What do you think?
Rate this book
By Her Hand
The engrossing and propulsive historical fiction debut from a talented new writer, for readers of Geraldine Brooks' Year of Wonders, Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet, Lauren Groff's Matrix, Robyn Cadwallader's The Anchoress, Pip Williams's The Dictionary of Lost Words.
She must write her rage ... to win her war.
Peak District, Mercia, AD 910: a young girl, Freda works hard to avoid her father's temper, while longing for his approval. She loves foraging in the woods and hearthside stories of heroes. Secretly she thinks in poetry and dreams of one day being able to write; her quills are grass stalks and sticks, her parchment the sky, the earth, her skin. But Freda's world is at war, and when her village is decimated in a savage raid and her father goes missing, Freda must find the strength to survive.
Taken in by the church, her only options are a life of servitude or prayer. But the cunning bishop sees an opportunity. As well as teaching Freda to write, he uses her survival as evidence of a miracle so as to attract pilgrims who bring wealth. As Freda chafes against the bishop's increasing control, she develops a friendship with the Mercian leader Ethelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, who shows her what it is to lead as a woman in a world that worships warrior kings.
Soon Freda must choose. Does she remain the powerless, subservient quill whose fate lies in the hands of another, or does she fight for the right to create - and write - her own story?
She must write her rage ... to win her war.
Peak District, Mercia, AD 910: a young girl, Freda works hard to avoid her father's temper, while longing for his approval. She loves foraging in the woods and hearthside stories of heroes. Secretly she thinks in poetry and dreams of one day being able to write; her quills are grass stalks and sticks, her parchment the sky, the earth, her skin. But Freda's world is at war, and when her village is decimated in a savage raid and her father goes missing, Freda must find the strength to survive.
Taken in by the church, her only options are a life of servitude or prayer. But the cunning bishop sees an opportunity. As well as teaching Freda to write, he uses her survival as evidence of a miracle so as to attract pilgrims who bring wealth. As Freda chafes against the bishop's increasing control, she develops a friendship with the Mercian leader Ethelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, who shows her what it is to lead as a woman in a world that worships warrior kings.
Soon Freda must choose. Does she remain the powerless, subservient quill whose fate lies in the hands of another, or does she fight for the right to create - and write - her own story?
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2025
50 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 10, 2025
'Some call it wyrd, fate, the great unseen web that weaves through all our lives'.
In 910 England, England was not England but a handful of kingdoms constantly vying for land and wealth. The kingdom of Mercia was sandwiched between the Viking controlled Danelaw and the almighty kingdom of Wessex, where an uneasy overlordship existed. When Freda's village comes under attack by marauding raiders, she is critically injured taking shelter in the woods. All seems lost, including her house and family. However, when she is eventually found and taken to an abbey, she is lured by the power and awe of the scriptorium. As she learns how to write, so too does she learn about the strength in words and the power of story-telling. Inspired by Aethelflaed, Lady of Mercia, and the biblical story of Judith, she too dreams of writing her own destiny. 'He who writes the book, controls the world'.
I love this time and place in history. 'By Her Hand' gives us a glimpse of life as a woman during an age of violence and turmoil, and some of the ways in which they exerted their influence. Freda's story started off slowly for me, picked up, eased off, and then finished with a bang. In this regard, it is really a coming of age, and the indecision, lulls, wrong turns, and ultimately strength that comes with it. This is definitely a book I would have appreciated some endnotes from the author. I feel like it really would have added depth to the character and why her story was told the way it was.
'...stories are spears in the right hands. Even a lie can be shaped, tamed, turned into an elegy to make a man yield. A poem can forge a kingdom. A riddle can crush a mind'.
In 910 England, England was not England but a handful of kingdoms constantly vying for land and wealth. The kingdom of Mercia was sandwiched between the Viking controlled Danelaw and the almighty kingdom of Wessex, where an uneasy overlordship existed. When Freda's village comes under attack by marauding raiders, she is critically injured taking shelter in the woods. All seems lost, including her house and family. However, when she is eventually found and taken to an abbey, she is lured by the power and awe of the scriptorium. As she learns how to write, so too does she learn about the strength in words and the power of story-telling. Inspired by Aethelflaed, Lady of Mercia, and the biblical story of Judith, she too dreams of writing her own destiny. 'He who writes the book, controls the world'.
I love this time and place in history. 'By Her Hand' gives us a glimpse of life as a woman during an age of violence and turmoil, and some of the ways in which they exerted their influence. Freda's story started off slowly for me, picked up, eased off, and then finished with a bang. In this regard, it is really a coming of age, and the indecision, lulls, wrong turns, and ultimately strength that comes with it. This is definitely a book I would have appreciated some endnotes from the author. I feel like it really would have added depth to the character and why her story was told the way it was.
'...stories are spears in the right hands. Even a lie can be shaped, tamed, turned into an elegy to make a man yield. A poem can forge a kingdom. A riddle can crush a mind'.
