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Portrait of an Unknown Woman
During the reign of King Henry VIII, 16th-century England was the scene of great turmoil between Church and State -- a time of religious strife with voices clamoring for reformation, countered by charges of heresy and execution. In this crisis, one man stood out as the great defender of tradition: Sir Thomas More.
Portrait of an Unknown Woman is historical fiction at its best, rich in detail and observation that dares to choose as its setting the household of More. It is a novel that unfolds from an oblique angle, revealing itself not through More's eyes but through the eye of his young ward, Meg Giggs -- the unknown woman. Meg is a wholly realized creation, a young, headstrong woman schooled from childhood in the healing arts. A woman who, in time, will be torn between her loyalty, duty, and devotion to the More family and the call of her passions and conscience. Two men will vie for the heart and mind of young Meg: John Clement, her former tutor, a quiet man with a past shrouded in mystery; and Hans Holbein, the famous artist who twice painted portraits of More and his family.
In Portrait of an Unknown Woman, Bennett has penned a suspenseful family drama with countless twists and turns, a revealing lesson on art and painting, and a most satisfying love story, all set against and within the rich historical time and tapestry of Tudor England. A remarkable debut novel.
Portrait of an Unknown Woman is historical fiction at its best, rich in detail and observation that dares to choose as its setting the household of More. It is a novel that unfolds from an oblique angle, revealing itself not through More's eyes but through the eye of his young ward, Meg Giggs -- the unknown woman. Meg is a wholly realized creation, a young, headstrong woman schooled from childhood in the healing arts. A woman who, in time, will be torn between her loyalty, duty, and devotion to the More family and the call of her passions and conscience. Two men will vie for the heart and mind of young Meg: John Clement, her former tutor, a quiet man with a past shrouded in mystery; and Hans Holbein, the famous artist who twice painted portraits of More and his family.
In Portrait of an Unknown Woman, Bennett has penned a suspenseful family drama with countless twists and turns, a revealing lesson on art and painting, and a most satisfying love story, all set against and within the rich historical time and tapestry of Tudor England. A remarkable debut novel.
423 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
189 people are currently reading
5223 people want to read
About the author
Vanora Bennett
12 books215 followersI became a journalist almost by accident. Having learned Russian and been hired after university by Reuters (to my own surprise and the slight dismay of traditionally-minded editors who weren’t sure a Guardian-reading blonde female would be tough enough for the job), I was then catapulted into the adrenaline-charged realm of conflict reporting. While on a trainee assignment in Paris, I fell in with the Cambodian émigré community and ended up reporting in Cambodia myself, a decade after the Khmer Rouge regime ended, as well as covering Cambodian peace talks in places as far apart as Indonesia and Paris. That led to a conflict reporting job in Africa, commuting between Angola and Mozambique and writing about death, destruction, diamonds and disease, and later to a posting in a country that stopped being the Soviet Union three months after I arrived. I spent much of the early 1990s in smoky taxis in the Caucasus mountains, covering a series of small post-Soviet conflicts that built up to the war in Chechnya.
My fascination with the cultural and religious differences between Russians and the many peoples once ruled by Moscow grew into a book on the Chechen war (Crying Wolf: The Return of War to Chechnya). A second, more light-hearted book followed, about post-Soviet Russia’s illegal caviar trade, once I’d got homesick for London and moved back to writer leaders on foreign affairs for The Times. This book was The Taste of Dreams: An Obsession with Russia and Caviar.
I now lead a more sedate life in North London with my husband and two small sons, enjoying the reading, research, writing and metropolitan leisure activities that I grew up expecting adult life to involve. I’ve found that writing books is much of a surprise, a pleasure and an adventure of the mind as it was to become a foreign correspondent.
As a journalist I’ve written for, among others, The Times and its website, TimesOnline, the Los Angeles Times, Prospect, The Times Literary Supplement, the Guardian Saturday magazine, the Daily Mail, the Evening Standard, Eve magazine, The Observer Food Monthlyand The Erotic Review.
My fascination with the cultural and religious differences between Russians and the many peoples once ruled by Moscow grew into a book on the Chechen war (Crying Wolf: The Return of War to Chechnya). A second, more light-hearted book followed, about post-Soviet Russia’s illegal caviar trade, once I’d got homesick for London and moved back to writer leaders on foreign affairs for The Times. This book was The Taste of Dreams: An Obsession with Russia and Caviar.
I now lead a more sedate life in North London with my husband and two small sons, enjoying the reading, research, writing and metropolitan leisure activities that I grew up expecting adult life to involve. I’ve found that writing books is much of a surprise, a pleasure and an adventure of the mind as it was to become a foreign correspondent.
As a journalist I’ve written for, among others, The Times and its website, TimesOnline, the Los Angeles Times, Prospect, The Times Literary Supplement, the Guardian Saturday magazine, the Daily Mail, the Evening Standard, Eve magazine, The Observer Food Monthlyand The Erotic Review.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
May 28, 2008
I have a deep interest in Thomas More's family, so when I saw this novel about his foster daughter Margaret Giggs Clement, I had to check it out. Unfortunately, although the author has given Giggs an engaging character and she deftly plumbs the contradictions posed by More's humanist and anti-heretical personae, the book quickly becomes a farrago of melodrama and conspiracy theories.
At times, Bennett's historical inaccuracies and stylistic descent into the literary equivalent of Cheez Whiz were irritating. But more troubling was Bennett's inability to apprehend the early modern mind. Both Giggs and Holbein display an unease with what they call religious "bigots"--that is, anyone with overly zealous religious beliefs, whether Catholic or Protestant. I found it very difficult to believe that anyone during this period would have characterized others as "bigots" in this sense. Protestants and Catholics fought so intensely because those on the other side were supposedly deluded by the devil and in peril of damnation. Someone like Erasmus might have been appalled by the strength with which More pursued his anti-Protestant views, but Erasmus would have essentially agreed with More's viewpoint that Catholicism must be preserved. In addition, I find it very hard to believe that Giggs would have flirted so closely with Lutheranism, especially given her own deep commitment to Catholicism which resulted in her later exile at Louvain. The religious relativism that Giggs displays is therefore somewhat anachronistic. While she might have helped Lutherans and certainly encountered them, I think Giggs would have always had in mind the idea that they were lost souls. By giving Giggs a more modern perspective, Bennett exalts her above her milieu in a way that is both problematic and disappointing.
