Wheel of Fortune, by C F Dunn
As a child, Isobel looks on in horror as the Earl, Lord Langton, executes his father’s murderer in the yard of her father’s manor. At least, he reluctantly spares the traitor’s nephew, Thomas Lacey, whom Isobel recognises as her friend and intended husband.
In fifteenth century Yorkshire, landed gentry and their clans vie for power. Which king will they support? For the Earl, as well as Isobel’s father, Sir Geoffrey Fenton, it is clear: Edward, Duke of York, though not a strong character, is the rightful heir to the throne.
The characters
But, rather than concentrating on the royal power struggles, this book develops the personalities of the main players. Isobel is intelligent, self-confident, a kind lady of her household and an accomplished herbalist. The Earl is ruthless and harsh, estranged from his bossy wife, and unable to restrain his lust for Isobel. His three daughters prove quite a handful, especially the headstrong, young Cecily. The Earl’s brother, Robert Langton, still mourning his dear wife, wins Isobel’s love by his upright gentleness.
However, relationships within the Earl’s castle are often strained. The Countess neglects her daughters and orders the nursemaids to treat them harshly. She hates and torments Isobel, whom she suspects of having seduced her husband. Various stewards and staff members are constantly scheming and manipulating people. And the Earl himself, who promised to care for Isobel after her father’s death, grossly misuses his position and forces her to submit to his sexual fantasies.
Appraisal
Dunn has created a complex plot and rich personages, interspersed with beautiful passages describing scenery and moods. But the main plot, the horrible mistreatment of Isobel, together with the unresolved issues – this is intended as the start of The Tarnished Crown series – spoiled my enjoyment of the book, such that I can only give it four stars.