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Bitching Bits of Bone
What prompted Geoffrey Chaucer to write The Canterbury Tales? And what became of him afterwards? Well, here you'll discover all the answers as the fourteenth century unfolds before your senses in vivid and uncompromising realism. Travel with the pilgrims and experience the delights and horrors of medieval life - from alchemists and innkeepers to gothic spires and leper houses.
You can journey with Chaucer and his company from The Tabard Inn in Southwark to Becket's shrine at Canterbury. Listen to the scandalous stories in their original forms as the debaucheries of Church and State are laid bare in gloriously irreverent detail. Discover the real people behind such familiar characters as the Pardoner, the Prioress and the Miller. And prepare for a battle of wits as the Church goes head-to-head with a woman in Rochester.
Expect many twists and turns on the perilous road to Canterbury - not to mention all you could ever want to know about medieval diseases and their truly calamitous cures! Witty and erudite, this gem of a book will serve as a perfect companion to Chaucer's most famous of poems.
You can journey with Chaucer and his company from The Tabard Inn in Southwark to Becket's shrine at Canterbury. Listen to the scandalous stories in their original forms as the debaucheries of Church and State are laid bare in gloriously irreverent detail. Discover the real people behind such familiar characters as the Pardoner, the Prioress and the Miller. And prepare for a battle of wits as the Church goes head-to-head with a woman in Rochester.
Expect many twists and turns on the perilous road to Canterbury - not to mention all you could ever want to know about medieval diseases and their truly calamitous cures! Witty and erudite, this gem of a book will serve as a perfect companion to Chaucer's most famous of poems.
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First published July 29, 2016
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About the author
Norman Mounter
3books12followersI have three intellectual passions: medicine, history and literature. At forty-nine years of age, I am full-time Histopathologist working on the Isle of Wight.
The opportunity to develop my other interests � history and literature � came about when I was in my early forties. My two sons were no longer children and I had managed to secure a permanent consultant position.
This led me to write my first novel, ‘Bitching Bits of Bone�. Published in 2016 by Austin Macauley, this dark comedic retelling of Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales� allowed me to explore aspects of fourteenth century medicine.
Four years on, my second novel has permitted me to fully flex my medical muscles and to concentrate my expertise upon arguably one of the darkest places in human history: the pathology laboratory of Dr. Josef Mengele at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The opportunity to develop my other interests � history and literature � came about when I was in my early forties. My two sons were no longer children and I had managed to secure a permanent consultant position.
This led me to write my first novel, ‘Bitching Bits of Bone�. Published in 2016 by Austin Macauley, this dark comedic retelling of Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales� allowed me to explore aspects of fourteenth century medicine.
Four years on, my second novel has permitted me to fully flex my medical muscles and to concentrate my expertise upon arguably one of the darkest places in human history: the pathology laboratory of Dr. Josef Mengele at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 18 reviews
December 9, 2020
Things I have learned:
1) Norman Mounter's Bitching Bits of Bone is FAR more understandable than the original Canterbury tales.For those not familiar, the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a set of 24 poems written by pilgrims on their way to St. Thomas Becker's shrine.
2) I am not a big fan of the Canterbury Tales.
3) But, I am overwhelmingly impressed with the clarity of the rendition.
According to Wikipedia, Chaucer intended to write stories from the perspectives of the 30 pilgrims on their way to and from the shrine but ultimately died before he had the chance to finish.
Bitching Bits of Bones takes these original poems and formats them into chapters with updated language (though keeping true to the original idioms and phrasing of the times).
Unfortunately, I have not studied the originals in detail to truly pick apart what is true to form and what is input from the Mounter.
(Aside: It would have been nice to get a bit more information about the original and exactly what the updates were in an introduction of some sort. I don't think the Canterbury Tales are truly well-known enough to go without introduction outside of an academic setting...).
From what I can tell (from the back of the book), these stories were kept true to form but with added details and an overhaul of the language (and wow, reading even part of the original 14th century poems, thank goodness for the language update!).
Some of the stories I enjoyed and had characters that were witty. In those, the dark humor was just right.
Just be warned, there are definitely areas that are dark, very dark.
The insults and descriptions were clever and while I did not always understand them, I did have quite a few laughs at the crude-ness. There's this:
My arse is redder than a cellarer's nose for want of softer bum-fodder to soak up the stinking bean broth.And this:
"I'm as worn out as a whore's mattress and as empty as a friar's oath."However...I (for the most part) found this book to be...uncomfortable.
I'm still giving it four stars because what the author set out to do was certainly accomplished...I just don't think I care for the original content of the Canterbury Tales.
It's just too...rapey...for my tastes.
It seemed like everywhere women went, they were being raped for comedy or plot device or what ever possible reason. There's this:
"When she adamently refused, his desire became a savage lust. He wrestled her to the ground, violated her maidenhead and then left her for dead."Inevitably followed by some sort of comment like this:
"Why can't more women just accept God's law and practice virginity."All in all, I can see why an unabashed view on the Medieval times is valuable from a historical viewpoint, it just isn't something I'd enjoy reading on a regular basis.
That being said, this book definitely delivered on its premise. The insults were as clever as they were colorful and that certainly held my attention!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
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April 9, 2019
***If you are of a delicate nature and offended by flatulence, bawdy sex, and creative cursing, then this is not the book or review for you. Drunk sailors, hellbound friars, unrepentant whores, adulterous wives, rat bastard husbands, sinners, fallen saints, and curious readers, please proceed, and do so quickly please, before the Archbishop declares this review the devil’s work and consigns this book to the bonfire.
Needless to say, my bags, errhhh really just my books, are packed, and at the first glimmer of torches and glinting pitchforks, I will scuttle away to a new local. Salman Rushdie is on my speed dial.
Ye have been warned.***
Let’s jump right in, shall we?
”Give me life, give me riches, give me power---and give me a ripe slut! Radix malorum est cupiditas---bah! Away with such lies and hypocrisy! Ad libitum suits me much better. Give me corn-ripe beer in the belly and a whore to sard in every town! For I am John Trent--Monk, Pardoner, Inquisitor...and Antichrist! Malevolent from the moment of my spawning, I have yet to meet my match when it comes to unadulterated evil and corruption!�
Ahh yes, The Pardoner, a fine specimen of the church. A man that no woman, girl, or boy would ever want to share a narrow bed with, or a dark alley, or really exchange the time of day with. His friend The Summoner is cut from the same dark, depraved cloth. A man beset by boils that I would describe to you, but then I’d be running the risk of hundreds, if not thousands, of my friends and followers upchucking all over their computers and phones. He, too, is a man from whom one does not want to turn away; for chances are, you will feel that firm push in your back by a pox ridden hand while lecherous fingers seek the sweet pleasures lurking beneath your breeches or skirts.
*Shudder* and *shudder* once again. My teeth chattered on the second one. BITCHING BITS OF BONE!!! How much did chastity belts cost in 14th century England? If you are fine featured or ugly but young or even haggard and old, you either must be fleet of foot or secure your tenders under lock and key.