May 26, 2025
Before reading, I knew very little about this book other than it had a gorgeous cover. I happened to be in my local bookshop, the divine Open Book in Mosman Park, signing some copies of my own novel and I asked them what they'd read recently that they'd really loved. The bookseller mentioned By Her Hand and then made a joke about nun-lit being big right now‚ which I guess it is!
I read Lauren Groff’s The Matrix a couple of years ago and loved it, much to my surprise, because I would never have thought (as a very much lapsed Catholic) that I'd be interested. But there’s something about the physically claustrophobic yet intellectually expansive way of life experienced by centuries-ago nuns that makes for fascinating reading.
Marion Taffe tackles pre-England England, a country constantly at war and occupied by different and competing factions from across Europe. In the earlier parts of the novel, we’re treated to a glimpse into village life in the tenth century through the eyes of a young girl named Freda, our main character. A brutal and bloody raid on the village leaves her without any family and that's how she ends up at a convent, training to be a nun. The story centres around this young woman's experiences as both a nun and a budding writer. Not a writer in the traditional sense that we use the word, but a woman trained to copy verses in beautiful script.
If I've made all of this sound rather dour, I apologise. The book is quite fabulous. It's the combination of history, plus the insight into both the vulnerabilities and the power of this group of young women at the convent, as well as a main character whose side you're always, on that makes for a novel I loved from start to finish.
I read Lauren Groff’s The Matrix a couple of years ago and loved it, much to my surprise, because I would never have thought (as a very much lapsed Catholic) that I'd be interested. But there’s something about the physically claustrophobic yet intellectually expansive way of life experienced by centuries-ago nuns that makes for fascinating reading.
Marion Taffe tackles pre-England England, a country constantly at war and occupied by different and competing factions from across Europe. In the earlier parts of the novel, we’re treated to a glimpse into village life in the tenth century through the eyes of a young girl named Freda, our main character. A brutal and bloody raid on the village leaves her without any family and that's how she ends up at a convent, training to be a nun. The story centres around this young woman's experiences as both a nun and a budding writer. Not a writer in the traditional sense that we use the word, but a woman trained to copy verses in beautiful script.
If I've made all of this sound rather dour, I apologise. The book is quite fabulous. It's the combination of history, plus the insight into both the vulnerabilities and the power of this group of young women at the convent, as well as a main character whose side you're always, on that makes for a novel I loved from start to finish.
January 7, 2025
This is a mighty story, all the more impressive from a debut author. I loved the character of Freda, her softness and her strength. The world that Marion Taffe creates is visceral and compelling.
April 2, 2025
Excellent historical fiction set in Mercia in the early 900’s. Freda is the only survivor after her home is attacked by Danes while the menfolk are to the south fighting with the Lady of Mercia, Aethleflaed. She joins a small religious community, St.Ositha’s where she has dreams of becoming a scribe and perhaps writing her own poetry. The effects of battle on women, the loss of their men, the risk of rape and the lack of choices for women, all these ideas and more are explored. I really enjoyed this perspective , a more personal story to go along with Bernard Cornwell’s series about Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
November 20, 2025
Set in the Early Middle Ages, By Her Hand is the debut novel by Marion Taffe. I’ve seen this novel popping up quite a bit online and I was interested in reading it as my tastes regarding historical fiction have vastly changed in recent years. I used to be more of a modern history enthusiast, but recent reads, Rapture comes to mind, has seen me reaching further back through time for my historical fiction fix. But what really prompted me to read this one was the recent excellent review from my trusted bookish friend, Tracey from Carpe Librum.
I both listened to and read By Her Hand, and I can highly recommend the audiobook, it was narrated beautifully and also had the sidebar bonus of pronouncing the names and places correctly, which I was not doing right when reading it myself! This novel is a richly researched story, and I was impressed by both the world building and the character development. Lushly written and immersive in scope, By Her Hand was such a gorgeous read, I found myself lingering over the passages and taking far longer to read it than I normally would have.
I highly recommend this one for lovers of well researched and richly rendered historical fiction. Perfect for fans of Rapture, Hamnet, and The Book of Colours.
I both listened to and read By Her Hand, and I can highly recommend the audiobook, it was narrated beautifully and also had the sidebar bonus of pronouncing the names and places correctly, which I was not doing right when reading it myself! This novel is a richly researched story, and I was impressed by both the world building and the character development. Lushly written and immersive in scope, By Her Hand was such a gorgeous read, I found myself lingering over the passages and taking far longer to read it than I normally would have.
I highly recommend this one for lovers of well researched and richly rendered historical fiction. Perfect for fans of Rapture, Hamnet, and The Book of Colours.
March 26, 2025
Set in 900s Mercia, twelve year old Frieda is a dreamer with a wonderful imagination, creating stories while working hard to avoid her father’s temper.
When her home is invaded, Frieda looses her family and is taken in by a bishop with the assurance she would be taught the learnings and how to write.
While the bishop has other plans for Freida’s writing skills, as she grows and learns her craft and finds her voice she must fight for what is right.
