The Cardinal's Man

I am fully aware that works of historical fiction ARE fiction, but nonetheless my personal knowledge of history is almost exclusively obtained through reading historical novels. Would I have picked up a biography of Cardinal Richelieu? No, I don't think so, but I enthusiastically read this story.

I was thoroughly mesmerized by THE CARDINAL'S MAN, which centered around Richelieu's domination of the court of Louis XIII. Mr. Sinclair's story of political intrigue was told through the relationship of a dwarf from the French countryside who made his way to Paris in search of a living. Through his church-centered education and his wits, he found a way in to Richelieu's employ and then the story unfolds.

The unlikely alliance between Richelieu and the dwarf, Sebastian, was based upon need and self-interest, but Sinclair's novel brings the court to life with what seemed like a frightening sense of reality.

The treachery and intrigue felt very real and the questionable morality of the Cardinal was very interesting to me (with my rather inadequate knowledge of European history). The characters were exceptionally well drawn and I will be living with them for some time. The political drama, hypocrisy of the powerful, and cut-throat personal politics in the book may seem extreme and highly dramatic. . . . . and, then you wonder what historians and dramatists will make of our current political environment in years to come. . . .

NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.