I started reading this book and was somewhat confused. Aelfgifu? Isn't that Canute's harridan wife from the north who tries to ruin everything for EmmI started reading this book and was somewhat confused. Aelfgifu? Isn't that Canute's harridan wife from the north who tries to ruin everything for Emma? How can she be enjoying a romantic moment with her husband or - heaven forbid! Making Emma out to be the evil one?
This unique perspective on King Canute's rival wives may have thrown me for a loop after reading so many positive portrayals of Emma, but that is also exactly what I love about historical fiction. Just as Richard III was made a hero in The Sunne in Splendour or Thomas Cromwell made to shine in Wolf Hall, Aelfgifu is a heroine we can feel empathy for in Evans' Northern Queen.
I'm glad that I read this book, because, though I try to keep in mind that we don't know all that we think we do about historical figures, Aelfgifu is one whom I have never considered another side of. The idea that she may have truly loved Canute never really crossed my mind. Any time I am forced to reevaluate my perspective and peer into another possible view of history, I am grateful.
Aelfgifu's role keeps her on the sidelines of events, which makes her story one of a woman who thought to be queen but in reality is a woman often left waiting to hear news from others. This is a difficult way to write while keeping the story moving along, and Evans does an admirable job of it.
If you've ever wanted to see Emma's power struggle from the other side, this is the book for you....more
Historical research shines in this novel of a thegn's family during the years leading up to the Norman conquest. I enjoyed the scenes of daily chores,Historical research shines in this novel of a thegn's family during the years leading up to the Norman conquest. I enjoyed the scenes of daily chores, courting rituals, and interactions between people of varying social levels. Lofting clearly has a deep understanding of the life and times of 1050s Britain.
Wulfhere is a well-written hero because he isn't really a hero all the time. In fact, some of the things he did made me want to smack him silly. He is violent, adulterous, impetuous, but he also does everything he can for those he loves even if he's terrible at demonstrating that at times. He is humble, much to his ambitious wife's dismay, but his modesty is pushed too far when Earl Harold (future king) insists that Wulfhere betroth his daughter to the son of his enemy in order to put an end to their family fued.
The story of Wulfhere's family is part of the larger portrait of England as the search for an heir begins. King Edward has no hope of a son of his own, so he sends to the Continent for the son of his half-brother, Edmund Ironside. Of course, William Duke of Normandy has another plan. Since the crown is passed through approval of the Witan rather than the king's wishes or inheritance, the field of contenders promises to increase before Edward's demise.
My favorite part of this book was the battle, or more aptly named, massacre of Hereford. It is not an easy segment to read. It is violent, gory, & likely just what it was like to be in Hereford as the Welsh and Irish-Norse mercenaries attacked it. There is absolutely no romanticising it, which some readers will find to be too much. I appreciated the author's skill and honesty.
The newly released edition of this book also has a stunning cover....more
This is the story of Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great and a woman with a wonderful story of her own. Unfortunately, like many medieval women,This is the story of Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great and a woman with a wonderful story of her own. Unfortunately, like many medieval women, her story has gone largely untold. With To Be A Queen, author Annie Whitehead aims to right that wrong and give Aethelflaed the credit she is due.
The reader gets to know this princess of Wessex by the pet name Teasel, which sets within the modern mind a little more comfortably than Aethelflaed. We first meet her as a little girl who hopes that she seems just grown up enough to be considered as a wife for the handsome Mercian soldier that she has fallen hard for. Her interactions with her brother, the future Kind Edward, establish a close bond that remains with them wherever life leads them.
Through each stage of Teasel's life, the author has injected this novel with a stunning amount of historical detail. The reader is truly transported into the 9th century and made a part of daily life - the hunger, hard work, and fear of invaders that plague the people of every station. Teasel is not immune because of her high position. In fact, she worries all the more and works even harder because she knows that she is responsible for a kingdom of people who depend upon her.
When Teasel becomes a lady of Mercia by marriage, her character shines through as strong and selfless. Her arranged marriage is not the one she was hoping for and the Mercians do not immediately welcome her presence. I enjoyed watching her mature and develop relationships that caused the people of her adopted kingdom to grow to love her.
This novel is a close look at Aethelflaed's corner of the world, but it also gives readers a peek at the wider politics of the English people. Viking invaders and struggles for power had the potential to change and destroy lives, sometimes based on the decisions and ambition of a single person. Teasel does her best to serve her husband and her people, but she is not made out to be the perfect princess. She makes mistakes, suffers heartache, and has regrets.
No longer lost to the distant past, Princess Aethelflaed is vividly brought to life in this well-written biographical novel....more
Oswald: Return of the King is the second book in Edoardo Albert's planned Northumbrian Thrones trilogy. The first book, Edwin: High King of Britain, dOswald: Return of the King is the second book in Edoardo Albert's planned Northumbrian Thrones trilogy. The first book, Edwin: High King of Britain, demonstrated how early Christianity and kingship came together for Edwin to win greater territories and followers than those who had come before him. Oswald is the nephew of Edwin encouraged to take up the kingship after Edwin's fall.
Though it is subtitled Return of the King, Oswald takes his time claiming his uncle's throne and never seems much to want it. The people seem to accept his claim quite easily for one who has been in exile throughout the former king's reign, and the politics were not as clearly examined as in the first book of this series. The only one not prepared to clear the way for Oswald is Penda of Mercia, who had killed Edwin. Unfortunately, Oswald doesn't seem any better equipped to handle the Mercian warmaster made king than his predecessor.
Oswald longs to be a monk rather than a king and is probably better suited to that life. His devotion to God and desire to see the best in people leaves him open for betrayal and disappointment. Though this is an era of history that I am not as familiar with, I had no trouble seeing how Oswald's end was going to come about long before it occurred. Still, I enjoyed his character and only wish that he could have seen other people's motivations more clearly.
The author has taken a scantly documented reign and fleshed it out quite nicely with personalities and events that fit known facts very well. The clashing of pagan and Christian beliefs continues to be a significant story element, as it was in Edwin's story and as I'm sure it truly was in the 7th century battle for supremacy. I look forward to the final book which will pick up with Oswiu, who becomes king after Oswald's death.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions stated are my own....more
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