The Bastard King

Norman Trilogy #1

by Jean Plaidy

This glorious novel chronicles the life of William the Conqueror, the bastard son of the Duke of Normandy, from childhood until his death in 1087.

He is destined to succeed his father as the Duke of Normandy but questions about his legitimacy mean he consistently faces challenges from potential usurpers in the Duchy to retain the title. He marries Matilda, the equally intelligent and ambitious daughter of the King of Flanders, and together they have many children.

In 1066, he crosses the channel from Normandy to England and seizes the crown from King Harold, Edward the Confessor's popular successor. This is the roller coaster account of his efforts to become sovereign and the events in his life afterwards, including his turbulent relationships with various members of his family.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, 11th Century, British Literature, Medieval, Audiobook

333 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1974

About the author

Eleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A former girlfriend introduced me to the author, who goes by several other pen names.

Her books are quite short but tend to be well-paced. Additionally, she is very accurate Historically, so, unlike GLADIATOR or BRAVEHEART, movies which I love but which are not accurate, you are getting a good coverage of what you missed in school.

Story follows the life of William the Conqueror, starting with his father's rise to power, William's birth and then an internal struggle. We then follow his path as he gets a wife by beating her for insulting him, his dealings with the English, his invasion and then his holding of the realms.

Like Henry II, upon his death bed, his servants take off with all his wealth.

STORY/PLOTTING: B minus; HISTORICAL INFO: B to B plus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B minus; WHEN READ: Jan. 2006 (revised review mid October 2012); OVERALL GRADE: B minus to B.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read. I wasn't totally sure what to expect because sometimes older historical fiction books can be downright terrible, filled with anachronisms, inaccuracies, and horribly stilted language, but this book has none of these things. It was a pleasure to read with good pacing, believable characters and language, nice battle scenes that weren't overly gory or too long, and even some laughs thrown in. The only thing better than reading this book was knowing the author has dozens of other historical fiction books just waiting for me to gobble them right up.

[Stephanie Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

William is the bastard son of Robert the Magnificent and Arlette, the tanner's daughter. Can William find peace and love with such tempestuous beginnings?

Plaidy is at her historical finest with "The Bastard King." Set in the 11th Century, Robert, an heir to the Duke of Normandy, falls in love with a common woman. Arlette gives him a son, William. Robert intends for William to become the Duke of Normandy after his death. Robert's tenure as Duke is filled with passionate highs and sorrowful low points. William is still young when his father dies, leaving him the Duke.

William must rely on his friends and courage to retain his title. He is vicious in his warfare, but his bravery and skill in battle as a young man cement his command in Normandy. Those who are jealous refer to William as "the bastard." It's a title he abhors. When he makes inquires about marrying Matilda of Flanders, she proudly asserts she will never marry a bastard.

William goes to Flanders and gives her a beating she won't forget. Matilda is impressed with his panache and decides William is the man for her. They marry after an extended courtship.

Edward the Confessor is King of England and a cousin to William. Edward expresses his wish for England to go to William when he dies, and William savors the desire to become King of England down to his bones. But will William's endeavors to conquer England ruin the happiness he's found with Matilda and drive his family apart?

Plaidy is the queen of historical fiction. Through her meticulous research and understanding of history, she effortlessly blends fiction and fact. Her style of writing is easy to read and follow, if not a bit "telling" at times.

The richest part of the novel is the characterization. William is neither a hero nor a villain, but a man with flaws. He's passionate about those he cares about. He's earned the title of Duke by destroying, but makes a point to build as well. Discovering the complexities of the man makes for a fascinating read.

Matilda is as passionate as William as well as fiery and determined. They are a perfectly matched pair.

What I enjoyed the most about the book was how well researched it was and how Plaidy gave equal attention to William's deeds as well as his private life. There were times I felt like a fly on the wall as I watched William's trials and tribulations unfold around him.

Plaidy's descriptions allow the reader to picture the novel's setting and her dialogue brings an authenticity to the period without weighing down the story. Plaidy also shares little historical gems with the reader which includes the origin of Bayeux's tapestry and Bishop Odo, William's half-brother.

"The Bastard King" delivers action, adventure, and demonstrates how love can shape a dynasty. History comes alive under Plaidy's expert touch.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book flamed my fascination for William the Conqueror. Several years after I read it, I visited Bayeux in France and got to see the Bayeux tapestry. Very exciting.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of William the Conqueror – Duke of Normandy and King of England, son of Robert the Magnificent and a long line of Dukes of Normandy. Such a wonderful foundation was set by first telling part of the story of Robert the Magnificent and his love story with Arlette, daughter or a tanner who might not have been a suitable match on paper but was the perfect match in heart.

We are walked through William’s life and delighted at the turn it takes when he finds his own true love in Matilda of Flanders. Through much strife William wades, always advancing his goal of power, coveting even the throne of England to which he has no true claim. Both the good and the bad of William is exposed through his words and actions, but a powerful ruler he turned out to be. Taking us from before his conception to the moment of his death, Plaidy fully explores William the son, William the husband, William the father William the Duke, William the King, William the Conqueror.

