The Scapegoat

In "The Scapegoat," award-winning author Lucy Hughes-Hallett delves into the captivating history of George Villiers, the first Duke of Buckingham, whose rise as King James I's favorite turned him into a powerful figure at the heart of 17th-century England. Balancing beauty and influence, Buckingham navigated a court filled with political intrigue, same-sex desire, and the tensions of a society on the brink of upheaval. Through a rich narrative, Hughes-Hallett explores a world of grandeur and complexity, ultimately depicting Buckingham's dramatic fall from grace as a reflection of the era's tumultuous shifts. This immersive account reveals the intricate interplay of love, war, and politics during a time of significant transformation.