The cover was appealing to me but so far that's about it. I have recently got in to historical fiction but having read the author's note, unfortunately this one does not appeal to me at all. More a history lesson than historical fiction and I never found it easy to pay attention in a history lesson, getting bored easily, which is exactly how I felt reading the bit that I did. Didn't read further than the author's note so I guess if I gave it more of a chance it may change my opinion but I'm the sort of reader that if it doesn't grip me I don't go any further. Just not my cup of tea I'm afraid.