The Master of Bruges

T.G. Morgan's vivid debut brings to life one of Europe's most brilliant and enigmatic painters, and compels us to look again at a sensational period in history. In fifteenth century Bruges, master painter Hans Memling is about to find himself at the heart of a political storm that stretches from his home city to Plantagenet England. When Hans agrees to play host to two exiles on the run from their enemies in London, he has no idea that they are not the modest traders they appear to be. Meanwhile, he has come into contact with the powerful Duke of Burgundy. Over the coming years he will grow increasingly close to the duke's beautiful daughter, the princess Marie, painting her portrait obsessively. In 1482, Hans takes up an invitation to visit his English friends, who have returned to London following their exile. There he not only find himself caught up in the dramatic final stages of the Wars of the Roses, but also plays a crucial role in the fate of the 'Princes in the Tower'. Returning home to Bruges, Memling is racked with guilt, for reasons that will only truly become clear as his story draws to a shocking end. Full of exquisite descriptions of Memling's art and times, "The Master of Bruges" is a gripping debut from a bracing new voice in historical fiction.


Genre: Historical

"A terrific historical page-turner. An engaging absorbing read." - Elizabeth Chadwick