[Phil Syphe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel based on King William I of England, aka William the Bastard, aka William Duke of Normandy, aka William the Conqueror, had me hooked from start to finish.

Ms Plaidy opens the tale before William’s birth, showing how his parents met and why he was destined to be baseborn. I’m glad the author did this, as I knew nothing of these earlier events.

I love the way we get to see William grow up, evolve into one of the all-time great generals, and see him right through to his death. Despite some of the harsh – or even horrific – actions he undertook or ordered, I found him likeable.

Along with William himself, I especially liked the author’s portrayal of the “bastard’s” parents and of his wife, Matilda of Flanders.

It’s hard to review this book for anything else specific because I found it to be a continual flow of engaging narrative. Thus, the best thing I can recommend to anyone considering reading it, is to read it.

A regal read.

[MaryKatherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew next to nothing about William the Conqueror and his family, besides 1066 and all that jazz, before reading this novel. It prompted me to do my research and I read about the real Bayeaux Tapestry, Doomsday Book and Battle of Hastings, among other things. As always, Plaidy introduces unforgettable characters and it will take me quite awhile to forget them. Matilda is a tough woman, but her and William's relationship makes sense. Their relationships with their children are complicated and, especially as the children grew, sad. Overall, this was an excellent beginning to a trilogy and I can't wait to start on the next installment!

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my earliest Jean Plaidy reads. Brilliant historical context and evidently well researched and a great read. Fascinating personal history of William the Conqueror as well as the wider historical significance of his reign. The impact of his invasion on the lives of the English cannot be underestimated nor forgotten. He made the English/Anglo-Saxons serfs under the Norman yolk, giving away our lands to his Norman Lords and our language and customs utterly changed. It would not be until the reign of Edward III that changes within the social class and culture of the English would start to be reshaped and integrated back into our cultural life.

[Star Yang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I loved every aspect of this book. The romance between the characters is so real and except one scene which you can read about it from another review. But overall, this book you have to read some point if you want to know more about william the conqueror. It's so hard to find a English king so devoted and faithful to their wife and even taking their suggestions on how to rule. William and Mathilda are probably my favorite couple in English history(personally love the love story of edward iv and elizabeth woodville) I did cry when I read a couple of scenes. I would probably read this book over and over again.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! My friend saw the title and said "WHAT are you reading?" It is a historical fiction novel based on the Duke of Normandy/ King of England known as William the Conqueror (he was born out of wedlock, hence the title of the book). It was a very clean book, no bad language or crude parts, and I loved learning the history of this very early time period of European rulers. I will definitely read the next book in the series.

[Mary Collin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy! I first read this back in the 70s and loved it. It got me fascinated with the Normans and the Plantagenets. That fascination has stayed with me ever since. I was concerned I'd be disappointed (re-reading) as I had such a high opinion of it. I couldn't have been happier to reconnect with these amazing books. It's great to rediscover the wonderful Jean Plaidy. I'm hooked all over again almost 40 years on.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now understand why Henry II's eagles and wife revolted against him. It seems to be a genetic trait inherited from William the Conqueror. His wife had a favourite son as did Eleanor. William and Henry both were unwilling to name their their until their death which their children were none to pleased about.

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good novel covers the full life of William the Concorer, the love of his life, Matilda and relationship with his sons. It also links in some of the alliances and intreagues of the last kings of England before William, Edward the Confesser and Harold Godwin.
An excellent story with lots of history worked in.

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

William the Conquer comes to life in this book. A bastard son of Normandy who changed the face and destiny of England. Him and his wife Matilda and their many children turn England into the makings of the counrty it becomes. A powerful man and a gracious ruler I felt for and cried with the characters through their struggles and obstacles as they became the historic figures of England's past.

[Kiesha ~ Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, although I hated how Matilda was portrayed. I love William the Conqueror though, what a story.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Jean Plaidy for a quick historical overview. There are other authors I enjoy more for character and plot development. But Jean Plaidy gives an engaging presentation of history.

Appropriate for my teenager. Yes.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good and kept true to history but the writing style threw me a bit. I'm used to a more modern narrative so it took me a while to get through it and I never really got lost in it.

[Glafira Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jean Plaidy’s The Bastard King is the beginning of her Norman Trilogy, tracing the life of William the Conqueror from his precarious childhood as the illegitimate son of the Duke of Normandy to his rise as one of history’s most formidable rulers. Plaidy excels at bringing the medieval world to life: we see the struggles of a young boy forced to fight for survival, the constant threats from rival nobles, and the clever political manoeuvres that slowly secure his position. The book captures the suspense of William’s story — the betrayals, the battles, and the extraordinary ambition that carried him across the Channel to seize the English crown. Plaidy’s prose is clear and readable, turning complex history into a fast-moving narrative filled with tension and drama. William is portrayed as determined and relentless, and his relationship with Matilda of Flanders adds both romance and political intrigue. Some readers may find that the novel sacrifices strict historical accuracy in favour of dramatic storytelling, and the dialogue occasionally feels a bit formal by modern standards, but these flaws don’t overshadow its appeal. The Bastard King is not a dense academic work — it’s a sweeping, accessible historical novel that makes the Norman era feel alive and immediate. It’s perfect for readers who want to understand the man behind the Conquest while enjoying a richly told story full of ambition, conflict, and power struggles. Whether you are new to William the Conqueror or already fascinated by him, this book offers an engaging and dramatic retelling of his life, setting the stage for the rest of Plaidy’s trilogy.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books covering those first couple of successions following the rule of William the Conqueror (Rufus, Henry, Stephen/Matilda) are a little fewer and farther between than those of The Conquest itself, and the promise of a three-book series covering this stretch of time, in addition to the 4+ review average, was what drew me to this series.

