Within the Hollow Crown: A Valiant King's Struggle to Save His Country, His Dynasty, and His Love Book

King Richard II is known for two main contributions to English history: the uproarious 'Peasants' Revolt' during his reign and for being disposed by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke and dying under suspicious circumstances. Richard's life is an interesting one but yet not as obsessively pored over as other English monarchs. Historical fiction author Margaret Campbell Barnes steps outside the norm and showcases Richard II in, "Within the Hollow Crown".

Being first published in 1947, means "Within the Hollow Crown" smoothly follows the style of historical fiction novels of the period plus her own template of infusing the novel's pages with more history than fiction. Barnes dives into the story without a fluffy introduction and eschews a 'buildup' to the multitude of characters and figures surrounding Richard II. This offers a complex depth that is classical in strain but could be a set-up to cause reader confusion and an uneasy feeling of being overwhelmed.

Barnes exemplifies her classic lit-like writing methods beautifully by composing figurative sentences with delectable illustrative and visionary allusions that are neither contrived nor over-the-top. Barnes finds the perfect ratio of fictional storytelling to more pressing history.

Elaborating on this, "Within the Hollow Crown" sticks mostly to credible historical fact with only slight deviations that are occasionally 'silly'. These do not hinder the merit of the novel but do help to maintain the pace and keep reader attention.

The character development of Richard II is evident in its growth portraying him as a teen King lacking confidence to a spirited, calculated adult ruler. The maturity is relatable and readers will gain a sense of that man that Richard II truly encapsulated. Barnes certainly creates and spins a strong connection between the character and readers.

On a negative end, Barnes has the habit of skipping chronologically ahead in subsequent chapters without any warning or allusion making "Within the Hollow Crown" occasionally difficult to understand and thus making the novel slightly disjointed and choppy in texture. Furthermore, some of the historical events during Richard's reign, such as the Peasants' Revolt; could have used more detail and are glossed over more than preferred.

Strikingly, Barnes infuses "Within the Hollow Crown" with philosophical candor and riveting tidbits that are breath-taking in a literary scope and result in deep contemplation from the reader. These are strong not only on their own account but also within the context of the entire story. These tactics piece together to make "Within the Hollow Crown" a lofty novel filled with various layers, emotions, and descriptions that truly pique readers' attentions.

As "Within the Hollow Crown" progresses to focus on the rebellion of Henry Bolingbroke and the usurpation of Richard's throne; Barnes increases the momentum and enriches the pace. The novel encourages page-turning with bold suspense. Sadly, this is not maintained as the conclusion of "Within the Hollow Crown" is both anticlimactic and abrupt with a purely fictionalized speculation that doesn't fit the rest of the novel (regarding Richard's mysterious death). The ending is disappointing without any memorable impact. Although "Within a Hollow Crown" is still a strong piece despite this flaw; it certainly lessens the credibility.

In usual Barnes fashion and in-line with historical fiction novel of yesteryear; "Within the Hollow Crown" doesn't contain an 'Author's Note' explaining any historical liberties taken throughout the text. Also missing are any genealogical tables; both of which "Within the Hollow Crown" would have benefited from exponentially.

"Within the Hollow Crown" is another Barnes success following the mold of 'classic' historical fiction novels. The text gloriously recreates the life and events of Richard II and in a vivid and illustrative way that is still heavy on the history. "Within the Hollow Crown" is recommended for all readers interested in English history and/or Richard II.