The dangerous kingdom of love by Neil Blackmore

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

How do you like your Bacon?

Francis Bacon is an important cog in early seventeenth-century Jacobean royal circles - not titled, not a favourite, but he has the ear of the king nonetheless. James I (and VI) has been transplanted from Scotland to the English court. Bacon's role as administrator, facilitator, maybe procurer, to the crown means he's a man to be watched. James is different from old Queen Elizabeth in many ways. One way is, though he's married (as any monarch should be), he's what would be described nowadays as gay. Maybe bi? Certainly queer.

As we listen to Bacon telling his story, it becomes clear he too isn't straight. These two facts colour the entire novel, driving the action and making you realise Bacon's account might be suspect. Why does he act one way and then another? What is he saying? Is he being true to himself, never mind the people he comes into contact with? As Bacon navigates his life at court, of course, he doesn't do so in a vacuum. Lies, intrigue, plots, and the fight for survival in the cockpit that is James' court figure prominently.

I'd put off reading this novel for several months. Why? Maybe for easier reads. However, once I got stuck in, it was one of those books I couldn't put down. Both the book and Philip Stevens' narration are wonderful - rich, satisfying, and colourful. One to be read again.