth reading. I also enjoyed her first novel ‘The Anchoress’ and would happily recommend them both to lovers of historical fiction.
‘What worlds these pages make.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 24, 2019
It has taken me so long to finish this book! Part of that was Christmas holidays/end of year/holiday plans etc, but the real reason is: I never felt particularly invested in this story, unfortunately. I was determined to read it to the end because the writing style is lovely, and because I know it's a very good book (lots of people say so), but at no stage did it give me a sense of 'can't put it down'. I could put it down very easily. Too easily.
There wasn't enough going on in the plot for me, and the pacing in this was too slow and the book therefore felt so very long, and as I said, I ended it not really caring what happened to anyone, except possibly Lady Mathilda. I didn't want to see her beheaded or thrown in the Tower...
That's about it.
There wasn't enough going on in the plot for me, and the pacing in this was too slow and the book therefore felt so very long, and as I said, I ended it not really caring what happened to anyone, except possibly Lady Mathilda. I didn't want to see her beheaded or thrown in the Tower...
That's about it.
Want to read
February 18, 2019I'm gonna flick this back to my 'Want to read' list as well as give it a DNF mention at 20% because I'm finding it just too dull and complicated to be entertaining enough to read on my phone.
It seems like there's a decent story lurking in it's pages and I AM really keen to read it, but the e-book format is just not going to work for me here. So I'm benching it til I pick up a physical copy.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity, but sorry it didn't work out!
It seems like there's a decent story lurking in it's pages and I AM really keen to read it, but the e-book format is just not going to work for me here. So I'm benching it til I pick up a physical copy.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity, but sorry it didn't work out!
May 21, 2018
Beautifully detailed prose; fascinating sense of time's complexities; good gravy, I loved it.
June 5, 2018
3 1/2 stars. There is a great deal of attention to the descriptions of how limners carried out their work as illuminators of manuscripts in this novel and it certainly provided an interesting insight into a fascinating world. However I think the pace was quite slow and the plot did not reveal as much as I would have hoped. Gemma and Lady Mathilda both seemed a little underwhelming and I actually felt the male characters were more interesting.
May 13, 2024
Book of Colours is an historical fiction novel by Australian author Robyn Cadwallader and is set in London's Paternoster Row in the 1320s. A noblewoman has commissioned the creation of a book of hours - a decorated medieval manuscript - and the novel is about the stationer's shop lucky enough to secure the valuable commission and the people who illuminate the pages.
This book was right up my alley as I've always been fascinated by illuminated manuscripts and amazed when precious documents like these survive the centuries and ravages of time.
Sometimes a book comes along at the right moment and at the time I was reading Book of Colours I was also undertaking an online course about England in the time of Richard III. I was completing a unit called Books, Literacy and Printing which included some amazing information on medieval scripts and illuminated manuscripts which greatly enhanced my enjoyment of this novel.
Some of you might remember I reviewed Robyn Cadwallader's first novel The Anchoress back in 2015 and her skill in bringing a period of history to life in vivid detail is repeated here. Art lovers will enjoy the intricacies of illuminating the manuscript, the myriad choices regarding decoration and borders and the processes involved to produce each of the colour pigments used in the delicate work.
The novel is also about the political turmoil of the time, and the importance of books like these to assist in prayer.
Book of Colours by Robyn Cadwallader satisfied my curiosity with regard to the creation of illuminated manuscripts and I highly recommend it.
* Copy courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers *
This book was right up my alley as I've always been fascinated by illuminated manuscripts and amazed when precious documents like these survive the centuries and ravages of time.
Sometimes a book comes along at the right moment and at the time I was reading Book of Colours I was also undertaking an online course about England in the time of Richard III. I was completing a unit called Books, Literacy and Printing which included some amazing information on medieval scripts and illuminated manuscripts which greatly enhanced my enjoyment of this novel.
Some of you might remember I reviewed Robyn Cadwallader's first novel The Anchoress back in 2015 and her skill in bringing a period of history to life in vivid detail is repeated here. Art lovers will enjoy the intricacies of illuminating the manuscript, the myriad choices regarding decoration and borders and the processes involved to produce each of the colour pigments used in the delicate work.
The novel is also about the political turmoil of the time, and the importance of books like these to assist in prayer.
Book of Colours by Robyn Cadwallader satisfied my curiosity with regard to the creation of illuminated manuscripts and I highly recommend it.
* Copy courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers *
October 1, 2019
I cannot put words around how much I loved this book.