This book will probably please an audience looking for historical romance. Anyone with a serious interest in the Mores would be better off sticking with histories of More and his family.
At times, Bennett's historical inaccuracies and stylistic descent into the literary equivalent of Cheez Whiz were irritating. But more troubling was Bennett's inability to apprehend the early modern mind. Both Giggs and Holbein display an unease with what they call religious "bigots"--that is, anyone with overly zealous religious beliefs, whether Catholic or Protestant. I found it very difficult to believe that anyone during this period would have characterized others as "bigots" in this sense. Protestants and Catholics fought so intensely because those on the other side were supposedly deluded by the devil and in peril of damnation. Someone like Erasmus might have been appalled by the strength with which More pursued his anti-Protestant views, but Erasmus would have essentially agreed with More's viewpoint that Catholicism must be preserved. In addition, I find it very hard to believe that Giggs would have flirted so closely with Lutheranism, especially given her own deep commitment to Catholicism which resulted in her later exile at Louvain. The religious relativism that Giggs displays is therefore somewhat anachronistic. While she might have helped Lutherans and certainly encountered them, I think Giggs would have always had in mind the idea that they were lost souls. By giving Giggs a more modern perspective, Bennett exalts her above her milieu in a way that is both problematic and disappointing.
This book will probably please an audience looking for historical romance. Anyone with a serious interest in the Mores would be better off sticking with histories of More and his family.
February 11, 2018
I listened to this book while jogging in 1-1.5 hr segments. It made a wonderful companion on my runs.
This story is told from the perspective of Thomas More's adopted daughter, Meg. The story is told in everyday life, not the court, and tells of the people's side of events. The events center on Meg's upbringing, her relationship with her sisters, Thomas More's change & his treatment of heretics. It tells the tale until More is thrown out of court. In between these stories is an alternate account of the boys in the tower. Who isn't interested in finding out what happened to these two young boys? Although they are probably still somewhere within the walls of the tower, this theory is an interesting one.
All in all, an easy reading blend of history and fiction. An enjoyable audio book.
This story is told from the perspective of Thomas More's adopted daughter, Meg. The story is told in everyday life, not the court, and tells of the people's side of events. The events center on Meg's upbringing, her relationship with her sisters, Thomas More's change & his treatment of heretics. It tells the tale until More is thrown out of court. In between these stories is an alternate account of the boys in the tower. Who isn't interested in finding out what happened to these two young boys? Although they are probably still somewhere within the walls of the tower, this theory is an interesting one.
All in all, an easy reading blend of history and fiction. An enjoyable audio book.
September 9, 2010
Rating clarification: 4.5 stars
Portrait of an Unknown Woman is an intelligent, thoughtful and interesting historical novel which weaves a vivid, "what-if" fictional story around the beautiful and lush 2nd portrait of the Thomas More family as painted by Hans Holbein.
The story primarily focuses on Thomas More's foster daughter, Meg Griggs, but Bennett also gives the reader a realistic peak into what Thomas More and Hans Holbein might also have been like had we been privy to their inner-most thoughts and feelings.
The story itself spans approximately 10 years, and follows Meg and the More family during the tumultuous years of Henry VIII's conflict with the Catholic Church, as the Reformation storms across Europe and divides the people of faith into conflict with their conscience. Bennett portrays both sides of the issue with sympathy, and allows the reader to see how both sides had merit as well as how both used torture and intimidation to advance their cause.
There's so much to love about this book, not least of which is the imagination that Bennett had to create a fictionalized, yet believable, tale all from a portrait. (Writer Tracy Chavelier is also well known for this ability i.e The Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Lady and the Unicorn). It is so satisfying to read a good story, well told, and to be able to look at a work of art and imagine it to be "true". This style of writing marries the best of fiction and non-fiction, and almost compells the reader to explore the world from which it springs. In actuality, I did end up googling Hans Holbein's gallery, the Reformation, and Saint Thomas More to learn more. What better recommendation can I give then that this book propelled me to learn more after the last page was turned?
Bennett's book is a treasure, and one which I will keep on my shelves for a future re-read. I'm keeping it from a full 5 stars due to the fact that the POV had a tendency to jump unexpectedly and confusingly. Otherwise, a well done debut novel.
****
Extra bonus reader points goes to the hard cover version, which is like holding a small section of the portrait itself. There is a gold, 1/2 page wrap around book cover that can be removed, leaving you with a smooth, beautiful cover depicting two of the painted figures from Holbein's portrait in fine detail. Really lovely stuff.
Portrait of an Unknown Woman is an intelligent, thoughtful and interesting historical novel which weaves a vivid, "what-if" fictional story around the beautiful and lush 2nd portrait of the Thomas More family as painted by Hans Holbein.
The story primarily focuses on Thomas More's foster daughter, Meg Griggs, but Bennett also gives the reader a realistic peak into what Thomas More and Hans Holbein might also have been like had we been privy to their inner-most thoughts and feelings.
The story itself spans approximately 10 years, and follows Meg and the More family during the tumultuous years of Henry VIII's conflict with the Catholic Church, as the Reformation storms across Europe and divides the people of faith into conflict with their conscience. Bennett portrays both sides of the issue with sympathy, and allows the reader to see how both sides had merit as well as how both used torture and intimidation to advance their cause.
There's so much to love about this book, not least of which is the imagination that Bennett had to create a fictionalized, yet believable, tale all from a portrait. (Writer Tracy Chavelier is also well known for this ability i.e The Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Lady and the Unicorn). It is so satisfying to read a good story, well told, and to be able to look at a work of art and imagine it to be "true". This style of writing marries the best of fiction and non-fiction, and almost compells the reader to explore the world from which it springs. In actuality, I did end up googling Hans Holbein's gallery, the Reformation, and Saint Thomas More to learn more. What better recommendation can I give then that this book propelled me to learn more after the last page was turned?