Oh, and there be friars, as well. How about this pious man of the church?
”He has a magnificent instrument which he plays frequently, letting the tavern wenches touch and stroke its highly-polished wood. There is no limit to his lechery, for cuckold is Friar Pike’s middle name, and he can romp like any whelp this side of London Bridge. Many a wealthy merchant has he also capricornified during those most intimate of confessions with pretty little wives. His absolutions come fast, hot and strong. His pleasant penances are never harsh, but are the very cream of human kindness.�
Don’t you love that word capricornified? You don’t have to know what it means to know what it means. Goodness, as my Chaucer professor at the University of Arizona would say...there is a lot to unpack on nearly every page. Of course, he was reading The Canterbury Tales to us in Middle English, beautifully I might add, but little did I know he was reading us the redacted version, the heavily expunged version that left out the pure essence of the human spirit. Fortunately for us, Dr. Norman Mounter has brought to light the original version. The one that Chaucer wrote unfettered by the heavy, whip ladened hand of the church.
Now if you put Dr. Norman Mounter in 14th century period robes and boots, wouldn’t he look exactly like Geoffrey Chaucer?
It’s not like Chaucer wanted to write Canterbury Tales in the first place. He got into a bit of a kerfuffle with a friar by the name of Cuthbert. Who among us has not felt the impulse to grab a friar by the ears and bang his head off the table, or splatter his nose across his face, or quite possibly even snap his licentious arm? The church decided that, as penance, Chaucer must write the great book of pilgrimage that will be read far and wide with the hope, I’m sure, of increasing the traffic of gullible pilgrims whom the church can fleece the whole distance to Canterbury with trinkets, indulgences, or pig bones sold as saintly remains. All of this will be wrapped in a healthy dose of fire and brimstone. After all, if not for the threat of hell, churches would be grand homes for crickets.
What we all need to fear more than the afterlife is old age. The knight gives us a preview of what is in store for us.
”My Knight’s armour is corroded now. What little febrile flesh remains is melting into my privy water. My face is lupine and scrofulous. My spine has decayed and my bones crumble and collapse. My lungs have rotted inside me. With spittle thick and bloody, I am coughing up my very soul.�
After reading that grotesque description of your potential final days (don’t think you are immune), you must not waste your youth. You must act while the vine runs hot with passion, intrigue, and curiosity of the world beyond your cubicle/apartment/dreary life. You must seize not only the day, but the hour and the minute, as well. Whether that be the cute intern (don’t seize her, woo her) on level three or that handsome devil (don’t seize him, flirt with him) at the reception desk in the lobby, or booking that trip to London, Paris, or Rome and squeezing it all on a credit card, or going to work in a bookstore because you love books, or becoming a teacher because you want to make a difference, most definitely walk away from that soul killing job and chase your creative dreams.
Oh, and when you go to London, be sure to pack your copy of Bitching Bits of Bones. I can assure you it will give you proper perspective when you visit Thomas Becket’s shrine in Canterbury.
The Clerk will tell you a tale that will have you fanning your rosy cheeks with both hands. His impression of other men’s wives, through personal experience, is that they all have a bawdy side just waiting to be let loose with the proper strumming and a reasonable chance of not being caught.
”I tell no lie when I say that you cannot trust a married woman: she is weak and prone to vice and japery---it’s her natural state! There is a common whore in every wife, so let’s not be too inquisitive---for if you poke and pry too deeply, you may very well smell another man’s mettle!�
Anybody else feeling as ”Stung as a Strumpet� ?
I must apologize for the Clerk to all the devoted married women who have read this far into my review. Thank you for hanging in there, and thank you for reserving that special glint in your eye for your husband. The Clerk would be confounded by your dutiful loyalty to your vows.
If anyone smells a horrendous, bitching bits of bone odor while reading this review, you have fallen too far into the world to which I have exposed you. The stench could be from the bowels of any of our pilgrims or possibly a combination of those among them who let loose the thunderous kind and those more inclined to let loose the insidious, deadly, silent ones. The resulting concoction burned my nostrils and watered my eyes numerous times while riding downwind from these flatulent characters. Tis one of the dangers of meeting the unsanitized version of Geoffrey Chaucer’s classic tale.
If I did not mention your favorite pilgrim from the Canterbury Tales, no worries. They are lurking about with Chaucer, gorging themselves on blackbird, plover, curlew, fried fig fitters, comfits, fantailed peacock, honeyed damsons, verjuice plums, and quenching their thirst with hearty, numerous mugs of mead. Is it any wonder that their flatulence rises birds from trees, stampedes cattle, and wilts the flowers along the pilgrimage trail? So be on guard in your travels from all those poxy whores, those lecherous men of the church, those sticky fingered tavern owners, those pretty tapsters, and lusty widows. They will all compromise your virtue as they lighten your purse.
Highly Recommended to the depraved and those seeking an honest view of humanity. As we know, lustful debauchery never lurks far from the hearts of men and women. You will chortle and snicker. You will laugh until you feel pinpricks of tears in your eyes. You will chastise yourself for enjoying the more salacious elements. Most importantly of all, if you must break wind, please let it fly; it will only add to the realism of the experience of reading this book.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:
Needless to say, my bags, errhhh really just my books, are packed, and at the first glimmer of torches and glinting pitchforks, I will scuttle away to a new local. Salman Rushdie is on my speed dial.
Ye have been warned.***
Let’s jump right in, shall we?
”Give me life, give me riches, give me power---and give me a ripe slut! Radix malorum est cupiditas---bah! Away with such lies and hypocrisy! Ad libitum suits me much better. Give me corn-ripe beer in the belly and a whore to sard in every town! For I am John Trent--Monk, Pardoner, Inquisitor...and Antichrist! Malevolent from the moment of my spawning, I have yet to meet my match when it comes to unadulterated evil and corruption!�
Ahh yes, The Pardoner, a fine specimen of the church. A man that no woman, girl, or boy would ever want to share a narrow bed with, or a dark alley, or really exchange the time of day with. His friend The Summoner is cut from the same dark, depraved cloth. A man beset by boils that I would describe to you, but then I’d be running the risk of hundreds, if not thousands, of my friends and followers upchucking all over their computers and phones. He, too, is a man from whom one does not want to turn away; for chances are, you will feel that firm push in your back by a pox ridden hand while lecherous fingers seek the sweet pleasures lurking beneath your breeches or skirts.
*Shudder* and *shudder* once again. My teeth chattered on the second one. BITCHING BITS OF BONE!!! How much did chastity belts cost in 14th century England? If you are fine featured or ugly but young or even haggard and old, you either must be fleet of foot or secure your tenders under lock and key.
Oh, and there be friars, as well. How about this pious man of the church?
