NPR's Book of the Day: "The Pretender" by Jo Harkin

Episode Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Scott Simon
Guest: Jo Harkin, Author of The Pretender

Introduction to "The Pretender"

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Scott Simon interviews Jo Harkin, the author of The Pretender, an enthralling historical fiction novel set in 15th-century England. The story revolves around John Colin, a ten-year-old peasant boy who discovers his true heritage as the rightful heir to England's throne. Harkin delves into the delicate balance of historical accuracy and creative storytelling, drawing inspiration from renowned historical novelist Hilary Mantel.

Plot Overview and Historical Context

Scott Simon begins the discussion by outlining the novel's premise: John Colin's ordinary life is upended when two nobles reveal that he is, in fact, Edward, Earl of Warwick, the legitimate son of the late George, Duke of Clarence. This revelation thrusts him into the dangerous political landscape of 1483 England, a time fraught with intrigue and treachery following the deaths of the princes in the Tower.

Scott Simon [02:02]: "The Pretender is a new novel from Joe Harkin, and it is drawn from history."

Harkin explains that the novel is inspired by the real historical figure Lambert Simnel, who was used as a figurehead in a pretender claim to the English throne. However, unlike the historical account where Simnel's true fate remains limited to being pardoned and serving in the kitchens, Harkin envisions a "second act" for her protagonist, granting him agency beyond the sparse historical records.

Jo Harkin [08:21]: "This is the thing, the real child. He's pardoned by King Henry... That's the end of him. We don't hear anything more about him. Yeah, that left me with just this huge space to kind of create a second act for him."

Creating Authenticity Through Research and Imagination

Harkin emphasizes her commitment to historical authenticity, aligning with Hilary Mantel's approach of adhering to documented facts while creatively filling in the gaps where history is silent.

Jo Harkin [04:48]: "I always follow Hilary Mantel, who was just such a huge inspiration. I obviously loved the Wolf Hall trilogy. And her basic approach was that if something was historical fact and it was on the record, then she would treat that as solid and then it was where there was a gap that she would fill in with her own invention."

Given the limited records on peasant life during the late 1400s, Harkin found ample opportunity to explore and expand upon John Colin's character and experiences, crafting a narrative that brings depth to a figure largely overlooked by history.

The Transformation of a Peasant into a King

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the protagonist's rapid education and adaptation to his newfound royal destiny. Harkin details the multifaceted training John undergoes to prepare for kingship, encompassing martial skills, literacy, and the cultural expectations of the time.

Jo Harkin [06:01]: "He suddenly has to catch up on all this education in quite a hurry. And this is kind of something I wanted to really show in the book, how he's not just shaped by his society and the environment around him, but how his culture has kind of gone into forming him as a person."

This intense preparation highlights the challenges of identity and personal growth, as John must reconcile his humble origins with his royal responsibilities.

A Glimpse into John Colin's Inner World

To illustrate the character's internal struggles, Harkin shares a poignant excerpt from the novel that captures John Colin's attempt to make sense of his transformed life.

Jo Harkin [06:59]:

"Little John played at a yea man a boy raised on a farm he went by the name of John Colan so to come him to no harm Though Johnny Colan was his name Twas Edward he went by first and Lambert he shortly after became to escape the old king's curse Riding along he thinks of his dad no Christmas with his brothers the two mothers that he never had Never smelled the rosemary in her hair."
(Timestamp: 06:59)

Scott Simon reflects on the sadness embedded in this passage, highlighting John's emotional turmoil as he departs his past for an uncertain future.

Scott Simon [07:40]: "There's something very sad about that, isn't there?"

Jo Harkin [07:43]: "Yeah, it's his. He's trying to fictionalize his life... he has mixed emotions, to say the least."

Historical Fate vs. Creative Liberty

Upon discussing the real-life fate of Lambert Simnel, Harkin reveals her creative decision to craft an alternative continuation for her protagonist, allowing readers to engage with "what could have been" beyond the historical record.

Jo Harkin [08:21]: "He might have been relieved that he didn't die on the battlefield... That left me with just this huge space to kind of create a second act for him."

This approach not only honors historical facts but also invites readers to explore the uncharted possibilities of John's life post-pardoning, adding depth and resonance to the narrative.

Conclusion

In The Pretender, Jo Harkin masterfully intertwines historical fact with imaginative storytelling, breathing new life into a nearly forgotten figure from England's tumultuous past. Through meticulous research and creative narrative techniques, Harkin offers a compelling exploration of identity, destiny, and the enduring quest for power. This episode of NPR's Book of the Day provides listeners with a rich understanding of the novel's themes and the author's dedication to honoring history while crafting a captivating story.

Notable Quotes:

• "I just actually thought that this kid was a straight fake... So I actually had to retool the novel to kind of make way for this ambiguity."
  — Jo Harkin [03:30]

• "He has aspirations of becoming a writer himself and becomes a little bit disillusioned with this as the novel goes on."
  — Jo Harkin [06:59]

• "Ultimately, yeah. I found that there was a lot to fill in. And Simnel himself, he's barely a mention in these histories."
  — Jo Harkin [05:49]

This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, focusing on the discussion between Scott Simon and Jo Harkin about The Pretender. It highlights the novel's plot, historical background, the author's research and creative process, and key themes explored in the book, all while incorporating notable quotes with clear attribution and timestamps.