Customer Reviews

Within the Fetterlock

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Within the Fetterlock by Brian Wainwright is one of the rarest of the rare--it takes history and breathes it into life. After a bit of a confusing start (the cast of characters could literally have numbered in the hundreds), I got my bearings and found myself swept into the lives of Constance Despenser and the courts of Richard II and Henry IV. Wainwright has captured the essence of real historical persons and made me care deeply about them. I had to take my time reading this book, not because it is in any way difficult, but because I needed to savor it. Wainwright, with his expert research, has woven a story that should be read, experienced, and digested by all who love historical fiction. This is one is highly recommended!

Within the Fetterlock is one of those rare novels that treats the reader with intelligence; it is both vivid and compelling. Wainwright takes us on a journey into the life of Constance of York, daughter of Edmund,Duke of York. Through her we witness the turbulence of emotions, the rife and pull of politics (as they were) that surrounded the reigns of Richard II and the blood and thunder of Harry of Bolingbroke's 'stolen crown' and the heated frigidity of emotions this event brings out in Constance and the numerous historical characters all written with three dimensional detail rarely seen.
The writing is tight, absorbing and heartfelt, nary is a word misplaced.
Wainwright lovingly caresses Constance's tale with deep consideration and painstaining detail.
Within the Fetterlock is destined to become a classic novel of serious and exquisite historical fiction.

Within the Fetterlock is a true epic in the true sense of the word - an utterly satisfying historical family saga of the type very difficult to find nowadays. Set in the unsettled times of Richard II - a time when kin destroyed kin and planted seeds that one day became the War of the Roses, Within the Fetterlock tells the story of Constance, a very proud Plantagenet princess. Possessing a strong sense of right and wrong, blue blooded to her very core, yet also vulnerable, Constance holds her pride as a shield against an uncertain, dangerous world.

Constance is the only legitimate daughter of the Duke of York, Edmund of Langley, the fourth son of Edward III. Langley chose for his family the cognizance of a falcon confined within a fetterlock, indicating his recognition and acceptance of the constraints set upon his power, which meant his family should never inherit the throne. Langley, like his daughter, desires to be loyal to his nephew, Richard II. Unlike his daughter, future events, often set in motion by Langley's own ambitious and deceitful son, will force him to turn from his loyalty; he choses to support the complex Henry of Lancaster, another nephew and regarded by Langley almost like another son. A man who also loves Constance and knows he will never have her.

Wedded to Thomas Despenser when they both were small children, the story opens to show Constance and Thomas as young adults, very happily matched in their marriage, but Thomas is soon caught up in his brother-in-law's machinations for the throne, with Constance pulled along by the currents and out into deadly depths not of her own making.

Within the Fetterlock possesses a multi cast of characters, but unlike many books of this type, the author never bogs down story. It is a novel that keeps the reader fully engaged and turning pages to the very end. All the characters possess clear, distinct voices, drawn with the skill of a talented author who more than just knows his history. His obvious passion for this subject and certain grip on this time period brings it alive.

Constance is a glittering character I will long remember. Her story of survival amidst so much grief and loss is so symbolic of women of this time and class. Constance's story symbolises too how women of her class were often falcons held within the fetterlock of their patriarchal society.

As with all Wainwright's characters, from the first page, Constance becomes real and vivid. With her beloved husband, family and then, when widowed, her lover under threat, we feel her pain and despair, her desire to remain loyal no matter the cost and her anger when she perceives herself betrayed.

Brian Wainwright's prose weaves a densely wrought tapestry of immense colour and life, setting the reader deep within Medieval England. In a time when a King's court moved constantly around his dominion, we experience this long ago England in all its seasons, entering a place where kin are prepared to kill one another if it means winning a blood-drenched throne.

The life of Constance of York was little known until Brian Wainwright brought her from her place of obscurity on the Plantagenet Family Tree into our living rooms in this epic novel, Within the Fetterlock.

Wainwright does a worthy job of explaining the political and familial complexities which littered the Welsh Marches and dodged the English Throne during the early 15th Century. (This is no small feat given that nearly everyone was given one of five names, generations were close, and men were called by any one of thier numerous titles or land holdings!) Through Constance we observe the impotence of two Kings, the selfishness of many, and the maneuverings of all those around them who struggle for power while deluding themselves it is "for the good of the country."

Wainwright's style reminds me a bit of Sharron Kay Penman (Here Be Dragons; Falls the Shadow; The Sunne in Splendour; etc) but with less sex or romance. His writing is well researched and his understanding of the complex political webs between different sympathizers is obvious. The flaw to this novel is that any medievalist, Anglophile, or amatuer student of the British Monarchy likely knows the outcome of the story he tells. This took away from my ability to feel the emotions one generally enjoys while reading a juicy historical novel: hope, suspense, disappointment, fear, etc.

That said, amateur historians who prefer to glean their factual knowledge from well researched novels rather than biographies or history books will appreciate this contribution by Wainwright. This era is less "sexy" than that of the Tudors, the end of the Plantagenets, or the early struggles between Wales and England. As such, fewer details are known. Wainwright has woven together thorough details with the necessary human traits which make historical fiction such fun to read - the relationships, dialogue, and inner thoughts which enable readers to gain some sense of who these people may have been.

