A Man of Honour by Simon Smith
Book #8 of 30 in my 2025 Reading Challenge
I’m challenging myself to read 30 books in 2025 as part of my journey to reclaim “me time” after years of being a workaholic—and a recent cancer diagnosis that changed everything. Reading has become a lifeline for joy, comfort, and escape. Find out more about my 2025 Reading Challenge.
Why I picked this book
When I came across A Man of Honour, the premise grabbed my attention immediately. Set against the backdrop of 1860s colonial Australia, it promised a gripping political drama centered around the assassination attempt on Prince Albert, son of Queen Victoria. I’ve always been drawn to historical events with deep political intrigue, and this one seemed like a great way to dive into something both complex and suspenseful.
What’s it about?
In 1868, Irishman Henry James O’Farrell attempted to assassinate Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, during his visit to Sydney. Simon Smith's novel delves into O’Farrell's life, exploring his deep convictions, personal struggles, and the events leading up to the fateful day. Drawing from historical documents and transcripts, Smith paints a portrait of a man caught between patriotism and mental turmoil, questioning whether he was a hero, a madman, or something in between.
Escape Index
World: Rich in detail but shallow in immersion
The 19th-century colonial Australian setting is richly described, capturing Sydney's tense political atmosphere. However, as the story unfolds, the world-building feels more surface-level, making it harder to fully immerse yourself in the time and place.Vibe: Character-driven but lacking tension
The book focuses heavily on character development, but without a growing sense of urgency or suspense. It has a unique, thoughtful vibe, though it doesn’t quite build the tension needed to keep the story gripping.Pace: Slow with uneven momentum
The story begins strong, but the pace significantly slows down after the assassination attempt. The lead-up to the trial feels drawn-out and bogged down by dialogue, leaving the narrative dragging toward the end.Feels: A chore to finish
Despite an interesting premise, the emotional engagement never quite materialises. The historical details are fascinating, but the lack of emotional connection and the slow pace left me feeling more relieved than satisfied when I finished.Escape: Not quite immersive
The book offers a glimpse into a compelling historical event, but the slow pacing and lack of tension make it hard to fully escape into the story. The first half sparks curiosity, but by the end, it feels like more of a slog.
“A Man of Honour starts with great promise but ultimately struggles to maintain momentum, leaving the reader disconnected despite its intriguing premise and strong writing.”
My takeaway
A Man of Honour had a lot going for it—a compelling historical event, complex characters, and lyrical writing—but ultimately, it didn’t hold my attention. The first half of the book is captivating, with a strong plot, but as the story progresses, the pace drags, and the emotional connection falters. The writing is strong, but the lack of momentum and suspense means it’s not as immersive or engaging as it could have been.
The book begins with a fascinating premise, rooted in the real-life event of Prince Albert’s attempted assassination in 1860s Australia. Simon Smith’s writing excels in its vivid portrayal of colonial Sydney, and the characters—especially Henry James O'Farrell, the would-be assassin—are introduced with intrigue. The tension around the assassination attempt builds effectively, making for a gripping start. In these early chapters, the political atmosphere, the stakes of the plot, and the character dynamics all show promise.
However, as the story progresses, the pacing begins to slow considerably. The narrative shifts focus from the initial action to the drawn-out trial and imprisonment of the key characters. This shift leads to a second half of the book that feels weighed down by dialogue, and lacking in suspense. The excitement of the opening chapters dissipates.
What truly stands out is Smith's writing style—lyrical, clear, and evocative. His descriptions of colonial Sydney and the historical context are rich, but they don’t manage to immerse you fully in the world he’s built. While the prose is strong, the story’s lack of suspense and forward momentum makes it difficult to remain engaged. It’s a book with potential, but it ultimately falls short of delivering the kind of gripping, emotional experience that it seems poised to offer.
Is this book for you?
Perfect if you’re looking for:
a slow-burn historical fiction with a focus on character development
rich, lyrical writing and vivid depictions of 19th-century Australia
a story rooted in real-life events, with political drama and historical intrigue.
If you’re after a fast-paced, suspenseful read, this might not be the book for you.
Want to read A Man of Honour?
See if it’s available at Wellington City Libraries, or you can find it online at:
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Let’s chat
Have you read A Man of Honour? Did you find the slow-burn character development engaging or were you hoping for more suspense?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below or share a similar book recommendation for my 2025 reading list.