It's rare for me to read fiction and I had long given up on the commercial historical fiction writers popular today who just tag characters into a period of history or in the sphere of someone who is historically significant. It's also been a damn long time since I couldn't put a book (or my Kindle) down and been dragging myself through life because I am reading when I should be sleeping.
The Book of Colours is a masterclass in how to. The research is meticulous, the prose like poetry, the characters beautifully developed as emotive human beings with all our frailties and the artistry required to produce a Book of Hours. The scene is set during Edward II reign when his 'favourite' or as many believe, his lover, is Hugh Despenser, the Younger and all the attending strife associated civilly during this period between Monarchy and the Barons as a result partially of Despenser's avarice.
This book is like a superb foreign film whereby it is a snapshot in time. The book ensures the reader is aware of all the social, political and environmental issues that are in play and the impact directly and potential far-reaching future impacts. It does not seek to 'fix' these issues merely to illuminate (sorry).
If your need is shallow or you just want something action-packed for entertainments/escapes sake - forget it. This is not a book for you. However, like examining or savouring a favourite painting or piece of art, if you relish a deeply sustaining exercise where beauty and what it means, how it is absolutely in the eye of the beholder and what it takes to create it and how it can inform; if the exploration of all the key human emotions such as fear, loss, love etc and the misunderstandings affect us; and you know that sometimes it is not only the devil that is in the detail but the latter is in all of life. Then you will also know that if it had been a fast paced plot that turned the pages then you would overlook the sheer reflectory pleasure of the unfolding story, it's art, it's humans and how we cope. It also would end far sooner and you will not have noticed it left you with that sense this is a book not easily forgotten because of the feelings it evokes and they linger.
Cadwallader is the high end game. This author is as much an artisan as the Limners in this book. Book of Colours is her second offering and I am going back to read the first which takes an equally interesting look at a career choice, a yearning, a vocation and through the lens of gender and the class system of the medieval period, in other words: what it meant to be girl back in the day.
I can't wait!!!
It's rare for me to read fiction and I had long given up on the commercial historical fiction writers popular today who just tag characters into a period of history or in the sphere of someone who is historically significant. It's also been a damn long time since I couldn't put a book (or my Kindle) down and been dragging myself through life because I am reading when I should be sleeping.
The Book of Colours is a masterclass in how to. The research is meticulous, the prose like poetry, the characters beautifully developed as emotive human beings with all our frailties and the artistry required to produce a Book of Hours. The scene is set during Edward II reign when his 'favourite' or as many believe, his lover, is Hugh Despenser, the Younger and all the attending strife associated civilly during this period between Monarchy and the Barons as a result partially of Despenser's avarice.
This book is like a superb foreign film whereby it is a snapshot in time. The book ensures the reader is aware of all the social, political and environmental issues that are in play and the impact directly and potential far-reaching future impacts. It does not seek to 'fix' these issues merely to illuminate (sorry).
If your need is shallow or you just want something action-packed for entertainments/escapes sake - forget it. This is not a book for you. However, like examining or savouring a favourite painting or piece of art, if you relish a deeply sustaining exercise where beauty and what it means, how it is absolutely in the eye of the beholder and what it takes to create it and how it can inform; if the exploration of all the key human emotions such as fear, loss, love etc and the misunderstandings affect us; and you know that sometimes it is not only the devil that is in the detail but the latter is in all of life. Then you will also know that if it had been a fast paced plot that turned the pages then you would overlook the sheer reflectory pleasure of the unfolding story, it's art, it's humans and how we cope. It also would end far sooner and you will not have noticed it left you with that sense this is a book not easily forgotten because of the feelings it evokes and they linger.
Cadwallader is the high end game. This author is as much an artisan as the Limners in this book. Book of Colours is her second offering and I am going back to read the first which takes an equally interesting look at a career choice, a yearning, a vocation and through the lens of gender and the class system of the medieval period, in other words: what it meant to be girl back in the day.
I can't wait!!!
November 2, 2018
Historical fiction is my genre and I get pleasure from even the mediocre within it. Which means when I hit really excellent historical fiction, it just pure happy place all the way - and this is absolutely historical fiction at the top of its game. Cadwallader uses a single workshop to explore a pivotal moment in evolving feudalism, looking at the role of women; of craft guilds; of sexuality and corruption; of class and urban/rural tensions. Ahe does this through the lens of sharply drawn, sympathetic and real characters. Switching POV between characters enables her to take the reader through the tensions between them, understanding different perspectives which are often in conflict with each other.