”He has a magnificent instrument which he plays frequently, letting the tavern wenches touch and stroke its highly-polished wood. There is no limit to his lechery, for cuckold is Friar Pike’s middle name, and he can romp like any whelp this side of London Bridge. Many a wealthy merchant has he also capricornified during those most intimate of confessions with pretty little wives. His absolutions come fast, hot and strong. His pleasant penances are never harsh, but are the very cream of human kindness.�
Don’t you love that word capricornified? You don’t have to know what it means to know what it means. Goodness, as my Chaucer professor at the University of Arizona would say...there is a lot to unpack on nearly every page. Of course, he was reading The Canterbury Tales to us in Middle English, beautifully I might add, but little did I know he was reading us the redacted version, the heavily expunged version that left out the pure essence of the human spirit. Fortunately for us, Dr. Norman Mounter has brought to light the original version. The one that Chaucer wrote unfettered by the heavy, whip ladened hand of the church.
Now if you put Dr. Norman Mounter in 14th century period robes and boots, wouldn’t he look exactly like Geoffrey Chaucer?
It’s not like Chaucer wanted to write Canterbury Tales in the first place. He got into a bit of a kerfuffle with a friar by the name of Cuthbert. Who among us has not felt the impulse to grab a friar by the ears and bang his head off the table, or splatter his nose across his face, or quite possibly even snap his licentious arm? The church decided that, as penance, Chaucer must write the great book of pilgrimage that will be read far and wide with the hope, I’m sure, of increasing the traffic of gullible pilgrims whom the church can fleece the whole distance to Canterbury with trinkets, indulgences, or pig bones sold as saintly remains. All of this will be wrapped in a healthy dose of fire and brimstone. After all, if not for the threat of hell, churches would be grand homes for crickets.
What we all need to fear more than the afterlife is old age. The knight gives us a preview of what is in store for us.
”My Knight’s armour is corroded now. What little febrile flesh remains is melting into my privy water. My face is lupine and scrofulous. My spine has decayed and my bones crumble and collapse. My lungs have rotted inside me. With spittle thick and bloody, I am coughing up my very soul.�
After reading that grotesque description of your potential final days (don’t think you are immune), you must not waste your youth. You must act while the vine runs hot with passion, intrigue, and curiosity of the world beyond your cubicle/apartment/dreary life. You must seize not only the day, but the hour and the minute, as well. Whether that be the cute intern (don’t seize her, woo her) on level three or that handsome devil (don’t seize him, flirt with him) at the reception desk in the lobby, or booking that trip to London, Paris, or Rome and squeezing it all on a credit card, or going to work in a bookstore because you love books, or becoming a teacher because you want to make a difference, most definitely walk away from that soul killing job and chase your creative dreams.
Oh, and when you go to London, be sure to pack your copy of Bitching Bits of Bones. I can assure you it will give you proper perspective when you visit Thomas Becket’s shrine in Canterbury.
The Clerk will tell you a tale that will have you fanning your rosy cheeks with both hands. His impression of other men’s wives, through personal experience, is that they all have a bawdy side just waiting to be let loose with the proper strumming and a reasonable chance of not being caught.
”I tell no lie when I say that you cannot trust a married woman: she is weak and prone to vice and japery---it’s her natural state! There is a common whore in every wife, so let’s not be too inquisitive---for if you poke and pry too deeply, you may very well smell another man’s mettle!�
Anybody else feeling as ”Stung as a Strumpet� ?
I must apologize for the Clerk to all the devoted married women who have read this far into my review. Thank you for hanging in there, and thank you for reserving that special glint in your eye for your husband. The Clerk would be confounded by your dutiful loyalty to your vows.
If anyone smells a horrendous, bitching bits of bone odor while reading this review, you have fallen too far into the world to which I have exposed you. The stench could be from the bowels of any of our pilgrims or possibly a combination of those among them who let loose the thunderous kind and those more inclined to let loose the insidious, deadly, silent ones. The resulting concoction burned my nostrils and watered my eyes numerous times while riding downwind from these flatulent characters. Tis one of the dangers of meeting the unsanitized version of Geoffrey Chaucer’s classic tale.
If I did not mention your favorite pilgrim from the Canterbury Tales, no worries. They are lurking about with Chaucer, gorging themselves on blackbird, plover, curlew, fried fig fitters, comfits, fantailed peacock, honeyed damsons, verjuice plums, and quenching their thirst with hearty, numerous mugs of mead. Is it any wonder that their flatulence rises birds from trees, stampedes cattle, and wilts the flowers along the pilgrimage trail? So be on guard in your travels from all those poxy whores, those lecherous men of the church, those sticky fingered tavern owners, those pretty tapsters, and lusty widows. They will all compromise your virtue as they lighten your purse.
Highly Recommended to the depraved and those seeking an honest view of humanity. As we know, lustful debauchery never lurks far from the hearts of men and women. You will chortle and snicker. You will laugh until you feel pinpricks of tears in your eyes. You will chastise yourself for enjoying the more salacious elements. Most importantly of all, if you must break wind, please let it fly; it will only add to the realism of the experience of reading this book.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:
December 15, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have not connection to Dr Norman Mounter.
I did enjoy this book. I think Mounter managed to capture the danger and brutality of medieval England perfectly. There is a lot of darkness in this book, but it is broken up with bits of dark humour.
I do not remember much of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales as I last read it at school, but I did really enjoy this book. There are parts of this book, gave me nightmares and I can't get out of my head. I am sure anyone with kids will understand where I am coming from. However this book had me laughing out loud in places. I think the dark humour came at the right time, to get rid of the proper darkness and dogma of the era.
The one thing I would say was this book would have been perfect as a play. The style of "asides", monologue and dialogue for each character would have been absolutely perfect in a playwright format, and the fact that is set in Medevil England just makes that format suit this book perfectly.
I did enjoy this book. I think Mounter managed to capture the danger and brutality of medieval England perfectly. There is a lot of darkness in this book, but it is broken up with bits of dark humour.
I do not remember much of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales as I last read it at school, but I did really enjoy this book. There are parts of this book, gave me nightmares and I can't get out of my head. I am sure anyone with kids will understand where I am coming from. However this book had me laughing out loud in places. I think the dark humour came at the right time, to get rid of the proper darkness and dogma of the era.
The one thing I would say was this book would have been perfect as a play. The style of "asides", monologue and dialogue for each character would have been absolutely perfect in a playwright format, and the fact that is set in Medevil England just makes that format suit this book perfectly.
December 10, 2019
4 stars
Okay so the book is really something else. So different from what I am used to read. But I am so glad I picked this up.
I was afraid that I was going to be a little bit lost while reading this,(because I haven't read "The Canterbury Tales" before) but the author did a splendid job explaining everything so that you can read this even if you haven't read or you don't remember from school "The Canterbury Tales".
I expected the story to be dark, but surprisingly it was even darker than I thought. The book portraits in a very realistic way the medieval England and how things were back then.
The book is filled with crazy stories of our main protagonists. Some moments are really hard to get through because they are really dark, and some are so light and funny. The author did a great job blending these two contrasts.
I found the book very informative. I wasn't quite familiar with British literature before, but this book has made me interested in it.
The humour was the only reason why this was not a 5 stars experience. Don't get me wrong, the book had me laughing out loud in some moments. This is more of a personal preference because I don't enjoy very much the dark humour.
Was it worth reading? - Of course.