Bennett's book is a treasure, and one which I will keep on my shelves for a future re-read. I'm keeping it from a full 5 stars due to the fact that the POV had a tendency to jump unexpectedly and confusingly. Otherwise, a well done debut novel.
****
Extra bonus reader points goes to the hard cover version, which is like holding a small section of the portrait itself. There is a gold, 1/2 page wrap around book cover that can be removed, leaving you with a smooth, beautiful cover depicting two of the painted figures from Holbein's portrait in fine detail. Really lovely stuff.
February 3, 2016
Vanora Bennett has chosen an interesting time in More's life for this novel of many layers. From my "futuristic" perspective, I was waiting for More to be taken away, but this doesn't happen. So the story is encapsulated in that uncomfortable, trying time when everyone fears the worst but they don't know when, or even if, the king is going to strike. More even stages his own arrest in front of the family at dinner, just so they will be better prepared when the moment comes. The novel starts at what might be considered the height of his career, but even then our heroine Meg is disturbed by the unconfirmed activities inside his cottage, with access forbidden to everyone but him.
Enter Hans Holbein, the awkward aspiring artist about to tackle his most important commission to date. The family portrait was destroyed by fire in the 18th century but we still have an intriguing preliminary sketch with the names of each sitter noted by the author (thankfully). Meg has been adopted into the family and Holbein takes more than a casual interest in her, though her sights are set on a certain John Clement with a mysterious past. Meg and John's turbulent relationship take up most of the book, with the background of More's fall from power and her own brief flirtation with the endangered protestant population.
Or is the book about Holbein? Fleeing his unhappy marriage, he finds comfort in England and becomes infatuated with Meg. Eventually, after Thomas's resignation, he decides to support the Mores in the only way he can and offers to paint a second family portrait. In the course of this episode he finds Meg more amenable, for she is disillusioned with her marriage and vulnerable. But More, ever perceptive and understanding, sets things to rights and manages to make everybody contented. More or less.
Throughout the book the author skates over the thin ice of Thomas More's fanaticism, heretic torturing and burning—the theme that seems most prevalent in our current historical discussions. Meg was constantly torn between horror and rationalism; could her beloved and prudent father be capable of such atrocities? This question is never entirely satisfied, which somehow feels appropriate; I think More is one of the great enigmas of the Tudor age. I found this book to be quite provocative and engaging, and I think it would work with any level of previous acquaintance with the subject.
Enter Hans Holbein, the awkward aspiring artist about to tackle his most important commission to date. The family portrait was destroyed by fire in the 18th century but we still have an intriguing preliminary sketch with the names of each sitter noted by the author (thankfully). Meg has been adopted into the family and Holbein takes more than a casual interest in her, though her sights are set on a certain John Clement with a mysterious past. Meg and John's turbulent relationship take up most of the book, with the background of More's fall from power and her own brief flirtation with the endangered protestant population.
Or is the book about Holbein? Fleeing his unhappy marriage, he finds comfort in England and becomes infatuated with Meg. Eventually, after Thomas's resignation, he decides to support the Mores in the only way he can and offers to paint a second family portrait. In the course of this episode he finds Meg more amenable, for she is disillusioned with her marriage and vulnerable. But More, ever perceptive and understanding, sets things to rights and manages to make everybody contented. More or less.
Throughout the book the author skates over the thin ice of Thomas More's fanaticism, heretic torturing and burning—the theme that seems most prevalent in our current historical discussions. Meg was constantly torn between horror and rationalism; could her beloved and prudent father be capable of such atrocities? This question is never entirely satisfied, which somehow feels appropriate; I think More is one of the great enigmas of the Tudor age. I found this book to be quite provocative and engaging, and I think it would work with any level of previous acquaintance with the subject.
October 6, 2019
Vanora Bennett’s “Portrait of an Unknown Woman” is a fascinating, well researched historical novel about two 16th century men, Sir Thomas More and artist Hans Holbein. Central to the storyline is a young woman who meant much to both of them. The history of the tumultuous times in which these people lived is larger than all the characters put together and makes for a dramatic story.
July 16, 2008
I picked up this book hoping for another "Girl with the Pearl Earring", but was sorely disappointed.
The main thing that struck me about the book was it's incredible length, and unbelievable non-action. There was no climax. There was only weak plot. It took FOREVER to listen to the 12 discs that made up this audiobook, and I was counting the minutes after the 4th disc. That's a lot of minutes.
Also, there was a lot of "twinkling" and "dimpling" mentioned in this novel...as in, he "twinkled" down at his lovely daughter, or she dimpled at the memory of her happy childhood studies...it was annoying. I think at one point some of the children's legs actually twinkled in the air while they were being held by their father, and i almost gave up on this book altogether at that point. Oh, another good line was that during a sex scene the man looked down at her body harpooned under his on the forest floor. Um...ew. Since when is "harpooning" sexy?
But for some reason, I stuck it out, and I'm not entirely happy I did. Of interest with this novel is that it is actually based on truth - all of the characters and much of the goings-on are documented history - the story centers around Sir Thomas Moore and his family during the time of King Henry VIII's reign in England. This was at the tale end of the Renaissance, with the Boleyn saga as a distant background. So, I watched "The Other Boleyn Girl" while reading this book, and they enriched each other, as they gave me a better backdrop over which to place this fairly pallid story. So, if you freaking LOVED that movie and want to know more about the times at King Henry's court surrounding the seduction of the king by Anne Boleyn, this would give the reader a little bit more info.
But otherwise, unless you're obsessed with post-Tudor England, reading about Renaissance men who love to marvel at the sizes of their own intellects, men possessed with religious righteousness to the point of feeling justified in torturing other human beings for wanting to read the Bible in a language they would understand (English) rather than listening uncomprehendingly week after week to latin masses, and women who could think of nothing more than marrying and having babies, perhaps there are other books you could be reading...
