Picture an American storyteller who spun medieval history into gripping sagas—meet Sharon Kay Penman! With a flair for bringing kings, queens, and knights to life, Penman’s historical novels whisk readers to the turbulent courts of medieval England, Wales, and France. Her meticulous research and vivid storytelling earned her a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List and a devoted fanbase eager for her next tale.
Born in 1945, Penman didn’t just write history—she lived it through her immersive narratives. From the Plantagenet series to the Welsh Princes trilogy, her works are a love letter to the Middle Ages, blending fact and fiction with a storyteller’s magic. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this historical fiction titan.
The Making of Sharon Kay Penman
Sharon Kay Penman was born on August 13, 1945, in New York City and raised in New Jersey. A history buff from a young age, she studied at the University of Texas, earning a degree in history before becoming a tax lawyer. But the law couldn’t hold her—her passion for the past led her to writing. Her debut novel, The Sunne in Splendour, was a labor of love, famously rewritten after the original manuscript was stolen from her car. This setback only fueled her determination, launching a career that would redefine historical fiction.
Inspired by England and Wales, Penman often split her time between New Jersey and a second home in Wales. Her deep connection to these lands shaped her novels, which pulse with the drama of medieval royalty and the rugged beauty of Welsh landscapes. Her shift from lawyer to novelist was a leap of faith, but one that paid off with a legacy of beloved books.
Sharon Kay Penman’s Unforgettable Stories
Penman’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending exhaustive research with page-turning drama. Her debut, The Sunne in Splendour (1982), reimagines King Richard III, painting a nuanced portrait of a monarch maligned by history. This standalone epic set during the Wars of the Roses hooked readers with its rich characterizations and bold defense of Richard’s legacy.
The Welsh Princes trilogy—Here Be Dragons (1985), Falls the Shadow (1988), and The Reckoning (1991)—chronicles the medieval rulers of Gwynedd. Here Be Dragons, a fan favorite, follows Llewelyn the Great and Joanna, King John’s daughter, in a tale of love and political intrigue. The Plantagenet series, including When Christ and His Saints Slept (1994) and Devil’s Brood (2008), dives into the tempestuous lives of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Penman also penned four medieval mysteries, starting with The Queen’s Man (1996), a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Mystery.
Her style is immersive yet accessible, weaving historical accuracy with emotional depth. Penman’s characters—conniving kings, defiant queens, and loyal knights—feel like old friends (or foes). Her settings, from Welsh castles to French courts, are so vivid you can almost hear the clash of swords. Critics praised her for breathing life into complex historical figures, making the Middle Ages feel thrillingly alive.
Why Sharon Kay Penman Matters
Sharon Kay Penman didn’t just write novels—she sparked a love for medieval history. Her books inspired readers to explore the past, visit castles, and even join her on research trips to sites like Jerusalem for her final novel, The Land Beyond the Sea (2020). Her commitment to accuracy set a gold standard for historical fiction, earning praise from peers like Margaret George, who called her a “giant in the field.”
Penman’s legacy lives on through her fans, who cherish her ability to humanize history’s heroes and villains. Her novels, often spanning 700–1,000 pages, are page-turners that prove history is anything but dry. Though she passed away in 2021, her stories continue to captivate, inviting new readers to lose themselves in the Middle Ages.
About Sharon Kay Penman
- Born: August 13, 1945, in New York City
- Key Works: The Sunne in Splendour, Here Be Dragons, The Queen’s Man
- Awards: 2001 Career Achievement Award for Historical Mysteries from Romantic Times
- Died: January 22, 2021
Snag Here Be Dragons and dive into Sharon Kay Penman’s spellbinding world of medieval intrigue! Whether you’re a history nerd or just love a good story, her books are your ticket to the past.