I was interested and suprised to read a book that presents Richard III in a positive light. I became invested in the characters, specifically the main character, Richard's first lover, and the lush language used to evoke the events surrounding the War of the Roses. I recommend it to any who enjoy a good historical fiction.

Incidentally, the title is an excerpt from Shakespeare's The Life and Death of King Richard III (i.i.): "we speak no treason man; we say the king is wise and virtuous...". Because of the context of the quote, Richard III (or Gloucester at the time of this speech) is being "ironic" here, I leapt at reading this book. Thusly, I was surprised to find it presents Richard III in a positive light.

For a more sympathetic view of Richard, a much maligned historical figure, see the web site of The Richard III Society.