The main thing that struck me about the book was it's incredible length, and unbelievable non-action. There was no climax. There was only weak plot. It took FOREVER to listen to the 12 discs that made up this audiobook, and I was counting the minutes after the 4th disc. That's a lot of minutes.
Also, there was a lot of "twinkling" and "dimpling" mentioned in this novel...as in, he "twinkled" down at his lovely daughter, or she dimpled at the memory of her happy childhood studies...it was annoying. I think at one point some of the children's legs actually twinkled in the air while they were being held by their father, and i almost gave up on this book altogether at that point. Oh, another good line was that during a sex scene the man looked down at her body harpooned under his on the forest floor. Um...ew. Since when is "harpooning" sexy?
But for some reason, I stuck it out, and I'm not entirely happy I did. Of interest with this novel is that it is actually based on truth - all of the characters and much of the goings-on are documented history - the story centers around Sir Thomas Moore and his family during the time of King Henry VIII's reign in England. This was at the tale end of the Renaissance, with the Boleyn saga as a distant background. So, I watched "The Other Boleyn Girl" while reading this book, and they enriched each other, as they gave me a better backdrop over which to place this fairly pallid story. So, if you freaking LOVED that movie and want to know more about the times at King Henry's court surrounding the seduction of the king by Anne Boleyn, this would give the reader a little bit more info.
But otherwise, unless you're obsessed with post-Tudor England, reading about Renaissance men who love to marvel at the sizes of their own intellects, men possessed with religious righteousness to the point of feeling justified in torturing other human beings for wanting to read the Bible in a language they would understand (English) rather than listening uncomprehendingly week after week to latin masses, and women who could think of nothing more than marrying and having babies, perhaps there are other books you could be reading...
February 12, 2010
Ever wonder about the real story behind the Princes in the Tower? Portrait of an Unknown Woman presents one version that is plausible, even probable. Thomas More, a powerful and influential part of Henry VIII's court, his family, and Hans Holbein are brought to life again and shown with both shining perfection as well as dismal human failings. The mystery of the ultimate fates of the Princes in the Tower is deftly told, incorporating many historic figures, but primarily focuses on the perspectives of Thomas More's family.
An entertaining story that gives the reader a peek behind the curtains of court life, and an overview of court politics. Henry VIII's power, his astute understanding of his people and his ability to leverage his loyal followers (such as More, Cromwell, etc) caused immense changes in the relationship of church and state.
Ms. Bennett successfully brought the people and the political climate of the era to life and inspired belief in the story. It's easy to imagine many of the secretive plot lines taking place. I enjoyed reading the book, both from a historical point of view, as well as from an entertainment point of view. Her description of the inspiration and relationship between the artist (Holbein) and his patrons (More, etc) was very interesting.
An entertaining story that gives the reader a peek behind the curtains of court life, and an overview of court politics. Henry VIII's power, his astute understanding of his people and his ability to leverage his loyal followers (such as More, Cromwell, etc) caused immense changes in the relationship of church and state.
Ms. Bennett successfully brought the people and the political climate of the era to life and inspired belief in the story. It's easy to imagine many of the secretive plot lines taking place. I enjoyed reading the book, both from a historical point of view, as well as from an entertainment point of view. Her description of the inspiration and relationship between the artist (Holbein) and his patrons (More, etc) was very interesting.
January 9, 2010
Fantastic historical fiction! This poignant story is a small glimpse into the life of Sir Thomas More and his family during one of the most turbulent times in Western history. There are so many elements to this book, my mind can't leave it alone. First there's the history, a time period I already find fascinating mainly because of how it changed the world/culture of religion. The amazing way in which Vanora Bennett presents the story allows the reader to see both sides of the controversial issues facing Europe at that time and feel a deep sadness for both. Next, she has woven into the story ideas, symbolism, and the art of Hans Holbein the famous Renaissance painter, creating a huge curiosity for me about his work. Lastly, I loved the way she brought in an element of one of England's great mysteries, the princes in the tower, and tied it to very real people and their relationships, making a completely plausible solution. Although this is the author's first novel, it is the second of hers I have read. I read Figures in Silk first, and though I liked it and was intrigued by the history presented in it about Richard III and the end of the Plantagenet family, I didn't fully appreciate it until now. Had I not read it first, I wouldn't have been prepared to understand the significance of the characters in Portrait. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about the sixteenth century and the Tudors! Interesting that many of the reviews showed people hated it.
September 18, 2009
In her historical fiction debut, “Portrait of an Unknown Woman,” Vanora Bennett has brought a crucial slice of English history to life with compelling characterizations and a keen eye for period detail. Based on the rise and fall of humanist author and statesman Sir Thomas More during the English Reformation and the German artist, Hans Holbein, who created a painting of More’s family during that time, “Portrait” is a work rendered in stunning clarity and often breathtaking prose.
Although some readers may find the idea of Thomas More torturing anyone in the name of God quite bizarrely out of sync with his character as they understand it, Bennett’s characterizations all have the ring of authenticity within the framework of her novel. She has made Meg Giggs (Thomas More’s ward) a strong and thoughtful character and has believably placed her centrally in the vortex of the political and religious convergence of Reformation England. By doing so, Bennett is able to present the details of that turbulent era through Meg’s intelligent and sympathetic eyes.
The actual plot points move rather slowly during the book’s first half but the reader is far too carried away by the novel’s intriguing, shadowy forebodings and compelling characterizations to actually notice this. When the plot does quicken its pace, Bennett reveals her genius – evident throughout her entire book – for seamlessly interweaving fiction with fact: “All through the spring and summer we lived apart from reality in our own joy. We paid no attention the day the poor devout queen went on her knees in the divorce court and swore, in her Spanish-accented voice, that she had come to the king’s bed a virgin all those years before, or to the stories of the look of disgust on the king’s face as he publicly pushed her away.”
