I Am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick
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| Title: I Am the Chosen King Author: Helen Hollick Published: March 1st 2011 Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark Pages: 592 |
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Synopsis:
In this beautifully crafted tale, Harold Godwinesson, the last Saxon King of England, is a respected, quick-witted man both vulnerable and strong, honorable and loving-and yet, in the end, only human. After the political turmoil and battles leading up to 1066, we all know William the Conquerer takes England. But Helen Hollick will have readers at the edge of their seats, hoping that just this once, for Harold, the story will have a different ending.My Review:
Naught Harold could do, save stand and fight. Hope and pray that they could last out until darkness fell. It was not now a matter of winning, but of staying alive. The light was fading, soon the sun would be down. The housecarls fighting for their king at the centre of the ridge were growing smaller in number, gathering closer around the two royal standards. There was no time to think, to analyse, to feel. Only once, briefly, did Harold wonder that perhaps he ought to lay down his great death-edged axe and surrender. But he remembered Dinan. No, this was the better way to die.
This is an outstanding read by a splendid storyteller. The novel is faithful to the historical record while taking a few liberties here and there. The entire book flows along smoothly with many strong characters and scenes written in such a delightful poetic description providing the sensation of being right there during it all. Helen Hollick takes you on a ride that carries you into the story from the start.
Hollick introduces the tale not long after the coronation of Edward (the Confessor). Harold has been made Earl of East Anglia and his family is in high favor with the King. The story then follows Harold’s life as he struggles with various family members and the moodiness of an unprepared King, spanning the years from the beginning of Edward’s reign all the way through the Battle of Hastings in 1066. As Harold rises in power, he remains in love with his hand-fast wife Edyth as his ambition in life is to be a good family man. However, unlike Harold, his avaricious siblings envy his success; while demanding more power and wealth regardless of what happens to other people.
Set opposite to the Saxons, we have William, Duke of Normandy and his wife, Matilda, who is very strong and intelligent. It portrays Duke William as he matures. His childhood is affected by his illegitimacy which leads to his becoming a cold and harsh leader, power hungry, persistent man who is determined to always get what he wants. Although he develops a special relationship with his wife, William has little time or affection to spare anyone else, even his children.
My favorite by far was Harold, a handsome man, kind, caring and respectful. You can’t help but love the man and pull for his victory even if you know what takes place in the end. The book portrays his growth from a sensitive young man to a respected leader who is named as King, not so much by his ambition but by his dedication to duty and devotion of country.
His hand-fast wife Edyth was another character I adored. She was so devoted and understanding towards all that Harold’s life led to.
The writing of the actual Battle of Hastings impressed me. I found it well written, and that it showed the viewpoints of both sides in the battle in a proper and well-rounded manner. There was just enough detail without going overboard. I was hoping, all the way to the last page, that history would be changed and that the Battle of Hastings would somehow go the other way.
The writing is rich and descriptive of the countryside, the buildings, the weather, and the people. The author does a marvelous job of weaving the lives, loves, ambitions and personalities of the characters so they become alive to the reader.
Reading this book will leave you feeling satisfied if a little sad that the tale has ended. Even though you know the ending before you start the book, it is in the story’s telling in between that will captivate you and keep you reading.
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