Sharon Kay Penman
Sharon Kay Penman
Full Name and Common Aliases
Sharon Kay Penman is a British-American author of historical fiction novels.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 1, 1945, in New York City, USA. Still active and alive today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American-British novelist and historian, specializing in medieval English history.
Early Life and Background
Sharon Kay Penman's early life was marked by a passion for reading and writing. Growing up in a family of modest means, she developed a strong work ethic and dedication to learning from an early age. Her love for history and literature led her to pursue higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a degree in medieval history.
After graduating, Penman moved to England with her husband and began working on her first novel, _The Sun in Splendor_, which was published in 1978 to critical acclaim. This marked the beginning of a successful writing career that spans over four decades.
Major Accomplishments
Penman's novels have garnered numerous awards and nominations for their historical accuracy, engaging storytelling, and meticulous research. Some of her most notable works include:
_The Sun in Splendor_ (1978) - A novel about King Richard III of England.
_Here Be Dragons_ (1985) - The first book in the Plantagenet Chronicles series, which explores the history of Wales during the 12th century.
* _The Reckoning_ (2012) - A historical fiction novel set during the reign of Henry II of England.
Notable Works or Actions
Penman's commitment to historical accuracy and attention to detail has earned her a reputation as one of the most respected authors in the field. Her novels often delve into the complexities of medieval English history, exploring themes such as power struggles, family dynamics, and social hierarchy.
One notable aspect of Penman's work is her ability to craft compelling characters that bring historical figures to life. Her portrayal of King Richard III, for example, has been praised for its nuance and understanding of the monarch's complexities.
Impact and Legacy
Penman's contributions to historical fiction have had a significant impact on popular perceptions of medieval England. Her novels have inspired countless readers to learn more about this period in history and appreciate its cultural significance.
As an author, Penman has also paved the way for other writers interested in exploring historical themes. Her commitment to accuracy and attention to detail serves as a model for aspiring authors seeking to create engaging and informative stories.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Sharon Kay Penman is widely quoted and remembered due to her mastery of historical fiction and her dedication to bringing medieval English history to life through compelling characters, meticulous research, and engaging storytelling.
Quotes by Sharon Kay Penman
Sharon Kay Penman's insights on:
Barbed banter was the coin of their realm and heartfelt admissions of affection were rejected out of hand as counterfeit.
Rumors are the easiest of all crops to tend, Richard. You need only sow a few seeds about and in no time at all, you’ll reap a harvest of hatred.
If that’s how you’d rather remember it. But I did not mean that as a reproach. I do not, in truth, think less of you for having the common sense to abandon a ship once waves began to break over the bow. Nor, after sixteen years shut away from the sun, am I likely to find tears to spare for Henry Plantagenet.
For whatever reasons – which had never interested him in his youth but which he sometimes pondered as an adult – the Angevin House had always taken Cain and Abel as role models.
Troubles may ofttimes be so dire that they cannot get better. But they are never so dire that they still cannot get worse.
The Welsh were a god-cursed, stiff-necked, and utterly vexatious people, John said bitterly, but they did have an inexplicable ability to rise phoenixlike from the ashes of defeat, to soar upwards on wings too scorched for flight.
But in all honesty, I do not find it so peculiar a notion, that a Welshman should rule Wales.
The day that he accused a reigning King of murder was the day he signed his own death warrant, and he knew it.