In the current climate of increasingly strident ideologies, Bennet’s remarkably balanced and sympathetic portrayal of the novel’s central religious dispute is nothing short of miraculous. For instance, a Protestant character describes his new devotion to God in the following way: “there are people – like me – who believe that being a Christian means they’re allowed to have a simple conversation with God without having to pay a priest for the privilege. People who believe that . . . all you have to do is truly believe and your sins will be forgiven. . . “
But Thomas More waxes no less lyrical regarding the beauties of Catholic worship when he describes it as “the sacred continuum that joins everyone alive now with every Christian from St. Augustine onward who has believed what we believe and worshiped as we worship. Take that away . . . lose the beauty of Latin, the common language that unifies all believers . . . and you’re left with nothing but the ranting and babbling of lunatics.”.
There are a few sexy scenes/situations in the book which seem extremely out of place considering the high moral principles espoused by the Thomas Moore family, but I suppose these additions are a nod to 21st century readers hungry for a bit of bodice-ripping in all their historical fiction. These scenes don't overwhelm the narrative but they do seem quite out of place.
Although the enjoyment of this book is greatly enhanced by a general understanding of Plantagenet/Tudor history, it is sure to please anyone with the slightest interest in beautiful writing and realistic characterizations set within a historical framework.
Although some readers may find the idea of Thomas More torturing anyone in the name of God quite bizarrely out of sync with his character as they understand it, Bennett’s characterizations all have the ring of authenticity within the framework of her novel. She has made Meg Giggs (Thomas More’s ward) a strong and thoughtful character and has believably placed her centrally in the vortex of the political and religious convergence of Reformation England. By doing so, Bennett is able to present the details of that turbulent era through Meg’s intelligent and sympathetic eyes.
The actual plot points move rather slowly during the book’s first half but the reader is far too carried away by the novel’s intriguing, shadowy forebodings and compelling characterizations to actually notice this. When the plot does quicken its pace, Bennett reveals her genius – evident throughout her entire book – for seamlessly interweaving fiction with fact: “All through the spring and summer we lived apart from reality in our own joy. We paid no attention the day the poor devout queen went on her knees in the divorce court and swore, in her Spanish-accented voice, that she had come to the king’s bed a virgin all those years before, or to the stories of the look of disgust on the king’s face as he publicly pushed her away.”
In the current climate of increasingly strident ideologies, Bennet’s remarkably balanced and sympathetic portrayal of the novel’s central religious dispute is nothing short of miraculous. For instance, a Protestant character describes his new devotion to God in the following way: “there are people – like me – who believe that being a Christian means they’re allowed to have a simple conversation with God without having to pay a priest for the privilege. People who believe that . . . all you have to do is truly believe and your sins will be forgiven. . . “
But Thomas More waxes no less lyrical regarding the beauties of Catholic worship when he describes it as “the sacred continuum that joins everyone alive now with every Christian from St. Augustine onward who has believed what we believe and worshiped as we worship. Take that away . . . lose the beauty of Latin, the common language that unifies all believers . . . and you’re left with nothing but the ranting and babbling of lunatics.”.
There are a few sexy scenes/situations in the book which seem extremely out of place considering the high moral principles espoused by the Thomas Moore family, but I suppose these additions are a nod to 21st century readers hungry for a bit of bodice-ripping in all their historical fiction. These scenes don't overwhelm the narrative but they do seem quite out of place.
Although the enjoyment of this book is greatly enhanced by a general understanding of Plantagenet/Tudor history, it is sure to please anyone with the slightest interest in beautiful writing and realistic characterizations set within a historical framework.
January 3, 2009
I enjoyed this perspective on those crazy power mongers who lived during the reign of Henry VIII. Vanora Bennett creates a fictional account of the life of Meg Griggs, Thomas More's adopted daughter. Thomas More being one of King Henry VIII's devoted servants and a staunch defender of Catholicism. Bennett offers us insights into the mind of those who are so devoted that they would risk their lives to defend their ideals and harshly punish those who criticize them.
Meg More is a skilled healer, a young woman who has been educated by scholars. Her father has not made a marriage match for her, as he has for all of his other children and she is lonely.
Hans Holbein the younger has been commissioned to paint a portrait of the More family and arrives at their home at the same time as John Clement their former tutor. Meg has always loved John Clement despite the fact that he is older than her father. Hans Holbein finds Meg's beauty captivating and they become good friends while he paints the family portrait.
While Holbein painted the family portrait Thomas More was in the king's good graces and a position of power and esteem. Years later when Holbein returns to London many things have changed for England as well the More family. As a way to pay his respects Holbein paints a second portrait. (I highly recommend reading the hardcover copy of the book so that you can see the second family portrait.) The second painting is a story without words and the truths within it come tumbling out.
I really enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the reoccurring theme of mistaken identity and the story of the princes in the tower. Though I have to agree that it has some dry patches and sometimes came off sounding like a lesson from Art History class. But having been a student of art history I didn't mind too much. And I also thought that the momentum built up to the middle and then I wondered where it was going to go. But I think that Vanora Bennett did a very nice job of bringing the story back around again and the ending was well done. In fact the ending was my favorite part. She has created a moving story that touches on truth, honesty, trust and betrayal.
March 9, 2014
I have re-read this after a long period since my first reading and I am more impressed than I was, thus I have upped my rating to five stars. Frankly,if Vanora Bennett never wrote another word, this book would be good enough to secure her rep.
Spoiler coming up:
The book is based on Jack Leslau's theory that the Princes in the Tower did not die but survived under More's protection and with bogus names. You make think this unlikely, but suspend your belief for the length of this book and just enjoy the ride.
More is shown here much as he probably was, a complex, mixed character who believed that his Faith had to be preserved at all costs, even if it meant burning people. Yet at the same time he was a loving and much-loved family man. This sort of paradox is often seen in history.
The explanation of More's Richard III - that it was a sort of fairy story, largely made up by More's children as a diversion from the truth - fits nicely into the plot.
I enjoyed this story a lot. I don't necessarily mix it up with history, but - who knows?