Will I read it again? - Maybe in the future.
Will I recommend it? - Yes, especially if you like dark humour, please read it.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Okay so the book is really something else. So different from what I am used to read. But I am so glad I picked this up.
I was afraid that I was going to be a little bit lost while reading this,(because I haven't read "The Canterbury Tales" before) but the author did a splendid job explaining everything so that you can read this even if you haven't read or you don't remember from school "The Canterbury Tales".
I expected the story to be dark, but surprisingly it was even darker than I thought. The book portraits in a very realistic way the medieval England and how things were back then.
The book is filled with crazy stories of our main protagonists. Some moments are really hard to get through because they are really dark, and some are so light and funny. The author did a great job blending these two contrasts.
I found the book very informative. I wasn't quite familiar with British literature before, but this book has made me interested in it.
The humour was the only reason why this was not a 5 stars experience. Don't get me wrong, the book had me laughing out loud in some moments. This is more of a personal preference because I don't enjoy very much the dark humour.
Was it worth reading? - Of course.
Will I read it again? - Maybe in the future.
Will I recommend it? - Yes, especially if you like dark humour, please read it.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2020
Encounters
Bitching Bits of Bone is a novel that doesn’t mind offending any comfortable perception you may have of medieval times. The context of the story is the inspiration behind Geoffrey Chaucer’s writing of The Canterbury Tales and the entertaining vignettes that influenced his tales and writing. What was life really like for all manner of people trying to survive?
There is intent to make this story as authentic as possible, including uncensored dialogue, graphic tales of sexual exploits and opportunities, colourful descriptions of the diseases and ails, and disturbingly the cures and treatments. A strong stomach is required � for all of the above. What I feel adds significantly to the story is the dark humour weaved throughout. Otherwise, it would feel like a continuous attempt to break your composure.
The characters are harsh, merciless and racked with greed � particularly those from State and Church. Not one to miss a trick, John Trent � Monk, The Pardoner, The Inquisitor, sees the Shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury as the English Church’s main asset. A pilgrimage to Canterbury from London would be a wonderful money-making opportunity. He suggests creating a Canterbury Pilgrim’s Almanac in 4 parts: a history guide, a hagiography of Saint Thomas Becket, a prayer/sermon guide and a traveller’s guide. After researching far and wide the principal author of the Pilgrim’s Almanac is to be � da da da Geoffrey Chaucer.
The subject matter did at times cause me to cringe, however, the humour is clever and it felt very relevant to the time period. What caused me the greatest difficulty was that I didn’t, and although I tried I couldn’t, get fully engrossed in the story. I found the level of detail (maybe I mean disgusting detail) was too much for me and interrupted the flow of the story at times. Also, the uncensored dialogue is as crude as it comes and I have to admit I did wince on many occasions.
This is a really unique piece of literature and it’s one of the aspects of reading non-mainstream authors that is really appealing. We get a glimpse of a well-crafted unconventional novel that opens up many new perspectives on writing and insights into a history that isn’t all romantic and socially supportive.
After reading, How to Remove a Brain, a few months ago, which outlined many bizarre historical practices in medicine and with physicians, I had just managed to rid myself of an image of a doctor tasting urine to determine a patient’s ailment and here again it’s brought back to life. It’s probably never going to leave now.
I would recommend reading this book and I'd like to thank Dr Norman Mounter for providing me with a version of his book in return for an honest review.
Bitching Bits of Bone is a novel that doesn’t mind offending any comfortable perception you may have of medieval times. The context of the story is the inspiration behind Geoffrey Chaucer’s writing of The Canterbury Tales and the entertaining vignettes that influenced his tales and writing. What was life really like for all manner of people trying to survive?
There is intent to make this story as authentic as possible, including uncensored dialogue, graphic tales of sexual exploits and opportunities, colourful descriptions of the diseases and ails, and disturbingly the cures and treatments. A strong stomach is required � for all of the above. What I feel adds significantly to the story is the dark humour weaved throughout. Otherwise, it would feel like a continuous attempt to break your composure.
The characters are harsh, merciless and racked with greed � particularly those from State and Church. Not one to miss a trick, John Trent � Monk, The Pardoner, The Inquisitor, sees the Shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury as the English Church’s main asset. A pilgrimage to Canterbury from London would be a wonderful money-making opportunity. He suggests creating a Canterbury Pilgrim’s Almanac in 4 parts: a history guide, a hagiography of Saint Thomas Becket, a prayer/sermon guide and a traveller’s guide. After researching far and wide the principal author of the Pilgrim’s Almanac is to be � da da da Geoffrey Chaucer.
The subject matter did at times cause me to cringe, however, the humour is clever and it felt very relevant to the time period. What caused me the greatest difficulty was that I didn’t, and although I tried I couldn’t, get fully engrossed in the story. I found the level of detail (maybe I mean disgusting detail) was too much for me and interrupted the flow of the story at times. Also, the uncensored dialogue is as crude as it comes and I have to admit I did wince on many occasions.
This is a really unique piece of literature and it’s one of the aspects of reading non-mainstream authors that is really appealing. We get a glimpse of a well-crafted unconventional novel that opens up many new perspectives on writing and insights into a history that isn’t all romantic and socially supportive.
After reading, How to Remove a Brain, a few months ago, which outlined many bizarre historical practices in medicine and with physicians, I had just managed to rid myself of an image of a doctor tasting urine to determine a patient’s ailment and here again it’s brought back to life. It’s probably never going to leave now.
I would recommend reading this book and I'd like to thank Dr Norman Mounter for providing me with a version of his book in return for an honest review.
April 29, 2019
3.5 stars
Don't worry. One doesn't really need to have read prior to reading this book. I have only read sections - those assigned by my 11th grade English Literature teacher. Sure, this book might be more enjoyable to those of us who have read parts (has anyone read the entire thing?) of The Canterbury Tales. This book aims to give an explanation as to why Chaucer wanted to write the Canterbury Tales. What inspired him, and well, what became of him? If you have not read Chaucer's work, I suggest reading this with the Medieval times in mind. What life was like back then.
On its own this book is bawdy, raucous, depraved, stench filled, fart filled, greedy, obscene, offensive, brimming with cringe worthy scenes, yet entertaining book that sheds light into the Medieval days. Not just the days mind you, the nights, the ailments, the disease, the treatments, and the "relationships". When members of the church/clergy wielded great power and were corrupt, greedy, had vile appetites and well, weren't the nicest people. That's putting it lightly, I know.
I did not read this book as fast as I usually do. There are a lot of descriptions and I needed to get used to the writing style. There were parts of the book which I found to be faster reads than others. Yet, I appreciated the dark humor and look back through time. What events led Chaucer to write the Canterbury tales? What inspired those vignettes?
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions in this book are my own.
Don't worry. One doesn't really need to have read prior to reading this book. I have only read sections - those assigned by my 11th grade English Literature teacher. Sure, this book might be more enjoyable to those of us who have read parts (has anyone read the entire thing?) of The Canterbury Tales. This book aims to give an explanation as to why Chaucer wanted to write the Canterbury Tales. What inspired him, and well, what became of him? If you have not read Chaucer's work, I suggest reading this with the Medieval times in mind. What life was like back then.
