Barbara Gaskell Denvil on Dorothy Dunnett
Barbara Gaskell Denvil, author of the Historical Mysteries Collection
I was very young when I first saw Shakespeare’s Tragedy of King Richard III with Sir Lawrence Olivier bringing the character very much alive. Hypnotised by the play, I was mesmerised by the situation in general and everything else which transpired, and as I lived in London, I was able to begin visiting the remaining monuments, castles and narrow cobbled streets.
When somewhat older, I began to read Dorothy Dunnett’s amazing Lymond series – that was that! I was smitten, and since I have never been rescued, I now live permanently in love with the late medieval period, King Richard III and Francis Crawford of Lymond.
Shakespeare and Dorothy Dunnett. What more could anyone ask?
Naturally I read all of Lady Dunnett’s books, and enjoyed every one but the fascination of Lymond remained on top. By then I was living almost permanently in 15th-century London and began to create my own series set during that time. Writing and reading always overtook any other passion which managed to jump into my teenage imagination, and my family inspired me too. Elizabeth Gaskell was my great, great, great (a few more greats!) aunt. My sister was a best-selling author, and my father was an artist and playwright. Now long passed the teenage passions I remember, at the age of 78, I have written many novels, nine of which are set in 15th century.
Dorothy Dunnett is still an inspiration and I have reread her novels many times over the years. Her remarkable talent for characterisation has rarely been overshadowed by other authors. Not only are her heroes and heroines never to be forgotten, but every one of her minor characters also remain constantly in the reader’s memory.
The amazing details of the distant past leap into magical colour in her books, and the accuracy (even though she cleverly adjusted a few dates to bring events together) is gloriously impressive. Her outstanding writing skill brought so much brilliantly to life, and the twists of her long and complicated storylines are amazing. After only the first page of The Game of Kings, I was so impressed and drawn in, I knew there would never be a historical book of hers I would miss.
As an author myself, I fully understand the difficulties of mastering such skills that Lady Dunnett proved over and over again. Her books are un-put-downable! Once started, you are hooked, and are delighted to have discovered such entertainment. I still remember the joy I experienced as a teenager when I discovered the Lymond series.
She has not only inspired my writing, but the absolute love of the medieval world she so brilliantly glued into my own life. Dorothy Dunnett’s books still sit cheerfully on my bookshelves, even though my failing eyesight means I cannot read them anymore. But why should I? They remain comfortably in my head and always will.
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