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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptional!,
By
This review is from: Gildenford (Hardcover)
I find it difficult to locate books on the era of English history between the 9th and 11th centuries. I've read some good ones but Gildenford was exceptional. The story is based on the ruling family of England and the changing succession during the early 11th century prior to William the Conqueror taking the throne in 1066. It also deals heavily with the rise of the Earl of Wessex and his contribution to the unease surrounding the throne. Told primarily from the view of Brand Woodcutter - a peasant pulled into the controversy by serving in the Earl's household - it also includes great glimpses into the lives of the ruling families, a local merchant family and members of the religious community. They were turbulent times where nothing was simple - a concept Brand wrestles with having come from a simple farm life and now being embroiled quite directly in the intrigues of court life and the oath of loyalty he has sworn. I can't tell you how well-written this book is. Pick it up at your first opportunity - even decent used copies are getting harder to find. While you're at it, get the 2nd and 3rd books in the series as well - I did and have no regrets!!!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Novel of Pre-Conquest England!,
By Kimberly Gelderman (Spring Lake, MI USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gildenford (Hardcover)
This is a first novel by Valerie Anand concerning the period shortly before the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is an extraordinary read! A little known period in England history is unveiled here. In 1036 one of the most hideous, bloody massacres that ever took place was in Gildenford, England, now known as Guildford. Six hundred followers of Alfred Atheling, the younger brother of Edward the Confessor were slaughtered near the town of Gildenford. What is not commonly known, however, is that Earl Godwin of Wessex was thought to be involved.The period covered here is mainly the reign of Edward the Confessor, not of Cnut, nor of Harold, son of Godwin. They are major characters in their own right, however, not in this novel, but are still background players to Brand Woodcutter who serves Earl Godwin and later on Edward. All of this is seen through his eyes, from belonging to a larger than life family of the Godwins, to realizing his part in the betrayal of Alfred Atheling, to his service of Edward, and finally his becoming William, Duke of Normandy's man. William's part is just beginning in this book but will continue in later novels. This was one of the best books I have read! I never even realized that this period in history existed. I still like Earl Godwin, however, I can see that he is not perfect and by no means a saint as many other novels I have read would make you believe. It was a real eye-opener to a obscure time in history. This book stands well on its own, but I can hardly wait to read "Norman Pretender" and "The Disputed Crown" by Valerie Anand. Sadly, they are all out of print but are well the search!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good novel on Pre-Conquest England.,
By
This review is from: Gildenford (Hardcover)
Valerie Anand's debut novel "Gildenford" explores a horrific atrocity committed nearly a thousand years ago, and it looks into the character of kings and earls and their followers. Brand is the main character, who joined to serve his King, Harold Harefoot, only to be handed off to another, Earl Godwin. Godwin is a highly sympathetic, if complex character( He is complicent in the killing of Alfred Atherling and the slaughter of 600). Some character have good points, but are throughly unsympathetic(William, Duke of Normandy; Emma). Others are good, but do bad things in order to serve a higher purpose(Godwin; ultimately Brand). Edward the Confessor is seen as a decent man, but mediocre leader, and Harold Godwinson is seen as a good man too. The only truly evil character is Harefoot. Years pass in this novel, as alliances are formed and broken, and Brand loses ones he loves because of one of Godwin's sons. And events point forward to William's invasion in 1066. A very good read.
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