On its own this book is bawdy, raucous, depraved, stench filled, fart filled, greedy, obscene, offensive, brimming with cringe worthy scenes, yet entertaining book that sheds light into the Medieval days. Not just the days mind you, the nights, the ailments, the disease, the treatments, and the "relationships". When members of the church/clergy wielded great power and were corrupt, greedy, had vile appetites and well, weren't the nicest people. That's putting it lightly, I know.
I did not read this book as fast as I usually do. There are a lot of descriptions and I needed to get used to the writing style. There were parts of the book which I found to be faster reads than others. Yet, I appreciated the dark humor and look back through time. What events led Chaucer to write the Canterbury tales? What inspired those vignettes?
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions in this book are my own.
November 28, 2018
When I received a message from Dr. Norman Mounter, seeking that I read his latest publication, I could not wait to discover what the author had penned or how I would feel about it. His premise was simple, yet somewhat complex at the same time. ‘What prompted Geoffrey Chaucer to write The Canterbury Tales? And what became of him afterwards?� I will be the first to admit, I am no Chaucer fan, nor have I ever had the inclination to read the Canterbury Tales—I suppose I did not inherit those English teacher genes from my father—but I am usually open to something a little off the beaten path. Plus, with a title as scandalous as the one presented here, how could I refuse? Mounter reveals all in his fourteenth-century tale that explores some of the events that led Chaucer to come upon a number of individuals whose personal vignettes were worthy of addition into a larger poetic expression. There are both delights and horrors, some events so graphic that they will make your skin crawl, but all told in as realistic and detailed prose as one would likely have uncovered with the locals who had little interested in censoring their speech. Church and State prove not only to be intertwined, but make strange bedfellows, at times taking a young maiden along with them for a pox-filled night of glorious debauchery. Mounter brings the journey to Canterbury alive and provides Geoffrey Chaucer with more personal characteristics than are present in the classic piece of English literature. Most likely a stunning piece for those who love such things, though as an outsider, I felt as though I played my part and did not emerge contented. But, such be the nature of the beast at times.
One cannot always expect to love a book, especially if it is written from outside one’s zone of comfort. It does raise the question about whether someone with little interested in a topic beforehand ought to pen reviews of books, which may skew the sentiment and overall passion that others would feel for the piece. While I choose not to wade too deeply into the debate, I can admit that since the author sought me out, my voice should not be diluted. Additionally, there are times when books should be held to play a role other than to entertain, but also to lure the reader into the middle of its plot. This book did not do this for me, though I refuse to pan it entirely for that shortcoming. Mounter does offer up a wonderful story related to Geoffrey Chaucer and those he met during his foray through England. The details attributed to many of the characters kept me raising my eyebrows. I will admit that I could picture some of them as they developed, even if I was not entirely taken by their presence. From powerful clergymen to pox-filled whores, the vivid description, both in the narrative and through recounting dialogue help bring these folks to life in many ways. The story seemed sound and Mounter surely has researched the topic, as well as injected some of his own creative sentiments throughout. I can only hope that those who enjoyed Chaucer’s epic Canterbury Tales will find something interesting herein. I can say this for Mounter, if nothing else: he surely loves to find a way to use the title in the story proper, for it comes up in some form or another in most every part of the book. I have even found myself using it when speaking to others, creating a meaning to fit my need for its use. One might also say that Mounter is accurate in his depiction of the time period and those aspects of Chaucer’s journey, so there is that. Entertaining for some and riveting for others, though I find myself unable to admit to either aspect entirely.
Kudos, Dr. Mounter, for this interesting piece. I am pleaded to have said I tried, though will by no means feel as though I succeeded in wanting to know more about Chaucer or his misadventures!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
One cannot always expect to love a book, especially if it is written from outside one’s zone of comfort. It does raise the question about whether someone with little interested in a topic beforehand ought to pen reviews of books, which may skew the sentiment and overall passion that others would feel for the piece. While I choose not to wade too deeply into the debate, I can admit that since the author sought me out, my voice should not be diluted. Additionally, there are times when books should be held to play a role other than to entertain, but also to lure the reader into the middle of its plot. This book did not do this for me, though I refuse to pan it entirely for that shortcoming. Mounter does offer up a wonderful story related to Geoffrey Chaucer and those he met during his foray through England. The details attributed to many of the characters kept me raising my eyebrows. I will admit that I could picture some of them as they developed, even if I was not entirely taken by their presence. From powerful clergymen to pox-filled whores, the vivid description, both in the narrative and through recounting dialogue help bring these folks to life in many ways. The story seemed sound and Mounter surely has researched the topic, as well as injected some of his own creative sentiments throughout. I can only hope that those who enjoyed Chaucer’s epic Canterbury Tales will find something interesting herein. I can say this for Mounter, if nothing else: he surely loves to find a way to use the title in the story proper, for it comes up in some form or another in most every part of the book. I have even found myself using it when speaking to others, creating a meaning to fit my need for its use. One might also say that Mounter is accurate in his depiction of the time period and those aspects of Chaucer’s journey, so there is that. Entertaining for some and riveting for others, though I find myself unable to admit to either aspect entirely.
Kudos, Dr. Mounter, for this interesting piece. I am pleaded to have said I tried, though will by no means feel as though I succeeded in wanting to know more about Chaucer or his misadventures!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
January 12, 2019
Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book for my unbiased review.
Well.
I’ve given myself about four months to stew over this book, and I still don’t know what exactly I want to say. This book is crude, and not always in a humorous way. I’m far from being a prude as many of you can attest, so for me to say this is something. It was like when your dad farted and then tried to stuff your head under the blanket with it. He thought it was funny; no one else did.
I looked forward to reading this because of the premise; it’s based on the writings of the Canterbury Tales. Although I find the Tales a bit longwinded, I was intrigued by the idea that book wanted to shed light on the books inspiration, fictionally speaking of course. All of the characters were represented. Zero had redeeming qualities except Chaucer, which I think was the point, but it didn’t push me to read about any of them either. I just didn’t find their antics entertaining. Although there were times events did bring a smile to my face, it was often spoiled by the fact that the title of the book is mentioned in every single chapter, at times with a stretched meaning, which was grating.
I’ve given this three stars because Although I did not thoroughly enjoy it, it was quite well written. This book is extremely well researched. It has amazing sentence structure and vocabulary. It flows quite well. It’s really quite an impressive piece with a lot of tenacity behind it. I wish I could say I loved it, I really do. But I just can’t.
Well.
I’ve given myself about four months to stew over this book, and I still don’t know what exactly I want to say. This book is crude, and not always in a humorous way. I’m far from being a prude as many of you can attest, so for me to say this is something. It was like when your dad farted and then tried to stuff your head under the blanket with it. He thought it was funny; no one else did.
