Cover image of "Lamentation," the sixth of the Matthew Shardlake historical novels

Henry VIII gets a lot of attention from historians, biographers, and novelists alike, but not for the wisdom of his policies as king. In fact, you might say the only good thing he did for his people was to father the child who became Queen Elizabeth I. In her four decades on the throne, Elizabeth brought religious toleration to her subjects. Her father had left them in turmoil, whipsawed by his erratically changing views on religion. And she laid the foundation for an empire that enriched generations of British citizens (while imposing a racist regime on hundreds of millions more). By contrast, Henry had steered England into a pointless and unwinnable war that bankrupted the nation and led him to debase the currency, impoverishing millions. That view of Henry vividly emerges from the seven-book series of Matthew Shardlake historical novels by the remarkable C. J. Sansom.

Henry’s sixth wife calls on Matthew Shardlake for a dangerous assignment

The first six books in Sansom’s series dramatize the final decade of Henry’s life. The story culminates in his death as the sixth, Lamentation, draws to a close in January 1547. In Lamentation, as the now-morbidly obese king suffers a series of health crises that eventually will kill him, the story focuses on the last of his six wives, Queen Catherine Parr (1512-48). Parr, a religious reformer whose views clash with his, has written a confession, Lamentation of a Sinner. Fearing Henry would take it badly, she chooses not to share it with him.

Then, shockingly, the book is stolen, and Catherine immediately faces the prospect that one of her many conservative enemies will share it with Henry, revealing her deception. In response, the queen calls on an old friend, attorney Matthew Shardlake, to conduct a secret inquiry in hopes of recovering the book. Matthew, who has long harbored a secret love for her, cannot bring himself to refuse even though he knows an investigation will expose him to great danger.

Lamentation (Matthew Shardlake #6 of 7) by C. J. Sansom (2015) 664 pages ★★★★★

Drawing on the London waterfront in the time when this sixth of the Matthew Shardlake historical novels is set
A view of the London waterfront on the Thames in the time when this novel is set. Image: The History of London

A bothersome private case distracts Matthew

Matthew is a barrister, a sergeant of Lincoln’s Inn, appointed to the Court of Requests. There, in addition to his private practice, he defends poor people engaged in disputes with their lords and masters. He is a hunchback, in almost constant pain. Now 45, Matthew is approaching old age and pondering a life after the practice of law.

The queen’s request interrupts these considerations. And it begins to take his mind off a private case that has been the bane of his existence for months. A brother and sister, each more stubborn than the other, are fighting an inconsequential battle over a vexatious provision in their mother’s will. Matthew’s client, the sister, insists on removing a wall-painting in their old home and demands that he make it possible. (It isn’t.) This case, a major subplot in the novel, will reach a surprising resolution only as the story approaches its end.

Meanwhile, Matthew and his staff, Jack Barak and Nicholas Overton, court death in his efforts to locate and retrieve the queen’s book. One after another, witnesses die. Increasingly it looks as though any or all of the three may join them.

An outstanding series of historical novels

Like every other book in this outstanding series, Lamentation is a triumph of historical fiction. Sansom has built his story on firm historical grounds. The story is set during one of the most uncertain times in British history, when fiercely antagonistic Protestants and Catholics battled for supremacy as the king’s views shifted again and again. The conflict mirrored events on the Continent in the decades following Martin Luther’s defiance of Rome. Sansom adroitly conveys the ferocity and the high stakes of the question.

Many details in this story also conform to historical fact. Queen Catherine did write a book entitled Lamentation of a Sinner, although it was not stolen. And the people around her and Henry are real historical figures rendered with exquisite accuracy. William Parr, Lord Chamberlain and the Queen’s aging uncle. Sir Richard Rich, a powerful member of the king’s Privy Council and Matthew’s long-time nemesis. Bishop Stephen Gardiner, a traditionalist who seeks to rid England of Queen Catherine and return the kingdom to Rome. William Paget, secretary to the king who presides over the Privy Council. Anne Askew, a radical protestant preacher whose execution for heresy begins the story. And others, including a 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth. They all come to life in this novel.

About the author

Photo of C. J. Sansom, author of the Matthew Shardlake historical novels
C. J. Sansom. Image: The Independent

Christopher John (C. J.) Sansom was born in Edinburgh in 1952 and passed away from bone cancer 71 years later in Sussex, England. Over the years 2003 to 2018, he published nine historical novels, seven of which comprise the Matthew Shardlake series. A reviewer in the Sunday Times (London), commenting on the series, called them “magnificent books set in the reign of Henry VIII [that] bring to life the sounds and smells of Tudor England…” Sansom’s books won several literary awards.

Previously I reviewed the first five books in the author’s celebrated Matthew Shardlake series as well as both of his other novels:

Or, if you prefer, see all the books in the Shardlake series at The #1 top historical mystery series.

You might also enjoy Mysteries set in Elizabethan England and Top 10 historical mysteries and thrillers.

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