The Norman Pretender [Hardcover]

Valerie Anand (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Chatto & Windus (June 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 070112508X
• ISBN-13: 978-0701125080
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,326,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Earl/King Harold vs. The Norman Pretender William!, September 1, 2002

By 

Kimberly Gelderman (Spring Lake, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Norman Pretender (Hardcover)

The exciting tale of the Norman Conquest of 1066 is once more brought back to life. This book begins where "Gildenford" by Valerie Anand, an incredible author, left off. It is just as engrossing as her first novel in this trilogy.

The story begins with Harold's eventual rise to fame, glory, and finally, later on, tragedy. Ringed with a traitor and a brother for friends, who needs enemies, right? Well, Brand Woodcutter, from the first novel ends up being one of Harold's staunchest friends, while his brother Tostig becomes the greatest betrayer of all. Then, we have Duke William of Normandy, who has his sights on the crown of England at any and all costs.

From history, we know that William succeeds, but the circumstances and events that lead up to it were incredible to believe, but true nonetheless. This is an extraordinary adventure into what life must have been like for these amazing figures from the past that still haunt the present day. If you enjoy this historical period you won't want to miss reading the first of the trilogy, "Gildenford" followed by this book "The Norman Pretender," and ending with "The Disputed Crown." Sadly, yes, they are all out-of-print, but very well worth finding!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has it ALL!, May 23, 2004

By 

S. E. Kennedy "ocinnedeagh" (Minnesota, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Norman Pretender (Hardcover)

BUY THIS BOOK! Anand weave a remarkable story and tells the tale of the search for an heir upon the death of Edward the Confessor. Harold, Earl of Wessex and brother to the Queen, or William, Duke of Normandy and originally named heir... who should be the rightful king of England when Edward dies? Well, just to keep it intersting there is the long lost cousin, the bi-polar younger brother of Harold (Tostig), and the Viking leader Harold Hardrada to contend with also. In a story almost too good to be true, it is remarkable to realize that it is true...or at least based on historical fact. As for Anand's ability to stick to history - well, it's commendable. Certainly, there are characters who have no known historical basis, but they are created to be as realistic as possible and only help to make the story flow. Brand Woodcutter is back from the extraordinary first book (Gildenford) along with several other memorable personas. I was lucky enough to get this book before the few remaining used book dealers realized the treasure they held - and jacked up the price unreasonably. However, if you can find a dealer who appreciates this book for the story it tells and is willing to part with their copy - BUY IT. Personally, I will not part with mine - I know I'll enjoy it again in years to come. Any publishers reading this - you are OUT OF YOUR MINDS if you don't bring this book out in print again.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, July 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Norman Pretender (Hardcover)

Though the title refers to William of Normandy, this book revolves around Harold of England. The author really brings the characters to life and also creates some fictional ones as well. This is an easy-to-read, in-depth book that anyone would enjoy.