I looked forward to reading this because of the premise; it’s based on the writings of the Canterbury Tales. Although I find the Tales a bit longwinded, I was intrigued by the idea that book wanted to shed light on the books inspiration, fictionally speaking of course. All of the characters were represented. Zero had redeeming qualities except Chaucer, which I think was the point, but it didn’t push me to read about any of them either. I just didn’t find their antics entertaining. Although there were times events did bring a smile to my face, it was often spoiled by the fact that the title of the book is mentioned in every single chapter, at times with a stretched meaning, which was grating.
I’ve given this three stars because Although I did not thoroughly enjoy it, it was quite well written. This book is extremely well researched. It has amazing sentence structure and vocabulary. It flows quite well. It’s really quite an impressive piece with a lot of tenacity behind it. I wish I could say I loved it, I really do. But I just can’t.
April 6, 2019
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
The book is very interesting and gave me an insight into the corrupted world of medieval times and how some of those corruptions still exist. There is a lot of darkness in this book, but it is split up with parts of dark humor, which was cleverly done and had me laughing out loud in some places. The writing is superb, and the scenes and setting draw you in and hold you tightly. The author has an extraordinary way of describing things, I could almost taste the food from his descriptions and I could almost feel pangs of suffering from the torments that some characters were forced to go through. If you’re a historical fiction fan who loves unique and original stories and enjoy the dark humor, then this book is definitely for you.
The book is very interesting and gave me an insight into the corrupted world of medieval times and how some of those corruptions still exist. There is a lot of darkness in this book, but it is split up with parts of dark humor, which was cleverly done and had me laughing out loud in some places. The writing is superb, and the scenes and setting draw you in and hold you tightly. The author has an extraordinary way of describing things, I could almost taste the food from his descriptions and I could almost feel pangs of suffering from the torments that some characters were forced to go through. If you’re a historical fiction fan who loves unique and original stories and enjoy the dark humor, then this book is definitely for you.
October 28, 2018
Although Bitching Bits of Bone is not my usual bag, I do have a soft spot for original tales, and I felt that this certainly fit the bill in that respect. However, I had no idea quite how amusing and entertaining it was going to be. This book has something for everyone - an expertly crafted dark tale, realistic portrayal of medieval England, hilarious and wickedly clever satire and a cast of unforgettable characters. Hands down one of the most unique stories I've had the pleasure to read lately, and I appreciated that Mounter has written the book he wanted to write and not merely catered to the masses like some authors.
What is masterfully managed throughout is the contrast between light and dark - the bleak story and the black humour, these two aspects helped keep momentum and everything flowing well from one page to the next. I can see exactly why this has received such glowing praise from all manner of folks. At its core, this is a tragicomedy with a multitude of deliciously dark, deviant and disturbing happenings, and with the writing being so eminently readable, I didn't want to leave this fictional world. The author's sharp, snappy prose painted vivid pictures and instantly transported me to the places depicted. It very much appears as though a lot of time and effort went into researching the period in which it's set as it came across as most authentic.
It isn't necessary to have read The Canterbury Tales in order to enjoy Bitching Bits of Bone, and although I have read it many years ago, I no longer remember much about it. However, this had no overall bearing on my appreciation of this book. If you're a historical fiction fan this will be a surefire hit with you and with those who love unique and original stories. There is quite a lot of profanity in this work, but it never comes across as gratuitous, and I would say that this is not for the faint-hearted!
Many thanks to Dr Norman Mounter for an ARC. I was not required to write a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
What is masterfully managed throughout is the contrast between light and dark - the bleak story and the black humour, these two aspects helped keep momentum and everything flowing well from one page to the next. I can see exactly why this has received such glowing praise from all manner of folks. At its core, this is a tragicomedy with a multitude of deliciously dark, deviant and disturbing happenings, and with the writing being so eminently readable, I didn't want to leave this fictional world. The author's sharp, snappy prose painted vivid pictures and instantly transported me to the places depicted. It very much appears as though a lot of time and effort went into researching the period in which it's set as it came across as most authentic.
It isn't necessary to have read The Canterbury Tales in order to enjoy Bitching Bits of Bone, and although I have read it many years ago, I no longer remember much about it. However, this had no overall bearing on my appreciation of this book. If you're a historical fiction fan this will be a surefire hit with you and with those who love unique and original stories. There is quite a lot of profanity in this work, but it never comes across as gratuitous, and I would say that this is not for the faint-hearted!
Many thanks to Dr Norman Mounter for an ARC. I was not required to write a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
March 25, 2019
Okay, the dark humor got me. This is not particularly the genre I review but it was reccomended to me. I can see why.
I have not read the Canterbury tales so I am glad the author made it easier to understand.
Though this was a tale about protagonist, what will catch readers like me to love this book is the writing style to showcase medieval life. A good read.
I have not read the Canterbury tales so I am glad the author made it easier to understand.
Though this was a tale about protagonist, what will catch readers like me to love this book is the writing style to showcase medieval life. A good read.
December 2, 2018
Grim, gritty and gloriously graphic, this excellently written and uncompromising historical fiction novel follows the travels of one Geoffrey Chaucer that are to culminate in the Canterbury Tales (which one does not have to have read in order to enjoy this book). Bringing the brutality of 14th century England expertly to life, this is, suffice it to say, not a book for those of a delicate disposition or given to squeamishness, as it does contain a plethora of very graphic scenes that some readers might find thoroughly offputting. Still intrigued? Imbued with deliciously dark humour, it is a book rife with profanity, filth and fornication, containing about equal parts of violence, vice and viscera. And if that description made you perk up and say "That sounds awesome, tell me more!", then you, much like myself, might find this tale wickedly enjoyable and very much worth the read.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
April 18, 2019
Bitching Bit of Bones was a very different read to my usual. I do like well researched historical novels though, so gave it a go.
What to Expect
An uncompromising depiction of life in 14th century London, based on characters out of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. It is not a retelling of Chaucer, simply using his characters to depict life in the period.
Each chapter describes an episode, depicting recurring characters going about their life and dealing with issues of the time - from plagues to church corruption.
What I liked
The historical accuracy and detailed description of life. The language is high and appropriate for the era, but still accessible to the modern reader. Mounter had clearly done tremendous research into daily life of the period, and attempts to bring it to life for modern readers.
What to be aware of
First and foremost, these is a collection of unconnected episodes - there is no overarching story line. It can get repetitive after a while, without the driving narrative force of a cohesive plot to keep you going. I also found the references to characters a bit confusing and hard to follow at times, which didn't help with connecting to the work.
There are also gruesomely vivid descriptions of medieval diseases and pestilence, the physicians' no less horrifying cures, and creative medieval tortures. Definitely not for the faint of heart, neither a book to be read around meal times.
Summary
If you liked Chaucer in school or love everything medieval (and not the typical fantasy faux medieval setting, but the real deal) give it a try. It will be very education in the ways of medieval medicine and low life. If you're looking for books driven by plot and characters, this might not be the one for you.
--
, author of : A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
An uncompromising depiction of life in 14th century London, based on characters out of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. It is not a retelling of Chaucer, simply using his characters to depict life in the period.