In this way, Cadwallader explores fraught issues without losing tension or becoming simplistic or preachy. We feel the frustration of a lone wealthy woman, choices constrained to a handful by her gender; just as we feel her immense power over those around her, the consequences of which she is only dimly aware of. Similarly, I could almost breathe the stifled air of tension around the tenuous positions of both mistress and apprentice in the shop each day, both holding and subject to power over and from the other.
Through all this remains the workshop: a workplace which ties all the characters together not so much in search of income as vocation. The art of book illustration is a love and passion for all the characters, who derive great meaning from their work, and from being part of a process of transmitting meaning through the page. The world of the book remains firmly fixed in the fourteenth century - this is not a book to give sly winks to the present - but the reader is inevitably led to reflect on how much we take for granted in our capacity to share thoughts and emotions through writing and art. By taking us back to a time when this was a privilege afforded rarely to a few, it is a good reminder of how rich our societies have made our worlds.
I loved that this is a book about the personal liberation that can come through work which is loved, in teams with trust and common purpose. To be underpinned by the love of the art is icing on the cake. I will be trying Cadwallader's other work now, although well aware it is unlikely to be as spellbinding as this ode to the humble book.
In this way, Cadwallader explores fraught issues without losing tension or becoming simplistic or preachy. We feel the frustration of a lone wealthy woman, choices constrained to a handful by her gender; just as we feel her immense power over those around her, the consequences of which she is only dimly aware of. Similarly, I could almost breathe the stifled air of tension around the tenuous positions of both mistress and apprentice in the shop each day, both holding and subject to power over and from the other.
Through all this remains the workshop: a workplace which ties all the characters together not so much in search of income as vocation. The art of book illustration is a love and passion for all the characters, who derive great meaning from their work, and from being part of a process of transmitting meaning through the page. The world of the book remains firmly fixed in the fourteenth century - this is not a book to give sly winks to the present - but the reader is inevitably led to reflect on how much we take for granted in our capacity to share thoughts and emotions through writing and art. By taking us back to a time when this was a privilege afforded rarely to a few, it is a good reminder of how rich our societies have made our worlds.
I loved that this is a book about the personal liberation that can come through work which is loved, in teams with trust and common purpose. To be underpinned by the love of the art is icing on the cake. I will be trying Cadwallader's other work now, although well aware it is unlikely to be as spellbinding as this ode to the humble book.
January 1, 2021
“Let all of life be there in the book”
BOOK OF COLOURS by Australian author Robyn Cadwallader is set in medieval London and covers the fascinating history of some of the first book makers. Back then they were called “illuminators” or “limners” and books were beautifully illustrated prayer books. Not much is known about the limners of this time, but Cadwallader has combined a great deal of historical research and imagination to tell the story of the creation one of these intricate prayer books through the eyes of the limners who created it and the noble lady who commissioned it.
Interspersed throughout the novel are fascinating details about how the limners of medieval times created their masterpieces. This is told through Gemma’s story. She is the wife of John Dancaster, master illuminator, but she is just as talented as he is. She is unable to claim her work as her own due to the sexist attitudes of the times, but her skill and love of illuminating becomes evident through the book she decides to write, “The Art of Illumination” and as the story unfolds.
BOOK OF COLOURS took me a long time to read (more than a week!) but it was definitely worth the long reading time. The amount of historical information and the way all of the story lines tied in together deserved to be lingered over. At first I was a bit disappointed by the ending but after reflecting on it for a little while I think it was fitting. Medieval times were grim, even for noble families, so it feels right that there wasn’t a big happy ending for this story. 5 stars!
Thank you HarperCollins Publishers for providing me with a review copy.
Read all of my book reviews at scatterbooker.wordpress.com
BOOK OF COLOURS by Australian author Robyn Cadwallader is set in medieval London and covers the fascinating history of some of the first book makers. Back then they were called “illuminators” or “limners” and books were beautifully illustrated prayer books. Not much is known about the limners of this time, but Cadwallader has combined a great deal of historical research and imagination to tell the story of the creation one of these intricate prayer books through the eyes of the limners who created it and the noble lady who commissioned it.
Interspersed throughout the novel are fascinating details about how the limners of medieval times created their masterpieces. This is told through Gemma’s story. She is the wife of John Dancaster, master illuminator, but she is just as talented as he is. She is unable to claim her work as her own due to the sexist attitudes of the times, but her skill and love of illuminating becomes evident through the book she decides to write, “The Art of Illumination” and as the story unfolds.
