Description of Novel


It’s the year 1553, and the King of England, only fifteen years of age, is gravely ill and on the edge of death. His best friend pleads with him not to make the worst mistake of his brief reign by naming his cousin, also a teen, as heir to the throne while the King’s half-sister plots her return to London to seize the crown from afar. Caught in this bloody crisis of succession at the midpoint of the Tudor Dynasty is an unlikely circle of three friends still in their teens, a commoner and two royals, being swept by the terrible winds of history.

Tom Canty, the pauper in Mark Twain’s beloved The Prince and the Pauper tells his tale some years later to the unknown “my lady.” It’s been six years since Tom first exchanged places with Prince Edward, now King of England. Edward introduces Tom, both fifteen, to his cousin, the lovely, idealistic, and strong-minded Lady Jane Grey. Tom finds himself caught between two very different worlds. He still lives in the poor parish of Offal Court. Although he keeps his friendship with Edward a secret, the advantages afforded him by being named Ward of the King set him apart. The boys of Offal Court try to drag him into a life of crime, but he strives to escape the legacy of his father, the scoundrel John Canty. Tom and Edward still look amazingly alike, and so Edward asks Tom to impersonate him again, and Tom can’t refuse. He watches through street-smart eyes and tries to keep Edward abreast of those around the young king, including his uncles, vying for power and influence. Further complicating Tom’s young life is his burgeoning love for the beautiful yet unattainable Jane.
 
Soon illness seizes Edward, and he becomes even more dedicated to the English Reformation and Protestantism. Encouraged by his advisors, he names Jane, a devout Protestant, as his heir to the throne rather than his half-sister, the Catholic Lady Mary Tudor. Tom tries to warn Edward that this decision will have terrible consequences. Tom realizes that only a boy with his wily skills can aid his best friend and save his sweet Jane.

Pour an ale for Tom, a glass of wine for my lady and whatever you fancy. Make yourself comfy and get ready for a good listen as Tom spins his tale of precious friendships, young love, dear loss and the discovery of oneself amidst the deadly betrayal and intrigue of the Tudor royal court.