From Goodreads
When should my story begin? Not when I was born, a butcher's son, in a tiny cottage just like all the other tiny cottages in Oakham. Who'd have thought then that I'd ever have much of a story to tell? Perhaps it starts when people began to nudge each other and stare as I walked with my mother to market, or the first time someone whispered that we were cursed. But I didn't know then. No, I think my story begins on the day of the Oakham Fair, in the year of 1625. When I was ten years old and I found out what I was. Nat Davy is a dwarf. He is 10 years old, and all he wants is to be normal. After narrowly escaping being sold to the circus by his father, Nat is presented to Queen Henrietta Maria - in a pie. She's 15, trapped in a loveless marriage to King Charles I, and desperately homesick. Nat becomes a friend to the woman who'll become the power behind the throne and trigger the Civil War, but in the eyes of the world he's still a pet, a doll to be dressed up and shown off. Nat longs to ride and hunt like the other boys at court. The real boys. But he will never be accepted. Loosely based on a true story, this epic tale spans 20 years; during which the war begins, Nat and the queen go on the run, Nat saves the queen's life, falls in love with the most beautiful girl at court, kills a man, is left in exile. Told from his unique perspective as the smallest man in England, with the clever and engaging voice of a boy turned man yearning for acceptance, this story takes us on an unforgettable journey. He's England's smallest man, but his story is anything but small.
My thoughts
I borrowed a copy of this from BorrowBox the digital lending side of my local library. I am not entirely sure how I came across this one at all, but I am very happy that I did. I have just found out that I requested it via NetGalley some time ago, but sadly I was declined. This could be why I looked for it elsewhere and I am glad that I did look for it elsewhere.
I was drawn to the cover initially and then the summary of the story. I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10.
I enjoyed this story about Nat Davy who was a dwarf. Nat's father tried to sell him when he was young to a circus as a curiosity to draw the crowds in. Circuses often had many characters that were of an unusual nature, due to their appearance and Nat fit this bill nicely. However, fate has other things in store for Nat and he finds himself as friend and confidant to a young lady, who was the Queen of England. As time goes on Nat becomes embroiled in life as friend to the young Queen and the workings of court and all that was happening there. After certain events happen, he ends up on the run and in exile, fearing for his life.
This story is loosely based on real people, but the Author has woven her own story around real people. I really enjoyed this tale set back in a period of time when life was so different to how we live now. This is a great debut novel and I can't wait to see what she writes next. If you get chance to read it, then please do so as you will soon be drawn into Nat's life and willing things to come good for him and those around him.
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