BOOK OF COLOURS took me a long time to read (more than a week!) but it was definitely worth the long reading time. The amount of historical information and the way all of the story lines tied in together deserved to be lingered over. At first I was a bit disappointed by the ending but after reflecting on it for a little while I think it was fitting. Medieval times were grim, even for noble families, so it feels right that there wasn’t a big happy ending for this story. 5 stars!
Thank you HarperCollins Publishers for providing me with a review copy.
Read all of my book reviews at scatterbooker.wordpress.com
May 30, 2018
It took me until about half way through to realise that my problem with this book is not me being a medievalist who can't overlook anachronisms (although that is TOTALLY true), but that this book is really just quite average. (The 'it not me, it you' defence).
The book follows the lives of a few people as they are touched by the creation of an illuminated Book of Hours, each of them coming with baggage (as people do) and, through their experience with the book, coming to a resolution. And I did not care, not one bit, about these people and their insights into their psyches.
I mean, I could have just put it down and not ever thought about it ever again, but since I paid for my copy and I didn't hate it, I pushed through. I hope my local library would like a donated copy.
The book follows the lives of a few people as they are touched by the creation of an illuminated Book of Hours, each of them coming with baggage (as people do) and, through their experience with the book, coming to a resolution. And I did not care, not one bit, about these people and their insights into their psyches.
I mean, I could have just put it down and not ever thought about it ever again, but since I paid for my copy and I didn't hate it, I pushed through. I hope my local library would like a donated copy.
May 5, 2018
The moment a gargoyle slithered and clinked into this story early on, I knew I would love it. Book of Colours is about a book within a book within a book, just as women in the medieval period were expected to look on the Holy stories of Mary as instruction for how to behave, and a woman's story of sacrifice and shame, colours and reshapes Mary's story, reflecting Lady Mathilda's circumstances.
Lady Mathilda is the noblewoman who has commissioned a Book of Hours from Master Dancaster's limner workshop, to show off hers and her husband's lineage, their coats of arms, and their future wealth and generations, as an up-and-coming noble family about to acquire new lands. The problem is the barons of the realm are at war with the King. In London, the book industry is organising into guilds, and, as with The Anchoress, Robyn Cadwallader's second novel provides marvellous period detail into the social hierarchies, historical attitudes towards class and gender, and the central importance of religion in the medieval period.
Will leaves Cambridge on foot (such great detail of how people got about) for London, abandoning his place and brimming with ideas from France of change to the traditional ways of illustrating manuscripts with the same pictures. He is dogged by his demons, and lives in the margins. The imagery Robyn Cadwallader uses to describe this is stunning, and each page of this text cannot simply be read as text, but as pictures conjured up that are not only to be read alongside the print, but which help make the reader see more into the story. Words and pictures are meant to be read together.
Each chapter is headed by a passage from a book of instruction on illumination. We learn the author of this book, but more importantly, instructions on how to mix and work with particular colours, or the use and importance of elements on the page, and more, guide us in to how to read the ensuing chapter.
A wonderful novel for bringing women out of the margins and shadows of history to display them in the full colour of how they wielded power in shaping lineages, politics, and art; rather than just in the narrowly defined roles recorded in history of the strumpet and devoted wife.
With thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy won through a GoodReads giveaway.
Lady Mathilda is the noblewoman who has commissioned a Book of Hours from Master Dancaster's limner workshop, to show off hers and her husband's lineage, their coats of arms, and their future wealth and generations, as an up-and-coming noble family about to acquire new lands. The problem is the barons of the realm are at war with the King. In London, the book industry is organising into guilds, and, as with The Anchoress, Robyn Cadwallader's second novel provides marvellous period detail into the social hierarchies, historical attitudes towards class and gender, and the central importance of religion in the medieval period.
Will leaves Cambridge on foot (such great detail of how people got about) for London, abandoning his place and brimming with ideas from France of change to the traditional ways of illustrating manuscripts with the same pictures. He is dogged by his demons, and lives in the margins. The imagery Robyn Cadwallader uses to describe this is stunning, and each page of this text cannot simply be read as text, but as pictures conjured up that are not only to be read alongside the print, but which help make the reader see more into the story. Words and pictures are meant to be read together.
Each chapter is headed by a passage from a book of instruction on illumination. We learn the author of this book, but more importantly, instructions on how to mix and work with particular colours, or the use and importance of elements on the page, and more, guide us in to how to read the ensuing chapter.
