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Book Review
May. 18th, 2005 12:27 pmGildenford
by Valerie Anand
This is one of the rare historical novels that deals with pre-conquest Britain. Specifically, it concerns Godwin, Earl of Wessex, the murder of Alfred Atheling, and the resulting effects on Godwin's personal and political relationship with King Edward the Confessor (Alfred's brother). The viewpoint is mostly that of Brand a (fictional) minor member of Godwin's household. Anand really breathes life into these remote historical events - the characters are complex, there's plenty of historical detail, and insightful treatment of the events. It's also a good illustration of the way in which personal/private life was not separate from the public and political in the early middle ages. I really enjoyed it, especially since it covered a part of history that is fascinating, yet not so well known.
by Valerie Anand
This is one of the rare historical novels that deals with pre-conquest Britain. Specifically, it concerns Godwin, Earl of Wessex, the murder of Alfred Atheling, and the resulting effects on Godwin's personal and political relationship with King Edward the Confessor (Alfred's brother). The viewpoint is mostly that of Brand a (fictional) minor member of Godwin's household. Anand really breathes life into these remote historical events - the characters are complex, there's plenty of historical detail, and insightful treatment of the events. It's also a good illustration of the way in which personal/private life was not separate from the public and political in the early middle ages. I really enjoyed it, especially since it covered a part of history that is fascinating, yet not so well known.
