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In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages

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IN A DARK WOOD WANDERING by Hella Haase is one of the most profound books I have ever read. My 85-year old aunt, a retired school teacher, lives in an apartment complex in Sheboygan Wisconsin along with other seniors, many of them also retired teachers. One of her best friends, a retired French teacher named Marie recommended IN A DARK WOOD WANDERING.

IN A DARK WOOD WANDERING is the story of Charles, Duke of Orleans, grandson of a king, nephew of a king, cousin of the French dauphine saved by Joan of Arc, and father of the man who followed Louis the Spider king to the throne. Most importantly, Charles, Duke of Orleans was a great French poet of the Middle Ages. Some think he is comparable to Dante in Italy or Chaucer in England.

It's easy to become tangled in Louises and Charleses, but here goes: Charles (our hero) had a father, Louis, Duke of Orleans, who was the brother of Charles VI--one of the kings of France during the 100 Years War between England and France. Charles VI was the French king who was bested by Henry V the English king at the battle of Agincourt. When we see Shakespeare's play 'Henry the V' we see the English version of events at Agincourt. Few of us think about the dreadful day from the perspective of the French who saw many of their finest young men killed or captured.

Charles, Duke of Orleans, was captured at Agincourt. Owing to the politics at home (the sympathy of the House of Orleans for the young Dauphin--Charles VI's son), the Duke of Orleans was not ransomed by the Duke of Burgundy, as was the custom in those days, but allowed to languish as a prisoner in England for most of his adult life. Charles younger half-brother continued the Orleans struggle on behalf of the dauphine who would become Charles VII in 1427.

In 1422, when Charles VI died, his young son was prevented from assuming the throne by the Duke of Burgundy. About this time, a young woman had a vision that instructed her to leave her small village and travel to Orleans and help the Dauphin. She persuaded the House of Orleans she could help their cause. Joan the Maid of Orleans bested the English and the Duke of Burgundy, and suceeded in taking the Dauphin to Paris where he was crowned Charles VII. Later, Joan was captured by the English and burned as a witch by the Duke of Burgundy.

While he was a prisoner in England, from 1415 to 1450, Charles, Duke of Orleans was aware of the events back home in France and his family's continued struggles with the Duke of Burgundy. He knew of the association of Jeanne d'Arc and the House of Orleans. As a manifestation of his appreciation of this connection and his growing spirituality, Charles, Duke of Orleans produced some of the most beautiful poetry ever written in French.

In addition to the story of Charles, Duke of Orleans' life, IN A DARK WOOD WANDERING contains excerpts of his beautiful poetry (in French and English). The title of this book refers to the topic of his poetry, the long journey of the soul which until it is united with the object of it's love is lost, in a dark wood, and wandering.

In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages by Hella Haasse. Highly recommended.

This historical novel has its own interesting history. It was written by a Dutch author virtually unknown in the United States, then an English translation was begun by a postal employee who spoke no Dutch. After his death, it was lost for decades in a closet. The final English translation was completed more than 40 years after the novel was written by a Chicago editor who also spoke no Dutch-but who did have the opportunity to get the author's approval.

In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages is the fictionalized account of the life of medieval poet and statesman Charles d'Orléans, son of Louis d'Orléans and Valentine Visconti, nephew of Charles VI, known as the Mad King or the Well Beloved. The plot is historically accurate and linear, beginning with the time of Charles' birth (although not focusing on it) and using that occasion to fill in the historical and character blanks for the novice to French medieval history. Unlike other reviewers, I found the first 100+ pages a fascinating setting of the stage, during which the author succinctly conveys the familial, personal, and political relationships of France's houses, primarily Burgundy and Orléans.

Although it is clear from the outset that Philippe the Bold of Burgundy is the nemesis of a united France and Louis Orléans (his nephew, brother to Charles VI, and father of Charles d'Orléans) is his less selfishly motivated, more trustworthy counterpart, the novel does not fall into the trap of black-and-white villains and heroes. Burgundy and his successors are not evil personified; they are men who know how to look out for their own power. Louis and Charles d'Orléans, both flawed in their occasional lack of will and indecisiveness, in their own way look after themselves, but also attempt to keep France's greater interests in mind. The most poignant moment early on is a conversation between Louis and his insane brother during one of his rare moments of lucidity-and the ensuing reversion of power to Burgundy.

Charles is born into not only all the internal conflicts within France and the ongoing battles with England, but into a war he must wage lifelong with himself-the conflict between his poet's soul and his inherited role as a statesman and leader of the House of Orléans. A scholar at heart, he must lead his house against Burgundy and his men against the English at Agincourt, where he is captured. Held prisoner for 25 years in England, Charles uses the time to become one of the leading poets of the Middle Ages, yearning for ideals of love, peace, and beauty-the very things that have escaped him all of his predestined life. He will not find them upon his return to France, as he is once more swallowed by leviathan internal and external conflicts and the need for his skills as a negotiator/arbiter. He is, as he says in one poem, "all rusted over with nonchaloir [nonchalance]." Finally, he promises he will "not disavow the deepest desires of [his] heart" and "no longer give [himself] up to the sin of unhappiness"-a promise his position, his role, and the demands of political reality never allow him to fulfill.

The novel features an array of complex characters and their relationships and interactions, a compelling plot, a fascinating time in the history of England and France, and a spectacular background portrayed in brilliant colours as in a tapestry. Best of all, the novel is meticulously researched and as historically accurate as any fiction can be. Partway through the book, I realised that this novel could, if handled correctly, make a near-perfect epic movie.