A wonderful novel for bringing women out of the margins and shadows of history to display them in the full colour of how they wielded power in shaping lineages, politics, and art; rather than just in the narrowly defined roles recorded in history of the strumpet and devoted wife.
With thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy won through a GoodReads giveaway.
April 11, 2022
Like The Anchoress, Cadwallader is interested in the role of the Church in Medieval English life, and the agency of women in a society that stratified people by class and gender. Here, she uses an illuminated Book of Hours as the lens for her exploration.
I liked this a lot! Cadwallader knows her stuff, and so the characters are engaging without being anachronisms. The book revolves around two women: Mathilda, a minor noblewoman who commissions the book, and Gemma, the wife of the illuminator illustrating the book, who is a talented limner (artist) herself. We also get the perspective of Will, a limner who works with Gemma. Set in a time of upheaval, famine and civil war, Cadwallader has her characters ask questions about what it means to be born into a place, and whether or not it's possible to change what seems to be divinely ordained.
Cadwallader takes us into the world of guilds and skilled artisans, where women were often skilled contributors, though were not recognized in the formal guild structure. In limning, or illuminating shops, it was common for women to train the apprentices, and so Cadwallader gives us Gemma, child and wife of limners, and skilled painter in her own right, but constrained by gendered understandings of talent. Cadwallader also explores what it means to be a noblewoman and have power but only through a husband, and how that power can be exercised when that husband is absent.
If you like historical fiction, this is definitely worth your time. Be sure to look for some images of illuminated books of hours as you read! There's a lot freely available, and seeing them as I read really enhanced this for me.
I liked this a lot! Cadwallader knows her stuff, and so the characters are engaging without being anachronisms. The book revolves around two women: Mathilda, a minor noblewoman who commissions the book, and Gemma, the wife of the illuminator illustrating the book, who is a talented limner (artist) herself. We also get the perspective of Will, a limner who works with Gemma. Set in a time of upheaval, famine and civil war, Cadwallader has her characters ask questions about what it means to be born into a place, and whether or not it's possible to change what seems to be divinely ordained.
Cadwallader takes us into the world of guilds and skilled artisans, where women were often skilled contributors, though were not recognized in the formal guild structure. In limning, or illuminating shops, it was common for women to train the apprentices, and so Cadwallader gives us Gemma, child and wife of limners, and skilled painter in her own right, but constrained by gendered understandings of talent. Cadwallader also explores what it means to be a noblewoman and have power but only through a husband, and how that power can be exercised when that husband is absent.
If you like historical fiction, this is definitely worth your time. Be sure to look for some images of illuminated books of hours as you read! There's a lot freely available, and seeing them as I read really enhanced this for me.
June 13, 2018
I love all things to do with the art of illumination. I am the one in art galleries all over Europe and the UK giving the staff conniptions because I am up so close peering at the exquisite tiny paintings that decorate medieval Bibles and Books of Hours and other illuminated manuscripts. I was in heaven when the State Library of Victoria put on an exhibition called The Medieval Imagination and yes, I bought the book to appease my hankering to #InMyDreams own one of these illuminations of my very own.
I love this form of religious art because although the illuminations are focussed on biblical stories, the limners (the people who painted the illuminations) couldn’t help themselves… they also included all kinds of other weird and wonderful things as well. I share Robyn Cadwallader’s fascination with these strange juxtapositions, as she explains in her Author’s Note:
"
This historical novel was everything I hoped it would be. It is structured around the life of the woman, Lady Mathilda Fitzjohn, who commissioned an illuminated book of hours at a time when all was going well for her privileged family, and also the trials and tribulations of the family of limners who work on the book for her. But the early years of the 14th century in England were a difficult time for both rich and poor, because in additional to unusually atrocious weather which caused The Great Famine of 1315-17, there was also political turmoil resulting in warfare between King Edward II and his opponents.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2018/06/13/b...
I love this form of religious art because although the illuminations are focussed on biblical stories, the limners (the people who painted the illuminations) couldn’t help themselves… they also included all kinds of other weird and wonderful things as well. I share Robyn Cadwallader’s fascination with these strange juxtapositions, as she explains in her Author’s Note:
"
Many of us will have seen photos, and perhaps even exhibitions, of sumptuously decorated books from the Middle Ages. My attention, though, has always been drawn to the margins of books of hours, as they are known, where birds, animals, funny and fantastical creatures and even scenes of sin and bawd are often depicted – all alongside prayers and illuminations of Christ and the Virgin Mary." (p.352)
This historical novel was everything I hoped it would be. It is structured around the life of the woman, Lady Mathilda Fitzjohn, who commissioned an illuminated book of hours at a time when all was going well for her privileged family, and also the trials and tribulations of the family of limners who work on the book for her. But the early years of the 14th century in England were a difficult time for both rich and poor, because in additional to unusually atrocious weather which caused The Great Famine of 1315-17, there was also political turmoil resulting in warfare between King Edward II and his opponents.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2018/06/13/b...