Each chapter describes an episode, depicting recurring characters going about their life and dealing with issues of the time - from plagues to church corruption.
What I liked
The historical accuracy and detailed description of life. The language is high and appropriate for the era, but still accessible to the modern reader. Mounter had clearly done tremendous research into daily life of the period, and attempts to bring it to life for modern readers.
What to be aware of
First and foremost, these is a collection of unconnected episodes - there is no overarching story line. It can get repetitive after a while, without the driving narrative force of a cohesive plot to keep you going. I also found the references to characters a bit confusing and hard to follow at times, which didn't help with connecting to the work.
There are also gruesomely vivid descriptions of medieval diseases and pestilence, the physicians' no less horrifying cures, and creative medieval tortures. Definitely not for the faint of heart, neither a book to be read around meal times.
Summary
If you liked Chaucer in school or love everything medieval (and not the typical fantasy faux medieval setting, but the real deal) give it a try. It will be very education in the ways of medieval medicine and low life. If you're looking for books driven by plot and characters, this might not be the one for you.
--
, author of : A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
August 17, 2019
Historical fiction and dark humor meet in a bar. The offspring of that encounter is Bitching Bits of Bone.
Seriously, this book is truly historical fiction. It is well-researched. A good book not only entertains you but teaches you too. You may learn more than you ever care to know about medieval ailments, and worse, their "cures."
The dialogue is much easier to read than Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. That's worth a lot to me. This book is not a retelling of the Canterbury Tales, but a historical fiction novel in its own right, using characters from the original.
I recommend Bitching Bits of Bone to fans of historical fiction, dark humor, medieval ages, and of course Chaucer.
If you are faint of heart, squeamish, or easily offended by the harsher side of life, this is probably not the book for you.
I read a review copy of the book. The above review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Seriously, this book is truly historical fiction. It is well-researched. A good book not only entertains you but teaches you too. You may learn more than you ever care to know about medieval ailments, and worse, their "cures."
The dialogue is much easier to read than Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. That's worth a lot to me. This book is not a retelling of the Canterbury Tales, but a historical fiction novel in its own right, using characters from the original.
I recommend Bitching Bits of Bone to fans of historical fiction, dark humor, medieval ages, and of course Chaucer.
If you are faint of heart, squeamish, or easily offended by the harsher side of life, this is probably not the book for you.
I read a review copy of the book. The above review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
May 9, 2019
A special thank you goes out to John Wedlake for giving me a copy of this book to read. I’m so sorry it’s so late! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
tw: constant slut shaming, graphic descriptions of mutilation, anti antisemitism, suicide, burnings, graphic descriptions of torture, graphic descriptions of death, attempted sexual assault, rape, assault and battery
What an interesting book! I confess that I have no idea what the Tales of Canterbury are. I think it was mentioned briefly in high school but I never studied it. After reading this book, I am interested in learning more about it. And I also want to read the Bible for some reason. Not sure why.
Anyway despite not knowing about the Tales of Canterbury, I found this book enjoyable. There were times I had no idea what was going on but I enjoyed the ride. There were a multitude of characters, all with huge personalities that I enjoyed. I couldn't even begin to list them but I enjoyed most of them. Even the most horrible and sexist ones. They were so outrageous, that I found myself just shaking my head at their antics.
One of the biggest positives about this book was the language. True, I didn’t always understand what they were saying but I felt it to be true to the time this book took place in, which I think is around the 1400s. It was actually quite enjoyable to see a book with conversation like this.
I gave this book 3.5 stars because despite me enjoying the ride, the confusion on what was happening got to me, especially at the end. I think if I had read the Tales of Canterbury, this book might have made more sense to me.
Overall, this was good. I think that if you enjoy history as much as I do, then you might like this book. Also, if you have read the Tales of Canterbury, then I think you would enjoy this book even more.
tw: constant slut shaming, graphic descriptions of mutilation, anti antisemitism, suicide, burnings, graphic descriptions of torture, graphic descriptions of death, attempted sexual assault, rape, assault and battery
What an interesting book! I confess that I have no idea what the Tales of Canterbury are. I think it was mentioned briefly in high school but I never studied it. After reading this book, I am interested in learning more about it. And I also want to read the Bible for some reason. Not sure why.
Anyway despite not knowing about the Tales of Canterbury, I found this book enjoyable. There were times I had no idea what was going on but I enjoyed the ride. There were a multitude of characters, all with huge personalities that I enjoyed. I couldn't even begin to list them but I enjoyed most of them. Even the most horrible and sexist ones. They were so outrageous, that I found myself just shaking my head at their antics.
One of the biggest positives about this book was the language. True, I didn’t always understand what they were saying but I felt it to be true to the time this book took place in, which I think is around the 1400s. It was actually quite enjoyable to see a book with conversation like this.
I gave this book 3.5 stars because despite me enjoying the ride, the confusion on what was happening got to me, especially at the end. I think if I had read the Tales of Canterbury, this book might have made more sense to me.
Overall, this was good. I think that if you enjoy history as much as I do, then you might like this book. Also, if you have read the Tales of Canterbury, then I think you would enjoy this book even more.
December 29, 2022
If you use the phrase “Modern masterpiece� these days you risk straying into the realms of hyperbole, but having read the undeniably modern masterpiece “Broken Oaths�, I was curious as to what else this Dr Norman Mounter bloke had produced (hereafter referred to as “Norm� so I don’t have to re-type “Dr Norman Mounter� every time). Doing a search on his name in Amazon, I saw there WAS another one: He’d actually written another book before, this “Bitching Bits of Bone� one. What’s it all about? Well, this revolves around Geoffrey Chaucer and “The Canterbury Tales� which was about a group of pilgrims making their way from London to Canterbury and telling stories along the way. However, the original Canterbury Tales was written over several years up to 1400, in Middle English and mainly in verse. This is written in novel form in modern English.
The plot does involve Chaucer himself and several pilgrims making the trip to Canterbury and other stories cropping up along the way, but there’s far more to it than that: This is a very juicy book with a lot to get your teeth into: It’s a veritable smorgasbord! So what’s on our plate here then? Well, an accurate description of life in Medieval times, including a fair amount on the medical treatments of the time, with Norm being a Doctor and all. He takes a lot of trouble with descriptions: It’s always very descriptive, be it places or people. So much so, it made me glad I didn’t live in those times, but then in 600-odd years time, maybe people will look back and be glad they didn’t live in THESE times! With the extent of the descriptions, I could almost smell it! The lack of personal hygiene: Smells are covered up rather than removed and the general grossness and hardship of life back then. We also have an illustration of the rank hypocrisy, greed and corruption inherent in the church and the massive wealth gap between rich and poor (sound familiar? So that hasn’t changed much in 600 years then!). Essentially, if you weren’t rich, then life was a hard struggle just to survive or stay healthy. There’s a fair bit of gore, scarily detailed descriptions of executions and the most disturbing imagining of hell that I’ve ever read. The extent of some of the detail would have necessitated a lot of research too: I marvel at the patience required to muster all that information beforehand! Very eloquent language. Tons of clever alliteration. SOOO much effort put into the form and construction of the language.
