Lady of Lincoln (The Nicola de la Haye Series)
Lady of Lincoln centers on minor noblewoman Nicola de la Haye, the female constable of Lincoln Castle in 12th century England. Under the reign of Henry II, teenage Nicola recognizes her duty to marry in order to best care for her family’s estate. However, events take surprising turns, including members of Nicola’s family becoming embroiled in the Great Revolt. Over the course of the novel, Nicola navigates how to balance family loyalty, leadership responsibility, and her desires for marital happiness and self-fulfillment.
The plot is gripping, and the book can easily be finished in 2-3 sittings. The writing style is not overly literary and will appeal to readers of historical genre fiction. While the feminism can be heavy-handed at times, with phrases like, “If a man could do it, so could she,” these instances are largely confined to the book’s opening and closing sections. Thankfully, Nicola’s genuinely impressive competence and popularity are well shown throughout the novel.
While big-name characters feature, Lady of Lincoln is refreshing in its focus on lesser-known figures. The character arcs are satisfying. We witness Nicola’s transformation from a lovestruck youth to a capable leader. Her husband is perhaps the most complex character and will leave the reader at turns admiring and repulsed. Sticklers for historical accuracy may dislike Joyce’s liberty in using gaps in the historical record to imagine certain characters and their relationships; however, I thought Joyce’s treatment was narratively effective. Joyce also succeeds at weaving in key concerns of medieval life, such as religion and inheritance, in a way that feels natural. Overall, Lady of Lincoln is an easy read that illuminates the nearly forgotten Nicola de la Haye, a remarkable and singular woman.