Though not the main story line, Wainwright gives readers a treat by writing about the relationships between the three sons of King Edward III in their advanced years & those of their children in such familial terms (complete with rivalry, jealousy and true affection). Wainwright provides great detail about the political fall out which resulted from John of Gaunt's infamous relationship, and eventual marriage, to Katherine of Swynford explains the conditions which lead to the splintering between the House of Lancaster (those who decended from his children with Katherine of Swynford, the Beaufort's) and the House of York (those who descended from Edmund of Langley, or the Duke of York for most of this book). These family divisions are the basis for what eventually became known as "the Wars of the Roses."

As an avid reader of fiction set in medieval England & her surrounds, I am quite glad Mr. Wainwright is so knowledgeable on the topic and proficient with his pen. He is a wonderful addition to the cadre of authors in this genre, and I eagerly await his next publication.

Meeting Constance of York in the manner that Brian Wainwright presented her brought an otherwise obscure historical figure into the spotlight. Edmund of Langley's daughter is vaguely referred to in history books, but Mr. Wainwright has made her alive. Her 'in-your-face' way of dealing with Henry of Bolingbroke, her satisfying marriage to Thomas Despenser, and her relationships with people like Edmund Mortimer, Edmund Holland, Richard II, and others is brilliantly portrayed in this intricately researched novel. Written in a totally different way than his The Adventures of Alianore Audley, nevertheless, it's as delightful and refreshing. I hope another novel is in the works! Compare Mr. Wainwright's writing and research to Elizabeth Chadwick, Isolde Martyn, Philippa Gregory, and others whose attention to detail make history come to life.

A great read -- not your usual true love and battles and a happy ending -- this is a complicated tale of intrigue, treachery and conspiracy. This is not a quick and easy read. The "cast of characters" is large and complicated, it was well into 100+ pages before a grasped it all but well worth it. The author provided a list of characters to refer to which I found very helpful.

All in all a great read about a period I knew little about. As a side note, this book begins about the period that Katherine leaves off -- but is not related to that book and does not favor Henry of Bolingbrook that well. I did love the final scene between Constance and Henry's Queen. LOL. At the same time, I did enjoy reading about what become of Henry, as well as Katherine and John's two sons. Highly recommended.

As a side note, check out this author's other book, The Adventures Of Alianore Audley. An hysterical send up of historical fiction, I doubt that Mel Brooks could have done better. Set in the period of Edward IV and Richard III. I recommend having a passing knowledge of the period or you'll miss half the jokes.

The beginning was a little slow because even though I am a big reader of historical fiction this particular era is one that I hadn't read a lot about. A lot of characters were introduced that I was either completely unfamiliar with or others who had been mentioned in other books I have read but not as main characters. Hotspur (AKA Henry Percy) was one I had read about often in books that dealt with the border wars between England and Scotland. I learned a lot more about him in this book.

This book picked me up and plunked me down into the life of Constance of York, and as a fly on the wall so to speak, I was able to witness the ups and downs of how the nobility walked the tightrope of life and politics during the reigns of Richard II and the bloody intrigue of Harry Bolingbroke's (Henry IV) stolen crown. This book drives home the fact that the Plantagenet's were history's quintessential dysfunctional family.

This was wonderful historical writing. Wainwright is a master of placing the reader into the place and time. It was a slow read for me. It took me almost a week to get through this book and that's a long time for me. But I just wanted to savor every page. Constance of York is a character that will stay with me. I think that Wainwright is right up there with the very best as a writer of Historical Fiction. I highly recommend this book.

What more can anyone ask for? Within the Fetterlock ia a carefully researched and well written book about a little known member of the Plantagenet family, Constance of York. The daughter of Edmund of Langley, she was the cousin of Richard II and Henry IV. In a way the story is a sequel to Anya Seton's Katherine, it takes up where that story stopped.

This novel is well researched, well constructed and well presented. Constance of York, Lady le Despenser, steps from the shadows of history onto the fully lit stage of life.

It is no mean feat for an author to bring lesser known historical figures to life in a way which is both accessible to the modern reader and sympathetic to 'known' historical fact.

It is a special author indeed who can do this while at the same time teaching a reader about the times, not just presenting knowledge.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in enjoying a well-written novel while, at the same time, learning some of the history in which it is set.

While I love reading historical fiction the beginning had me somewhat taken aback by all of the characters (and their titles) thrown at me. I've read quite a bit in this genre and even I was confused and can only imagine the trouble first time readers of this era had with it. Also, aside from the occasional typographical error (usually text that was missing, I was determined to stick with it and I'm not sorry it did!

This is an exciting tale of Constance of York who is married to Thomas Despenser. She is involved in many plots to overthrow the new king, Henry Bolinbroke, who has usurped the crown from King Richard II. Constance is a relative of both kings, however, she prefers Richard over Henry as many other nobles and commoners do. Her brother, Edward, who eventally becomes the Duke of York, is a very shady character who cannot even remain loyal to his sister in the best of circumstances. The intrigues are endless and exciting! After the initial shock of the magnitude of the cast of characters was untangled the story quickly became a page turner!

Constance is a character that the reader cares about, what she thinks, feels and does in any given circumstance. From the men in her life, Thomas Despenser, Edmund Mortimer, and Edmund Holland she stives to retain her independence in an age where this sort of thing just wasn't done by ladies. And, the amount of research that went into this novel is impressive!