I was impressed at just how often flatulence features! At one point, there’s even speculation at how one might multifurcate a fart to reach several noses at once! Well, I grew up in the Mayall/Edmondson era, so I’m not averse to it!
I wonder why Norm chose this particular subject and setting? I noticed he actually went to the Geoffrey Chaucer School in Canterbury! Maybe that was it!
So, there are a lot of themes and subjects covered. This has to be a balanced review, so are there any negatives? Errrr, no, not really. Can’t think of any. I think “Broken Oaths� was better, but this is still a good book, it’s well worth your time to read it, rest assured.
Oh, and the ending: Brilliant, very clever. It compelled me to go on Wikipedia to check the historic facts and made me go “Ohhhh I see! I see what he’s doing there. Very good!�
The plot does involve Chaucer himself and several pilgrims making the trip to Canterbury and other stories cropping up along the way, but there’s far more to it than that: This is a very juicy book with a lot to get your teeth into: It’s a veritable smorgasbord! So what’s on our plate here then? Well, an accurate description of life in Medieval times, including a fair amount on the medical treatments of the time, with Norm being a Doctor and all. He takes a lot of trouble with descriptions: It’s always very descriptive, be it places or people. So much so, it made me glad I didn’t live in those times, but then in 600-odd years time, maybe people will look back and be glad they didn’t live in THESE times! With the extent of the descriptions, I could almost smell it! The lack of personal hygiene: Smells are covered up rather than removed and the general grossness and hardship of life back then. We also have an illustration of the rank hypocrisy, greed and corruption inherent in the church and the massive wealth gap between rich and poor (sound familiar? So that hasn’t changed much in 600 years then!). Essentially, if you weren’t rich, then life was a hard struggle just to survive or stay healthy. There’s a fair bit of gore, scarily detailed descriptions of executions and the most disturbing imagining of hell that I’ve ever read. The extent of some of the detail would have necessitated a lot of research too: I marvel at the patience required to muster all that information beforehand! Very eloquent language. Tons of clever alliteration. SOOO much effort put into the form and construction of the language.
I was impressed at just how often flatulence features! At one point, there’s even speculation at how one might multifurcate a fart to reach several noses at once! Well, I grew up in the Mayall/Edmondson era, so I’m not averse to it!
I wonder why Norm chose this particular subject and setting? I noticed he actually went to the Geoffrey Chaucer School in Canterbury! Maybe that was it!
So, there are a lot of themes and subjects covered. This has to be a balanced review, so are there any negatives? Errrr, no, not really. Can’t think of any. I think “Broken Oaths� was better, but this is still a good book, it’s well worth your time to read it, rest assured.
Oh, and the ending: Brilliant, very clever. It compelled me to go on Wikipedia to check the historic facts and made me go “Ohhhh I see! I see what he’s doing there. Very good!�
March 16, 2019
DNF
First, I'd like to thank John Wedlake for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I am sorry to say, though, that I just couldn't bring myself to finish this (so it's in my DNF category). I got through the end of Chapter 12 (about 19% of the book), and, as much as I really, really wanted to like this book, I just couldn't force myself to go on.
First, the good: there is a LOT of research that obviously went into the planning and writing of this book, and I commend Norman Mounter for that research. As a medieval scholar myself, I was able to truly appreciate the gritty realism and the obvious delving deep into the details of both Chaucer's life and the kind of everyday life that the characters in this book and Chaucer's original Canterbury Tales would have lived. Mounter also has really captured the rhythm and tone of the language of that time.
However, all that is good about that research and gritty realism is also what ultimately made the book really, really drag for me. I appreciate greatly that Mounter was trying to create a world and story that would pretty much complement Chaucer's own writing, but it was quite heavy-handed for a novel that would appeal to a 21st century reader - even one as steeped in medieval history as I am.
Within every chapter, as each new character was introduced, there were too many incredibly long passages of that one character droning on and on about his/her background, traits, and foibles, which stopped the overall story in its tracks - in other words, too much telling and not enough showing. These constant monologues by one character or another was the equivalent of having an Oxford don in full regalia standing at a lectern reading off the lecture of the day to his students. I kept on losing track of the story and found it hard to pick up the thread again.
I kept looking for STORY, but found myself getting frustrated.
And, there was one other thing that really started to get under my skin: how many times the title phrase "Bitching Bits of Bone" was thrown in to either dialogue or expository passages. It stopped being entertaining after the first eight or nine times and then got distracting because I found myself looking/waiting for the next instance - and then it became annoying, frankly.
As I said at the beginning - I really, really wanted to like this book - I am an avid Chaucer fan, and I've taught his works in my medieval courses, but I just kept waiting for this to get better, and it didn't. It didn't help that the realism sometimes got much too graphic for my tastes - and I've read A LOT of historical information about the everyday brutality and grittiness of medieval life.
I have not completely given up hope, though. I may return to this book some day to see if further in from where I stopped, the story picks up.
First, I'd like to thank John Wedlake for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I am sorry to say, though, that I just couldn't bring myself to finish this (so it's in my DNF category). I got through the end of Chapter 12 (about 19% of the book), and, as much as I really, really wanted to like this book, I just couldn't force myself to go on.
First, the good: there is a LOT of research that obviously went into the planning and writing of this book, and I commend Norman Mounter for that research. As a medieval scholar myself, I was able to truly appreciate the gritty realism and the obvious delving deep into the details of both Chaucer's life and the kind of everyday life that the characters in this book and Chaucer's original Canterbury Tales would have lived. Mounter also has really captured the rhythm and tone of the language of that time.
However, all that is good about that research and gritty realism is also what ultimately made the book really, really drag for me. I appreciate greatly that Mounter was trying to create a world and story that would pretty much complement Chaucer's own writing, but it was quite heavy-handed for a novel that would appeal to a 21st century reader - even one as steeped in medieval history as I am.
Within every chapter, as each new character was introduced, there were too many incredibly long passages of that one character droning on and on about his/her background, traits, and foibles, which stopped the overall story in its tracks - in other words, too much telling and not enough showing. These constant monologues by one character or another was the equivalent of having an Oxford don in full regalia standing at a lectern reading off the lecture of the day to his students. I kept on losing track of the story and found it hard to pick up the thread again.
I kept looking for STORY, but found myself getting frustrated.
And, there was one other thing that really started to get under my skin: how many times the title phrase "Bitching Bits of Bone" was thrown in to either dialogue or expository passages. It stopped being entertaining after the first eight or nine times and then got distracting because I found myself looking/waiting for the next instance - and then it became annoying, frankly.
As I said at the beginning - I really, really wanted to like this book - I am an avid Chaucer fan, and I've taught his works in my medieval courses, but I just kept waiting for this to get better, and it didn't. It didn't help that the realism sometimes got much too graphic for my tastes - and I've read A LOT of historical information about the everyday brutality and grittiness of medieval life.
I have not completely given up hope, though. I may return to this book some day to see if further in from where I stopped, the story picks up.
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