September 13, 2018
This is a book to be savoured. The writing does justice to the illuminated manuscripts that form the framework for the story. The structure works brilliantly. Each chapter beginning with a lengthy quote from the instruction manual being written by Gemma for her apprentice son focuses the reader on not only the painstaking technical process of illumination, but the messages the artist wishes to convey, the role played by light in the telling and the cost of the message. This provides a context and commentary on the lives emerging as the chapter unfolds.
This is fourteenth century London, when illuminating manuscripts had emerged from the monasteries and was being taken up by an emerging book trade centred around Paternoster Row, before the printing press, and well before the Great Fire swept through. Political upheaval is frequent, impacting on business and personal survival for all layers of society.
Cadwallader examines the impact on society through the microcosm of a family workshop, their apprentices, customers, journeymen and women who must conform to the society’s expectations and norms along with their artistic integrity if they are to survive, let alone thrive.
It is a book about hope, endurance, light and the subtle ways in which people pass these to each other.
This is fourteenth century London, when illuminating manuscripts had emerged from the monasteries and was being taken up by an emerging book trade centred around Paternoster Row, before the printing press, and well before the Great Fire swept through. Political upheaval is frequent, impacting on business and personal survival for all layers of society.
Cadwallader examines the impact on society through the microcosm of a family workshop, their apprentices, customers, journeymen and women who must conform to the society’s expectations and norms along with their artistic integrity if they are to survive, let alone thrive.
It is a book about hope, endurance, light and the subtle ways in which people pass these to each other.
October 6, 2018
A lovely story!
July 14, 2018
An incredibly rich historical novel which was beautifully written and brought the period of 14th Century London to life. The characters brought the story to life - the story of the creation of an illuminated Book of Colours - and the story unfolds.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher HarperCollins Australia for a copy to read and review.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher HarperCollins Australia for a copy to read and review.
October 28, 2018
Book of Colours is an absorbing historical fiction which describes the creation of a Book of Hours as it might have occurred in the 14th Century. Most of the main characters are Illuminators (known as limnist) whose role was to embellish the calligraphy with decorative colourful borders and create designs that would enhance and further the understanding of the prayers and other sacred texts. Lady Mathilda and her husband Robert are important patrons as they have the means to commission the creation of a book and hence provide employment for all of those involved in its production.
Robyn Cadwallader begins most chapters with snippets from a book titled The Art of Illumination. Cleverly this device enables the reader to learn about the ancient trade and to appreciate the intricate details she describes. The Art of Illumination is a book within her book as it is being written by Gemma secretly for her son, an apprentice in her husband’s business. Each snippet describes a topic in the art and craft of a limnist – including the of use of parchment, designing and drawing and in particular the preparation of the different paint colours. Each colour pigment is made from diverse rocks and materials which must be ground and blended, usually by an apprentice. Each coloured paint is thus concocted for the illustrators when and as they are needed.
The author also presents the diverse conceivable environments and livelihoods of the two women born into distinct social classes. Cadwallader deftly weaves the story between their two lives and the living link – the limnist William Ashe - who works for them both. She reveals the plight of women who may be high born like Lady Mathilda, but who are dependent on their fathers and husbands for their status and upkeep. Also the working poor like Gemma, who are dependent on the patronage of the rich but who do not have the right to work or to be acknowledged for their actual work or for what they produce or create on behalf of their husbands.
An excellent story.
Robyn Cadwallader begins most chapters with snippets from a book titled The Art of Illumination. Cleverly this device enables the reader to learn about the ancient trade and to appreciate the intricate details she describes. The Art of Illumination is a book within her book as it is being written by Gemma secretly for her son, an apprentice in her husband’s business. Each snippet describes a topic in the art and craft of a limnist – including the of use of parchment, designing and drawing and in particular the preparation of the different paint colours. Each colour pigment is made from diverse rocks and materials which must be ground and blended, usually by an apprentice. Each coloured paint is thus concocted for the illustrators when and as they are needed.