Spoiler coming up:
The book is based on Jack Leslau's theory that the Princes in the Tower did not die but survived under More's protection and with bogus names. You make think this unlikely, but suspend your belief for the length of this book and just enjoy the ride.
More is shown here much as he probably was, a complex, mixed character who believed that his Faith had to be preserved at all costs, even if it meant burning people. Yet at the same time he was a loving and much-loved family man. This sort of paradox is often seen in history.
The explanation of More's Richard III - that it was a sort of fairy story, largely made up by More's children as a diversion from the truth - fits nicely into the plot.
I enjoyed this story a lot. I don't necessarily mix it up with history, but - who knows?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
I love history man. I love when woman goes against society and its rules. Just another "What If" Book I ABSOLUTELY LOVED reading.
December 2, 2020
This could have been a great book. Thomas More was a key figure during the reign of Henry VIII and played such an important role in shaping posterity's negative view of Richard III that the story of his family should have been a compelling one. And "Portrait of an Unknown Woman" has plenty of admirable qualities (I'd like to have given it 2 1/2 stars). The main character, More's adopted daughter Meg Giggs, is well drawn, and Bennett has clearly done a lot of research on the period and on the paintings of Hans Holbein, the German master of 16th-century portraiture. But several things kept this from being a truly top-notch historical novel. First, Bennett's language doesn't always ring true. Some of it just sounds too modern for the 1530s. Writing historical dialogue requires walking a fine line of reflecting the period of the story without jarring the sensibilities or understanding of a modern reader, and Bennett doesn't quite manage it. The switches between Meg's first-person narration and the third-person sections seen through Holbein's eyes were also a bit awkward; I was continually thrown off when I discovered that the perspective had changed with only a brief section break to warn me.
Furthermore, Bennett's theory of what really happened to the Princes in the Tower is interesting and thought-provoking, but I didn't quite buy its plausibility. With the exception of Meg - and to some extent Holbein - the characters were not fleshed out enough. Meg's husband John Clement holds a central place in the plot, but he seemed rather flat.
Finally, the title bothered me. There really was no unknown woman in the story, let alone in Holbein's portrait(s) of the More family. The title makes it sound as though the identity of Meg Giggs were unknown, but in fact, she is clearly labeled in the paintings, and there has never been any doubt about who she was. The book could possibly have been called "Portrait of an Unknown Man" -- referring to a somewhat mysterious figure in Holbein's second version of the family portrait (whose identity is clear in the book) -- but a better title could surely have been found.
This wasn't a bad read, and I enjoyed the story and the look at a tumultuous time in British history. It just can't compare to the true masters of historical fiction such as Sharon Kay Penman, Margaret George, or the late Dorothy Dunnett.
Furthermore, Bennett's theory of what really happened to the Princes in the Tower is interesting and thought-provoking, but I didn't quite buy its plausibility. With the exception of Meg - and to some extent Holbein - the characters were not fleshed out enough. Meg's husband John Clement holds a central place in the plot, but he seemed rather flat.
Finally, the title bothered me. There really was no unknown woman in the story, let alone in Holbein's portrait(s) of the More family. The title makes it sound as though the identity of Meg Giggs were unknown, but in fact, she is clearly labeled in the paintings, and there has never been any doubt about who she was. The book could possibly have been called "Portrait of an Unknown Man" -- referring to a somewhat mysterious figure in Holbein's second version of the family portrait (whose identity is clear in the book) -- but a better title could surely have been found.
This wasn't a bad read, and I enjoyed the story and the look at a tumultuous time in British history. It just can't compare to the true masters of historical fiction such as Sharon Kay Penman, Margaret George, or the late Dorothy Dunnett.
December 13, 2012
"Portrait of an Unknown Woman" promises a story about one woman's relationship with the painter Hans Holbein. It's actually about Holbein, the lady (Meg, adopted daughter of Thomas More) and marital drama, with More's increasingly fanatical politics a a backdrop.
Right off the bat, I'd like to express my relief at the fact that the saintly Thomas More myth perpetuated by "A Man for All Seasons" and even "The Tudors" seems to be wearing off. Hilary Mantel's Cromwell-sympathizing trilogy has played a big role in this. Bennett chooses to show an extremist from the perspective of his daughter. Though she's understandably conflicted, Meg clearly understands the severity of More's actions. He's portrayed throughout much of the book as a fanatic, though not without his merits.
I also appreciated the fact that though Meg's relationship with her husband, John Clement, is set up as something of a typical romance. It turns out to be a fairly rocky marriage, which was... nice to see, I guess. It kept me reading.
Here's the thing: the novel goes places that I can't quite spoil but can disapprove of strongly. One big reveal was completely unnecessary to the story and ultimately went nowhere. Then there's the romantic fascination between Holbein and Meg, which was a little too bodice-ripper-y to me. It's more interesting at the novel's beginning, when the relationship appears to be an artist/muse setup.
"Portrait of an Unknown Woman" benefits from a good protagonist and an extremely flawed male lead who isn't a male lead at all. However, it loses a lot of steam at its end. The ending is, in fact, completely disappointing and I suggest you borrow, not buy, this one.
Right off the bat, I'd like to express my relief at the fact that the saintly Thomas More myth perpetuated by "A Man for All Seasons" and even "The Tudors" seems to be wearing off. Hilary Mantel's Cromwell-sympathizing trilogy has played a big role in this. Bennett chooses to show an extremist from the perspective of his daughter. Though she's understandably conflicted, Meg clearly understands the severity of More's actions. He's portrayed throughout much of the book as a fanatic, though not without his merits.
I also appreciated the fact that though Meg's relationship with her husband, John Clement, is set up as something of a typical romance. It turns out to be a fairly rocky marriage, which was... nice to see, I guess. It kept me reading.
Here's the thing: the novel goes places that I can't quite spoil but can disapprove of strongly. One big reveal was completely unnecessary to the story and ultimately went nowhere. Then there's the romantic fascination between Holbein and Meg, which was a little too bodice-ripper-y to me. It's more interesting at the novel's beginning, when the relationship appears to be an artist/muse setup.
