Apart from my endless fascination with Anne Boleyn, I have always been intrigued by the idea of time travel, so imagine my delight when I discovered that Sarah Morris was writing a novel, Le Temps Viendra, combining the two.
On several occasions, I have visited historic sites and wondered what it might be like to be suddenly hurtled back hundreds of years to the court of Henry VIII, to see with my very own eyes the magnificence of Henry’s palaces and witness the politicking of courtiers vying for a place in the king’s inner circle.
Well, thanks to Sarah’s wonderful novel, I need no longer wonder.
The protagonist, Anne, is a 21st century woman who, whilst indulging in an ‘Anne Boleyn Connoisseurs’ Weekend’ at Hever Castle, finds herself transported back to England, 1527. What makes this experience all the more intriguing is that she awakens, not in her own modern body, but in Anne Boleyn’s!
The novel is unique in that it only follows one year in Anne’s Tudor life and really delves into her thoughts and emotions. Sarah brings Anne and her world magnificently to life through emotive and compelling story telling, vivid descriptions and complex characters that leap off the pages.
The events of 1527-1528 are told in such detail that you would be forgiven for thinking that the author, like her protagonist, had also found a tear in the fabric of time, allowing her to glimpse the past.
I had the pleasure of following Sarah’s writing journey via her Facebook page and witnessed first hand how hard she worked to ensure historical accuracy. Sarah visited many historical sites; utilised contemporary plans and documents; consulted with experts in costume, falconry, dance and even medical practitioners, to ensure that her writing was based on sound facts and where the contemporary sources fell silent, Sarah seamlessly weaved her magic.
I was thrust along on the roller coaster of Anne’s life and shared in all her intimate moments, victories and struggles. As Anne laid eyes on Henry for the first time, our hearts pounded in unison. As Anne’s bond with her Boleyn family strengthened, so too grew my connection with them.
After basking in the opulence of Anne’s sixteenth century life, I was unsure how I’d respond to a return to the modern world, and normal life.
I needn’t have worried, as modern day Anne immediately captured my interest and now I can’t help but wonder whether her story will end as tragically as her heroine’s.
Guess I will have to wait for Volume II to find out!
In summary, Le Temps Viendra is a true page-turner that all lovers of Anne Boleyn and Tudor history will enjoy.
Purchase your copy of Volume I from Spartan Publishing and find out more about the locations featured in the novel here.
Huge congratulations Sarah, I hope all goes well at the big launch, what an evening that will be to remember x
What an interesting read this souds like. I will have to check it out — I love time travels and English history.. I’ve been watching the The Tudors, and I’ve been wanting to read a bio of Anne Boleyn. Suggestions on the “best” AB bio I should start with?
Thanks!
Hello Rosa, thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment. The best full length biography on Anne Boleyn that I have read is Eric Ives, ‘The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn.’ I call it as my ‘bible’ and have referred to it countless times, I think you will enjoy it very much. Natalie