I was a little surprised to be a bit disappointed in the actual writing by the prolific Plaidy. There was a sort of childlike simplicity to how she presented motivations and, oftentimes, dialogue. Feelings, events, exchanges, all very simply-put. I almost had the sense that I was reading a translation of Old English...the way Beowulf sounds often overly-simplistic in its translated form. But I don't think that was the intent, it was simply the writing style.

My additional complaint was - and it's probably due to the simplicity of characterization that results from all of the above - is that Plaidy's biases seem to shine through. Matilda seems to be unbendingly, relentlessly ambitious. A real bitch. I'd like to see a little more of an even-handed representation, showing a little more complexity of her character. I'm not knowledgeable enough about events of that time to develop a well-considered perspective, but I fear I'm being given a "how popular history has judged Matilda" version of events, and it feels a little lazy.

That said, the story flows right along. Pacing, et. al are on point and it was a "page-turner" for me, so I suppose I can't really give it less than a three.

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this out of print Jean Plaidy novel about William the Conqueror at ReReading books, a second hand bookstore in Toronto. As in her other novels, Plaidy excels at creating a rich inner life for historical figures and including events discussed in history books. As this novel was published in the 1970s, there are some out of date theories about William and his queen, Matilda of Flanders, most notably the idea that Matilda personally stitched the Bayeux tapestry. Neither William nor Matilda come across as sympathetic figures in this novel as they are both willing to order murder and maiming in response to affronts to their pride. As Plaidy follows William from childhood, his personality is sketched in the most detail and the childhood scenes are some of the most well written. One of the weaknesses of the novel is that Plaidy does not write evocative battle scenes, which seem necessary in a novel about William the Conqueror. The Battle of Hastings in 1066 unfolds over just one page of a three hundred and thirty page novel. A good second hand bookstore find but I understand why this novel was not reprinted in the 21st century along with Plaidy's Tudor series.

[Christine Covil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to re-read Jean Plaidy to rediscover my love of reading by returning to the author who inspired me the most in my teenage years. I used to walk down the school corridors with my nose in her books and couldn't get enough of her novels. Surprisingly, returning to read one again I have found just as enjoyable and not as dated as I feared it might be. Certainly, there is a little more telling than showing but I actually found this refreshing and it helped me to get to grips with the history more readily. The novel is packed with well researched facts and I love the way the origins of the Domesday Book and the Bayeaux Tapestry were brought to light. William's private life was given as much attention in the story as his conquests and achievements and I felt as if I had really known and understood the man in a satisfying and well rounded way. I will definitely read more of Jean Plaidy as she wrote so many books there are many I haven't discovered yet. Its also good to find a historical novel about the Norman era as there is so much I don't yet know about this period of history.

[ribbonknight · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very high 3 stars lol. While tracking down Plaidy’s books about Tudors and Plantagenets isn’t difficult because they’ve been republished during my lifetime, it took me years to finally track down used copies of this trilogy about the Normans. It was refreshing to read about historical figures I knew next to nothing about. William the Conqueror was mostly bamf-like and even though he beat Matilda the first time they met, her reaction was, “omg that was HOT.” Plaidy makes these emotional journeys believable and it’s nice to read something knowing everything they’re said to have said or done is based on historical accounts. I think the only inaccuracy is that we now know Matilda did not create the Bayeux Tapestry but tbh it works so well narratively I probably would have worked it in too 😂
I had no idea who was going to die so the fates of their children came as genuine shocks to me. I’m actually really excited to read the next two in this trilogy!

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The domestic violence in this book was bad enough as it was but to have the wife accept it cheerfully and crow about how it makes him manly is nauseating. None of the characters were likable or complex, they were all just terrible people who killed for ambition with no thought or remorse. Not Plaidy’s finest work by any means.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of her books are great reads, and this book is no exception! If you are new to her work, or wanting to learn about England's history, this is a great book to start with! She had an amazing ability to bring history to life!

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy entrance to the loves and war in the Norman world. I have only just been introduced to Jean plaidy. Not too complicated and think I would have enjoyed these more as a teenager.

[Zlink · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/3.5

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting! I’ve never read any historical fiction and this was a great introduction. A bit confusing to read at first but once you understanding the writing style it’s easy to follow along.

[Susan Grimshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

A plodding but well researched fictional biography of William the Conqueror, worth reading to refresh my memory about that period of history.

[Doodles McC · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a young teen I really liked this story of William the Conqueror

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, very well written, fast-paced, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to rest in series.