"Portrait of an Unknown Woman" benefits from a good protagonist and an extremely flawed male lead who isn't a male lead at all. However, it loses a lot of steam at its end. The ending is, in fact, completely disappointing and I suggest you borrow, not buy, this one.
July 12, 2010
I really loved this book and I totally agree that it was nice to be away from Tudor Court and more on the streets of London. I've not read an awful lot about the Princes of the Tower so I was able to go with that theory for the books sake. Just googled 'John Clement Plantagenet prince' and you get a lot of results linked to Holbeins painting so maybe there is something there. However I'm pretty sure when I went to the Tower of London the tour guide said that they did discover the skeletons of two young boys in a chest. From Tower Of London website "Two skeletons, identified as those of the princes, were discovered when a building in front of the White Tower was demolished in 1674. You can see a plaque commemorating the princes near this site. The skeletons were examined in 1933 and pronounced as belonging to two boys, aged about ten and twelve." So that seems more likely. I didn't really warm to John Clement anyways. I was much more intrested in Meg and Holbein. I think the book trys to make you like Thomas More more than you should. Having read some more historical reports of him he doesn't seem like a nice man at all. This book also makes me very glad I've never been treated by a Tudor doctor!
August 31, 2014
Great read, I'm a huge fan of historical fiction (Anya Seton, Sarah Dunant, Tracy Chevalier, Katherine McMahon) and this novel did not disappoint. The story is effectively told from a variety of points of view (a young ward of More's called Meg. Holbein).
People have commented that the book is 'boring' - well, it's a pity they're not subtle or sensitive like the plot or the characterisation. It's a slow burner, but then not everything in life should be rushed!
The novel is a fictionalised account of Thomas More's rise and downfall captured by Meg's resticted, and yet privileged, perspective. And yet it is so much more (if you pardon the pun), it's a touching story of love and endurance, faith and loss.
What really is noteworthy is the author's ability to convey how human and flawed everyone is.
If you judge the book from your high horse you might not like it, but if you open your mind, are fascinated by human nature and the social mores of Tudor time (sorry, couldn't help punning again) then this is the book for you.
Make sure you keep flicking to the Holbein portrait of the Mores: it'll all become clear.
People have commented that the book is 'boring' - well, it's a pity they're not subtle or sensitive like the plot or the characterisation. It's a slow burner, but then not everything in life should be rushed!
The novel is a fictionalised account of Thomas More's rise and downfall captured by Meg's resticted, and yet privileged, perspective. And yet it is so much more (if you pardon the pun), it's a touching story of love and endurance, faith and loss.
What really is noteworthy is the author's ability to convey how human and flawed everyone is.
If you judge the book from your high horse you might not like it, but if you open your mind, are fascinated by human nature and the social mores of Tudor time (sorry, couldn't help punning again) then this is the book for you.
Make sure you keep flicking to the Holbein portrait of the Mores: it'll all become clear.
August 10, 2011
This book tried to tell too many stories, and therefore ended up not telling any of them very well. The writing wasn’t bad, but it didn’t give me the insight into the life of Thomas More I was looking for - and don’t get me started on the character development (or I will have to break my self-imposed minimum snark rule).
November 4, 2017
Rich in detail and historical fact (and fiction) this is at times a quiet book but very engrossing. A real insight into the family of Thomas More and which delivers a real clanger of a surprise nearly half way through... Holbein’s paintings come to life... so much so I have to make a trip to the National Portrait Gallery to see for myself. Vanora Bennett is definitely another author added to my historical novels favourites list.
August 3, 2024
Although historically accurate in many aspects, with an interesting plot, I found this book a bit of a hard slog to finish. With an undercurrent of political & religious tension, the lives of the More family are described in minute detail which was hard to digest in long periods. A book best read over a few weeks, one chapter at a time.
June 6, 2010
“Portrait of an Unknown Woman” is told from the viewpoint of Meg Giggs, adopted daughter of Sir Thomas More, sometimes in the first person, sometimes in the third. When the book opens the More family is awaiting the arrival of Hans Holbein, who is to paint a family portrait. Just before Holbein arrives John Clement, former tutor to the family, arrives. He has been studying medicine on the Continent and he and Meg hope to marry. Meg herself is something of a physician only her learning is more concentrated on herbal remedies.
The story is set at a time of change. Henry VIII is endeavoring to divorce his Queen Katherine to marry Anne Boleyn. William Tyndale has translated the Bible into English and copies of it circulate surreptitiously. Since Henry VIII hasn’t yet broken with the Catholic Church heretics are persecuted and Sir Thomas More is one of the chief persecutors. John Clement has a secret identity that Meg learns about in the course of the book.
Two portraits of the More family are painted by Holbein, the second near the end of the book. Part of what makes the book interesting is the differences in the portraits as Holbein finds out family secrets and as the family members change. There is a sketch of the first portrait at the beginning of the book and the second portrait is at the very end.
I really liked the book. It was interesting historically and for how Holbein incorporated what he learned about the family into the second portrait. It also revealed a theory about what happened to the princes in the tower that I hadn’t heard before.
The story is set at a time of change. Henry VIII is endeavoring to divorce his Queen Katherine to marry Anne Boleyn. William Tyndale has translated the Bible into English and copies of it circulate surreptitiously. Since Henry VIII hasn’t yet broken with the Catholic Church heretics are persecuted and Sir Thomas More is one of the chief persecutors. John Clement has a secret identity that Meg learns about in the course of the book.
Two portraits of the More family are painted by Holbein, the second near the end of the book. Part of what makes the book interesting is the differences in the portraits as Holbein finds out family secrets and as the family members change. There is a sketch of the first portrait at the beginning of the book and the second portrait is at the very end.
I really liked the book. It was interesting historically and for how Holbein incorporated what he learned about the family into the second portrait. It also revealed a theory about what happened to the princes in the tower that I hadn’t heard before.