The author also presents the diverse conceivable environments and livelihoods of the two women born into distinct social classes. Cadwallader deftly weaves the story between their two lives and the living link – the limnist William Ashe - who works for them both. She reveals the plight of women who may be high born like Lady Mathilda, but who are dependent on their fathers and husbands for their status and upkeep. Also the working poor like Gemma, who are dependent on the patronage of the rich but who do not have the right to work or to be acknowledged for their actual work or for what they produce or create on behalf of their husbands.
An excellent story.
July 2, 2018
This book took me a while to settle into the prose style and to be honest I find time and perspective hopping styles a bit frustrating. But after a few chapters I settled in and the story was quite enjoyable and the different perspectives added depth to an enjoyable narrative about the complexities of people and interpersonal dynamics, and the at times torturous nature of having a creative pursuit
November 5, 2019
When Lady Mathilda commissions a book of hours, she gives John Dancaster, master illuminator, and his small shop some much needed work. Times are tough and jobs have been scarce. It’s a big project and he needs to hire an additional man. Despite the misgivings of his wife, Gemma, he takes a chance on an unknown man, Will Asshe, a recent arrival in London.
This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel. Robyn Cadwallader’s prose is sublime. The story takes place in early fourteenth century England, a time of which I knew almost nothing. The author does a superb job of bringing it to life and giving the reader a real feel for how uncertain and arduous life was then. The cast of characters are wonderful, each individual having their own inner battle as they struggle to survive in a harsh environment. I especially liked Lady Mathilda and Gemma Dancaster as they faced the societal restrictions placed on women with the courage of their convictions. If you’ve never seen the work of an Illuminator before, I would urge you to look it up, because it is absolutely beautiful. This book sheds light on the whole process they followed and for me was an interesting read. A lovely work of historical fiction.
This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel. Robyn Cadwallader’s prose is sublime. The story takes place in early fourteenth century England, a time of which I knew almost nothing. The author does a superb job of bringing it to life and giving the reader a real feel for how uncertain and arduous life was then. The cast of characters are wonderful, each individual having their own inner battle as they struggle to survive in a harsh environment. I especially liked Lady Mathilda and Gemma Dancaster as they faced the societal restrictions placed on women with the courage of their convictions. If you’ve never seen the work of an Illuminator before, I would urge you to look it up, because it is absolutely beautiful. This book sheds light on the whole process they followed and for me was an interesting read. A lovely work of historical fiction.
November 19, 2019
In Book of Colours, author Robyn Cadwallader re-envisions the lives and work of ‘limners’ (manuscript illuminators) in early 14th century London.
In its best moments, Cadwallader’s historical novel not only speaks to the values of medieval English society - but meditates on those values in ways that resonate with today’s readers. For example, how might artisans, like limners, grapple with their ambitions in a world that bows to the nobility?
The book’s historical/cultural messages - and at times beautiful passages - do get a bit lost, however. In this regard, the time-jump structure and inconsistent POVs aren’t productive; they muddy ideas and don’t accomplish much for character or plot.
Ultimately, Book of Colours is an unusual, and sometimes beautiful, example of historical fiction. Thank you to Robyn Cadwallader, Harper Collins, and Goodreads Giveaways for my advance reader’s edition.
In its best moments, Cadwallader’s historical novel not only speaks to the values of medieval English society - but meditates on those values in ways that resonate with today’s readers. For example, how might artisans, like limners, grapple with their ambitions in a world that bows to the nobility?
The book’s historical/cultural messages - and at times beautiful passages - do get a bit lost, however. In this regard, the time-jump structure and inconsistent POVs aren’t productive; they muddy ideas and don’t accomplish much for character or plot.
Ultimately, Book of Colours is an unusual, and sometimes beautiful, example of historical fiction. Thank you to Robyn Cadwallader, Harper Collins, and Goodreads Giveaways for my advance reader’s edition.
September 17, 2019
I’ve given this book 4 stars as an average. For the plot and story line I’d give it 3 as for me the story was not a page turner, but for the writing style and detailed research into the work of Limnars in the 1300s I’d give 5 stars, so, an average of 4 seems fair.
Lady Mathilda has ordered a Book of Hours (prayers) from a reputable Limnar. The story involves the characters in that artisan studio along with the dos and dont’s of life in the 1320s in England. Some politics around King Edward 2 helps the setting.
My interest was captured though through the descriptions of the making of paint and how the colours were achieved. Some rather unsavoury elements were used to create some colours. The description of the limnar’s work conjured up in my imagination what that might have looked like.
