"Exciting biographical fiction"
In 1184 as a favor to the lad's powerful family, King Henry
II allows fifteen year old Fulke FitzWarin to join his
teenage son Prince John's retinue as a squire. Coming from
the Welsh Marshes, Fulke is considered a country bumpkin by
the Prince. The eldest, Fulke must succeed if his family
is to regain Whittington Castle lost generations ago, but
still disputed. Fulke knows his tutor Master Glanville is
the key for his family's plea, not the King. John forces Fulke to play a game of chess. Planning to
throw the game, Fulke gets caught up in the competition and
checkmates John. The Prince accuses Fulke of cheating and
hits him with the chessboard. Fulke retaliates in self-
defense leading to John banging his head on the floor. A
lifetime of bitter rivalry between John and Fulke begins
that leads the latter into becoming an outlaw when the
former becomes King. LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE is biographical fiction at its
most exciting best. Using the little factual information
available about the real Fulke FitzWarin and the chronicle
record written in his times, Elizabeth Chadwick paints a
vivid picture of the medieval era by cleverly filling in
the gaps with depth while staying true to what is
considered authentic. The story line is loaded, cleverly
designed, and never slows down focusing the plot on the key
cast members especially Fulke, his wife, and John. This
blend is a treat that historical fiction fans will want to
read as the novel is sure to make everyone short lists of
sub-genre best books of the year. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 7, 2002
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