August 13, 2007
I would really give this book 3.5 stars. I picked it up randomly at Barnes & Noble and had low expectations -- let's face it, most historical fictions are cheesy and lacking any depth.
I agree that the book would appeal to those who are interested in a conspiracy theory, but I must admit, the author exceeded my expectations with the depth of her characters. The book focuses around the main character and 3 supporting characters, one of whom is an artist. I particularly appreciated the depth the author gave Thomas More, as a person who was more than purely evil or purely selfless. The book is very character driven, not really plot driven, and for this reason, I wouldn't really give it 4 stars. That being said, the 4 parts of the book are divided in a way that creates a flow and almost a mini-plot to each part, which worked well enough for me.
I was surprised to find myself sucked into the intrigue of characters with more than one dimension and an idea that was more than a crappy love story set around the Kings and Queens of England.
I agree that the book would appeal to those who are interested in a conspiracy theory, but I must admit, the author exceeded my expectations with the depth of her characters. The book focuses around the main character and 3 supporting characters, one of whom is an artist. I particularly appreciated the depth the author gave Thomas More, as a person who was more than purely evil or purely selfless. The book is very character driven, not really plot driven, and for this reason, I wouldn't really give it 4 stars. That being said, the 4 parts of the book are divided in a way that creates a flow and almost a mini-plot to each part, which worked well enough for me.
I was surprised to find myself sucked into the intrigue of characters with more than one dimension and an idea that was more than a crappy love story set around the Kings and Queens of England.
February 20, 2015
Ever since I read the second book in Cynthia Harrod-Eagles' Morland Dynasty series, I have been completely and totally in love with English historical fiction. I will happily read just about anything set in England prior to 1945. Yum! So far, this novel is filling the basic requirement of filling my appetite, without really tempting my palate. My main issue with this book is that it is set in the 1520s, and yet the author has no compunctions about putting modern words and terms into the mouths of her characters: so far, the most annoying words have been "so and so has a crush on so-and-so." Seeing as how the first known use of the word "crush" in the context of infatuation did not occur until 1884 (Oxford English Dictionary), I think this book has some MAJOR editing issues.
Other than that, I suppose it told a good story. The vernacular didn't really set the mood and frame as thorougly as it ought to have done. The characters were somewhat annoying. Overall, this was a "meh" title.
Other than that, I suppose it told a good story. The vernacular didn't really set the mood and frame as thorougly as it ought to have done. The characters were somewhat annoying. Overall, this was a "meh" title.
October 17, 2011
This book is based on a picture by Hans Nolbein, a portait of Thomas More and his family. Thomas More was a philosopher in King Henry VIII's court, during the Reformation. He was a humanist, and ended up being a persecutor of Martin Luther's followers. The story is told from the perspective of Thomas More's adopted daughter, Meg, who appears in the fam;ily portrait. The author gets quite graphic when describing the persecution. It's funny that in history we are studying the Pilgrims and the Puritans and why they cam to the new world. When you read this book, it makes it even clearer. As much as I ytry to be sure they undertand the amount of persecutuion that happened during that time in the name of God, this book makes it seem real. There were aspects of the book that I found hard to follow. All the names of the intriguers at King Henry's court were hard to keep separate. The contantly changing story of the Meg's husbuand was also hard to keep track of. Just when you think you have a handle on it, more information would come to light.
January 25, 2016
Portrait of an Unknown Woman revolves around the family of Sir Thomas More, the famous humanist and Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII. In the late 1520s, tensions in the country are rising between the Catholics and the reformists. Bennet skillfully works together the politics and everyday life of the period, and the dilemma faced by Meg Giggs, the adopted daughter of the More family, who is torn between her former tutor John Clement, and the young painter Hans Holbein, who visits the family. Some of the secrets of the family that emerge are a little over the top, but all-in-all I thought it was a well written and engaging portrayal of a famous Tudor family.
September 6, 2014
Set in the time of Henry VIII the title is slightly misleading. The book is about the family of Thomas More, the famous courtier who opposed the marriage of the king to Anne Boleyn. Hans Holbein arrives to paint a family portrait and falls in love with one of More's wards who has been brought up as his daughter. The book is about far more than a painting and a family, it includes a fanciful story of what may have happened to the Princes in the Tower. It is an interesting novel but should never be read as history. Leaving the history aside it is a fascinating read about love, relationships, secrets, and truth.
October 9, 2010
Just arrived from USA.
Hans Holbein, the Younger, who had been recommended to More by his friend, Erasmus, arrived in England in 1526. Next year, he began a painting of Sir Thomas More and his family. A preparatory sketch for the original survives, but the painting itself was destroyed by fire in the eighteenth century. Fortunately, paintings which were created based on it by Rowland Lockey in the late sixteenth century, survive.
Hans Holbein, the Younger, who had been recommended to More by his friend, Erasmus, arrived in England in 1526. Next year, he began a painting of Sir Thomas More and his family. A preparatory sketch for the original survives, but the painting itself was destroyed by fire in the eighteenth century. Fortunately, paintings which were created based on it by Rowland Lockey in the late sixteenth century, survive.
August 21, 2008
I guess I have to admit I'm a fan of the "loosely based on historical fact" genre. This was a quick and enjoyable read, I think anybody who liked reading The Girl With A Pearl Earring would like this because they're both based on actual portraits. Also anybody who liked The Other Bolyn Girl I think would like this, because it's the same sort of historical fiction and many of the characters overlap.
October 30, 2007
I ruined the book for myself because I had an inkling Elizabeth was a huge bitch and I needed to find out before I continued with the book. So I did the unforgivable and read the ending. I went back and read most of the rest, but of course it wasn't as good anymore. It was a bit too much like a soap opera and I'm not sure what the point of it was, but it was entertaining.
February 21, 2011
This book isn't for everyone; I love history, I love painters, and I love great thinkers. This book is historical fiction, based on Thomas More, the chancellor for Henry VIII, told through the eyes of an adopted daughter. It is long, not very exciting, but I enjoyed it despite its simplicity and lack of mental challenge.
August 24, 2014
Weak and contrived writing
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