In a Dark Wood Wandering has inspired me to look into the life and poetry of Charles d'Orléans, the history of Louis d'Orléans and Charles VI, incidental characters such as François Villon and Agnes Sorel, and so much more. For the history buff, the medieval tinkerer, or the person who likes a thoughtful tale, I highly recommend In a Dark Wood Wandering. Let's all be grateful that it was rediscovered at last.

Diane L. Schirf, 7 October 2001.

Written in 1949 this novel has lost nothing of its freshness and sensitivity and enjoyes a renewed interest these days as historical novels and non fiction history (see Europe: a history by Norman Davies) are quickly gaining market share. Is this a "fin du siecle" mentality? "In a Dark Wood Wandering"Hella Haase recalls the history of Charles of Orleans, Duke of Orleans. a long and tragic life in turbulent times. The cast of characters is enormous, the Kings of France and Engeland, the Popes (you had several at the time), the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and last but not least the Dukes of Burgundy. All are involved in high level politics, alliances were made and as easily broken. The major characters are drawn very carefully and with much sensitivity and give you a feeling of familiarity.If Norman Davies gives you the facts in an excellent manner, Hella Haase gives you the emotions and feelings.And that's why we read, isn't it?

I believe I am an average person with average intelligence...I don't usually choose books that are so difficult and challenging as this one but I am very happy that I did and that I stuck with it. I read the reviews here before starting and am thankful for the advice to "hang in there" through the first 50-100 pages; definitely the most difficult part of the book. After that I was hooked!

The storytelling here is wonderful and spellbinding! I found myself within the pages and deeply involved within the characters lives. After finishing the book I wanted to learn more and actually researched online some of the main characters (since so much of the book is based on fact).

Definitely give this story a chance, give your brain a challenge and keep a dictionary nearby if need be, but do it. I believe you won't regret it!

During the Second World War, the German Army occupied the Netherlands. They demanded University students a loyalty declaration towards the Nazis ideas. Those that did not do it were excluded. One of those students was Hella S. Haase, who had been born in Java. She took advantage of the situation and created this historical novel. It is one of the best in this genre. A very, very good one, as Memoirs of Hadrian or I, Claudius or Julian.
An exciting time comes to life again: XVth century in France, the Hundred Year war... A very thrilling history if you love History. France was never so delicious and fascinating. England or the Netherlands never more cold and undesirable. An impressive fresco about the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Rennaisance and the great kingdoms od Europe.
Characters are not flat, but full of life, with their contradictions, defects and virtues. The main character is Charles of Orleans, a very noble man, gradson of a King, nephew to anothe, and father of a third one. He belonged to the Royal Family of the Valois, so he was in the middle of political intrigues, battles, treason,... He tried to be loyal to his family and the country. The lesson of his life could be that loyalty sometimes brings a great suffer.
Around him, magnificent kings, as the the cold and ruthless Henry V, poor Charles VI the Mad, the charming Rene d'Anjou, who really had nothing to do with the non-existent Priory of Sion... Dark queens as Queen Isabeau of Baviere, ambitious people like Louis, Duke of Orleans, John, Duke of Burgundy, the Fearless, and sometimes you find a moment or two with reach supporting actors as Joan of Arc, Dunois, the [...] of orleans, christine of Pisan or François Villon.
You will find nothing about sects, templarians, esoteric mysteries or all that nonsense that has lately spoiled the best effords in the genre.
You could read a good historical essay about the same time: The Autumn of the Middle Ages, wrote by Johan Huizinga. Or the literature of the time, specially the poetry by François Villon.

Ever since I read the books of Maurice Druon I could not find anything that could compete with him until I picked up this book. This is carefully researched and very entertaining account of a very exciting period in the history of the Medieval France. Pick it up and you won't regret it!

Want conflict, turmoil, love, betrayal, affairs, and the ultimate family battles? Grab this book, and settle down for a long but incredibly satisfying read. Maybe I'm just such a lover of historical fiction, that I'm biased. I absolutely could not put this book down. The writing was beautiful, especially considering it was translated. I found myself almost in tears during Charles' confinement, his anguish at being seperated from his wife, and his resolute determination to be true to his country, even as his family suffered greatly. Fantastic, is all I have to say on this one!

The book reminded me of Dumas novels, though this book is more historically authentic - rich in epoch detailes and magnificent personages. Author's talent in describing the intrigue spinning courtiers and knowledge of historical facts is undoubtful. But something was missing - everyday life, or passion? What makes you feel the real life as if you are travelling back in time.The description of the mad king is probably the best description in the book. Otherwise, try reading Zoe Oldenbourg's novels - then you will understand what I mean.

I liked this book. The first 50/100 pages set the stage for the rest of the story, its slow going. But once you are past that it sort of brings you into it and you will wish there was a sequel.

I also found interesting the whole story about the manuscript, and how it nearly wasn't published at all. For me this story was the reason I gave the book a chance. I'm glad I did.

Also on the plus side, once the world rules are set, the characters stay within them. No werid twists to the rules to make the heros escape their fates. I really like that in a fiction book.

If you liked "Time and Again" or "Islandia" You'll like this book. (Not that the plots are similar but that the way the world is constructed is.)

It took me awhile to lose myself in this book. However, once I read through the first 50 pages, I was thoroughly into it. The politics and characters are fascinating and well developed. By the end of the story, I felt great fondness, affection, and compassion for the Duke of Orleans. At least in Haasse's portrayal, he was a first rate statesman. If only our modern day leaders could have some of the grace and diplomacy that the Duke exhibited as an older man.....