Cheryl M. (hannamatt52) reviewed on
Helpful Score: 1
The Norman Invasion or the Battle of Hastings; English history from the time of Alfred the Great to this event seems to be lost in the mist of time. Perhaps this is why Helen Hollick, the author of "I Am the Chosen King" subtitles her book "The Lost Kingdom-1066".
This pro-Harold Godwinesson novel focuses on the time frame from the reign of the inept but pleasure loving Edward (later known as "the Confessor") to the invasion of William of Normandy and recounts the rise and fall and rise again of the politically astute, ambitious and wealthy Godwinesson family.
The author juxtaposes the Anglo-Saxon political system with the Norman one through the eyes of the two main characters and their families. Most telling is how each of the leaders views Harold's oath giving and breaking that is the catapult for the events to follow. Harold views his oath to William as given under duress to protect a family member and therefore not valid under the eyes of God. William views Harold's coronation as a betrayal to a liege by a treacherous vassal; deserving of punishment and demanded by God and his own personal honor. All England changed as a result of the fortunes of these two men.
The author reminds us in her notes at the end that while the English aristocracy was replaced by a Norman one, the general population remained English. England was ruled by the Normans but never became Norman; otherwise we would all be speaking French not English today.
This pro-Harold Godwinesson novel focuses on the time frame from the reign of the inept but pleasure loving Edward (later known as "the Confessor") to the invasion of William of Normandy and recounts the rise and fall and rise again of the politically astute, ambitious and wealthy Godwinesson family.
The author juxtaposes the Anglo-Saxon political system with the Norman one through the eyes of the two main characters and their families. Most telling is how each of the leaders views Harold's oath giving and breaking that is the catapult for the events to follow. Harold views his oath to William as given under duress to protect a family member and therefore not valid under the eyes of God. William views Harold's coronation as a betrayal to a liege by a treacherous vassal; deserving of punishment and demanded by God and his own personal honor. All England changed as a result of the fortunes of these two men.
The author reminds us in her notes at the end that while the English aristocracy was replaced by a Norman one, the general population remained English. England was ruled by the Normans but never became Norman; otherwise we would all be speaking French not English today.
