The Player King by Avi

The Player King by Avi

Historical Fiction, Adventure

Age – 9-11

Grades – 4-6

195 pages, hardcover

c. 2017

          The Player King is historical fiction but based on the unusual true event of the orphan kitchen boy, Lambert Simnel, being trained to impersonate the missing Prince Edward, who has a truer claim to the English throne than the reigning King Henry VII. The Earl of Lincoln and Brother Simonds, actual historical persons, are those who train Lambert in order to regain their former positions of power and prestige.

            Lambert works in an underground tavern where his "life was worth no more than a spot of dry spit." When Brother Simonds first tells Lambert that he is Prince Edward Lambert thinks he is crazy. But after being trained in etiquette, given fancy clothes and fine food, he begins to believe that he is Prince Edward. He also begins to enjoy his new position of power to the point of abusing Brother Simonds. He learns, however, "The man who is close enough to help you up is near enough to push you down." Even when Lambert eventually learns that he was chosen because he looks somewhat like the actual Prince Edward, he tries to convince himself that he really is king.

         The story is told from Lambert’s point of view which allows the reader to share Lambert’s experiences as he is transformed from lowly kitchen boy to being crowned King of England in Ireland and leading an army to defeat King Henry VII. The short chapters, plot twists, and political intrigues keeps the action moving. The other characters are well developed and Avi supplies many historical details that give a real feel of the period. In keeping with the period, the language used at times is old-fashioned and younger readers might find that difficult.

         Avi raises many thought-provoking questions about the pursuit of power and to what extent one is willing to go in deceiving others in order to stay alive. Lambert is continually told by Brother Simonds, if you act like a king, you will be king.” In the end is Lambert a traitor or dupe or both?

           The Author Note at the back of the book explains what is known about the characters, the actual historical events and what was made up for the story. What happened to Lambert and the other historical characters is also revealed. The Ascendency Series, which I have blogged on, is a more detailed exploration of the same idea of presenting a royal look-alike to gain political power.