38 pages • 1 hour read •
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122
Novel • Fiction
•
Horror & Suspense•
British LiteratureLondon, England • 1950s
1951
Scribner
Adult
16-18 years
820L
The Daughter of Time follows Inspector Alan Grant, confined in a hospital, who engages in solving the historical mystery surrounding King Richard III. Fascinated by Richard’s portrait and skeptical of the king’s villainous reputation, Grant investigates historical records with the help of researcher Brent Carradine, ultimately challenging the established narrative of Richard's guilt in his nephews' deaths.
Mysterious
Informative
Contemplative
Suspenseful
Challenging
43,130 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey is widely praised for its engaging and unconventional detective narrative that re-evaluates historical events. Readers appreciate its intelligent exploration of Richard III's legacy using a modern investigative approach. However, some critics find the novel's pace slow and its historical analysis potentially biased. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking read.
A reader who enjoys The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey would relish historical mysteries with a focus on unraveling historical misconceptions. Fans of Agatha Christie or Dorothy L. Sayers, as well as those who enjoyed The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco, would find this book engaging.
43,130 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Brent Carradine
A young American researcher at the British Museum who assists Grant with his investigation, sharing a passion for uncovering historical truths.
Marta Hallard
A flamboyant London stage actress and friend of Grant's who helps keep his mind active during his hospital stay by encouraging his detective work.
Mrs. Tinker
Grant’s dowdy landlady, formerly a theater dresser, who is fascinated by theatrical personalities like Marta.
Sergeant Williams
A colleague of Grant's from Scotland Yard, known for his kind heart and literal-mindedness, who provides Grant with updates and support.
Nurse Ingham (The Midget)
A petite and strong nurse who efficiently manages Grant's care, exhibiting a straightforward and no-nonsense demeanor.
Nurse Darroll (The Amazon)
A tall and sentimental nurse who tends to offer unsolicited comfort to her patients, which Grant finds aggravating.
The Matron
A composed and thoughtful head of nursing who makes brief visits to Grant, offering valued insights into his historical investigation.
The Surgeon
A medical professional overseeing Grant's recovery, who shows limited interest in history but provides an unusual perspective on a historical figure's appearance.
Published in 1951, The Daughter of Time was named the greatest mystery novel of all time by the British Crime Writers' Association in a 1990 list.
The title, The Daughter of Time, comes from an old proverb: "Truth is the daughter of time," suggesting that the truth emerges as time passes.
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The book features Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard, who investigates historical figures from his hospital bed, showcasing Josephine Tey's unique blend of historical inquiry and detective fiction.
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122
Novel • Fiction
•
Horror & Suspense•
British LiteratureLondon, England • 1950s
1951
Scribner
Adult
16-18 years
820L
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