NPR's Book of the Day 'The Pretender' centers on a real peasant who learns he is heir to England's throne
Jun 26, 2025
Jo Harkin, author of the historical novel 'The Pretender', explores the life of John Collan, a peasant who discovers he's the rightful heir to the English throne. She discusses the challenges of crafting historical fiction from scant records, while shedding light on the tumultuous journey of this young heir amid royal conspiracies. The conversation touches on themes of identity, destiny, and the rigorous training expected of someone thrust into kingship, all infused with Harkin's unique narrative inspired by literary greats.
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John Collan's Royal Revelation
- A 10-year-old peasant, John Collan, is told he is actually Edward, Earl of Warwick, son of the Duke of Clarence.
- He is urged to reclaim his royal destiny and dethrone Henry Tudor to become king of England.
Ambiguity Fuels Historical Fiction
- The story of Lambert Simnel is ambiguous; his father may have successfully swapped him at birth for safety.
- This uncertainty allowed author Jo Harkin to creatively reimagine the true heir's life in her novel.
Filling Historical Gaps with Fiction
- Follow Hilary Mantel's approach by treating historical facts as solid and filling gaps with imagination.
- Use fiction to complement patchy historical records without writing alternate history.