The story did spur me on to do a little Internet surfing on limnars of C13. I gained lots of information through reading this book.
Lady Mathilda has ordered a Book of Hours (prayers) from a reputable Limnar. The story involves the characters in that artisan studio along with the dos and dont’s of life in the 1320s in England. Some politics around King Edward 2 helps the setting.
My interest was captured though through the descriptions of the making of paint and how the colours were achieved. Some rather unsavoury elements were used to create some colours. The description of the limnar’s work conjured up in my imagination what that might have looked like.
The story did spur me on to do a little Internet surfing on limnars of C13. I gained lots of information through reading this book.
June 23, 2022
Although this historical novel contemporises the inner worlds and gender dynamics of the characters - and at times is clumsy in this - 'Book Of Colours' is a richly layered and yet subtle evocation of the now lost world of manuscript illumination. Moreover, it is a gentle and gorgeous dive into the power of books and art, and the way that our experience of beauty can transform and enrich us. Yet perhaps Cadwallader's finest achievement here is the manner in which she evokes 1320s England and the turmoil of Edward's II reign. Without getting nerdy and factual, she paints - illuminates - a world of cold and mud and rigid orthodoxy; but also one of human desire, and of love. Perhaps we will not be reading this novel in 100 years, but that's okay, because you will likely enjoy it more if you read it now.
April 14, 2018
This is a very good book. It took me a little while to get my bearings regarding the time in which it was set. I'm not really big on the history of this time. But it is a really good historical novel painting a great picture of London at that time.
It also explores what happens to those people struggling against straitjacketing and oppression. The female characters are strong and believable in their attempt to navigate their way through a world that is inflexible in the place it has to offer women. The male characters each have their struggle as well, so it's not one sided in that respect. None of them are perfect, but they are all likeable in their own way.
The essence of the struggle depicted is emotional and it is told through the creation of a book of prayers. The lady for whom it is commissioned clearly wants something to speak not only to her place in society, but to her personally. And the people making it invest the images they create with their beliefs and ideas about her, as well as their own hopes and struggles. Some of their beliefs and ideas about her are based on their assumptions about her, others are either an accurate assessment or informed by direct experience. It is through this 'conversation' that Cadwallader weaves a tale about finding your place in an ever changing and harsh world.
There is no real happy ending, but the book is finished, and while it appears as if nothing much has happened otherwise, the characters all come to a better understanding of their lives and how they want to live them. This is the important journey in this book, and even though it is 1321-1322 in London, the things the characters grapple with still resonate today.
It also explores what happens to those people struggling against straitjacketing and oppression. The female characters are strong and believable in their attempt to navigate their way through a world that is inflexible in the place it has to offer women. The male characters each have their struggle as well, so it's not one sided in that respect. None of them are perfect, but they are all likeable in their own way.
The essence of the struggle depicted is emotional and it is told through the creation of a book of prayers. The lady for whom it is commissioned clearly wants something to speak not only to her place in society, but to her personally. And the people making it invest the images they create with their beliefs and ideas about her, as well as their own hopes and struggles. Some of their beliefs and ideas about her are based on their assumptions about her, others are either an accurate assessment or informed by direct experience. It is through this 'conversation' that Cadwallader weaves a tale about finding your place in an ever changing and harsh world.
There is no real happy ending, but the book is finished, and while it appears as if nothing much has happened otherwise, the characters all come to a better understanding of their lives and how they want to live them. This is the important journey in this book, and even though it is 1321-1322 in London, the things the characters grapple with still resonate today.
September 23, 2018
A fabulous read. Full of history about 1320s London and elsewhere in the England. Each chapter starts with brief information from the times about different aspects of skills and materials used in producing a mediaeval Book of Hours. The plot is very entertaining with depth of character and dramatic events. I liked the author's novel 'The Anchoress', also set in mediaeval times, but this one with its broader sweep of story is even better. In Further Reading at the end of the book, the author provides great links to images from illustrated manuscripts held in the British Library, they are really worth exploring.
July 9, 2018
3.75 Stars really. While I found the book a little slow, I was also fascinated by the art of illuminated manuscripts and the lives of limners in medieval England. I enjoyed the history and the characters but would have liked to delve more into the back stories, particularly Will’s Cambridge years and have a more definitive ending. I don’t think I got closure as such with how it was left. But for someone who has spent nearly three decades in the publishing industry and a love of medieval history, this was right up my alley.
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