Set during a time where the world is slowly changing and there is true hardship and sorrow. I was completely immersed in this rich story. The writing is wonderful and the story flows beautifully giving readers a window to a very different time
Freida is a wonderfully smart, innocent, and strong character who we see her grow through each chapter.
Thank you so much @bookbuzzau @harpercollinsaustralia for my early reading copy and then sending me a finished copy 🫶 how fantastic is this cover!
When her home is invaded, Frieda looses her family and is taken in by a bishop with the assurance she would be taught the learnings and how to write.
While the bishop has other plans for Freida’s writing skills, as she grows and learns her craft and finds her voice she must fight for what is right.
Set during a time where the world is slowly changing and there is true hardship and sorrow. I was completely immersed in this rich story. The writing is wonderful and the story flows beautifully giving readers a window to a very different time
Freida is a wonderfully smart, innocent, and strong character who we see her grow through each chapter.
Thank you so much @bookbuzzau @harpercollinsaustralia for my early reading copy and then sending me a finished copy 🫶 how fantastic is this cover!
January 3, 2026
‘Only those who know fear can be brave,’
————
‘Looking up through the bright green underside of the layered leaves, lit by the sky. And it came to me then that nothing of her remained in the world. She had left no mark other than the love she gave. I pointed my finger and wrote her name in the air. Not in my scrawl, my writing that was not real writing, but in real letters, for Elfled had taught me to write our names.’
————
‘Looking up through the bright green underside of the layered leaves, lit by the sky. And it came to me then that nothing of her remained in the world. She had left no mark other than the love she gave. I pointed my finger and wrote her name in the air. Not in my scrawl, my writing that was not real writing, but in real letters, for Elfled had taught me to write our names.’
January 16, 2025
By Her Hand is a feat of exquisite storytelling that gripped me from the first page. Set in 900s Mercia, we are immersed into Freda’s tumultuous world of navigating her complicated father and an even more complicated time of territorial conflict and brutal raids. When her own village is ravaged, Freda is injured and taken to an abbey where she is nursed back to health. There she finds solace and friendship and a new way forward in a world bereft of family. But Freda dreams of more than the domesticity and prayer of abbey life. She yearns to write—almost impossible in a world that is not the dominion of girls and women. When the powerful bishop observes something of value in Freda, he sees to it she learns her letters and trains to scribe. At first, Freda is unaware of the forces at play around her, that shape her and her world. But she grows in skill and courage, and is guided by Aethelflaed, the Lady of Mercia—she has challenges to meet and decisions to make. And now she is equipped.
Taffe is a dream of a writer, creating rich, immersive setting, complex characters and a stirring narrative, woven together by her sublime writing style. By Her Hand is a powerful story and a compelling read.
Taffe is a dream of a writer, creating rich, immersive setting, complex characters and a stirring narrative, woven together by her sublime writing style. By Her Hand is a powerful story and a compelling read.
March 10, 2025
Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for the early copy!
As soon as I saw that By Her Hand was marketed to fans of Maggie O’Farrell, I knew I was going to be in for a good time but also a touching and emotional one. The story follows our main character Freda, who is heartstrong And skilled in writing. I am a big fan of historical fiction and especially those who explore the lives of women who go against the norms of the time period, as seen by some of my other recent reads.
only thing was that it took some time to get into the story and read without distraction but in the end i read over half the book over the period of a day and stayed up late to see how the story would conclude.
As soon as I saw that By Her Hand was marketed to fans of Maggie O’Farrell, I knew I was going to be in for a good time but also a touching and emotional one. The story follows our main character Freda, who is heartstrong And skilled in writing. I am a big fan of historical fiction and especially those who explore the lives of women who go against the norms of the time period, as seen by some of my other recent reads.
only thing was that it took some time to get into the story and read without distraction but in the end i read over half the book over the period of a day and stayed up late to see how the story would conclude.
June 23, 2025
This was a really solid historical fiction! Nothing groundbreaking, but it did really make me want to play Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla again…
December 22, 2024
I was very much looking forward to reading this one but I must say I was a little disappointed. Although it was an interesting read it was very long and very drawn out. It seemed to take a long time to get anywhere. The writing is descriptive, but the language is hard to understand and it didn't keep me interested throughout (I put it down numerous times and also skipped through parts that dragged on).
I really wanted to like this one but in the end it just didn't have the magic and oomph I was expecting and I wanted.
By Her Hand: An engrossing historical fiction debut, a tale of family, battles and female empowerment, for readers who love Geraldine Brooks and Maggie O'Farrell
Marion Taffe
Harper Collins Publisher
I really wanted to like this one but in the end it just didn't have the magic and oomph I was expecting and I wanted.
By Her Hand: An engrossing historical fiction debut, a tale of family, battles and female empowerment, for readers who love Geraldine Brooks and Maggie O'Farrell
Marion Taffe
Harper Collins Publisher
November 6, 2025
Set in Mercia in 910AD, young Freda is inspired by stories, loves to forage in the woods and dreams of being able to write. Living with her sister and overbearing father, Freda's life is upended when her village is attacked by Danish raiders. Injured and lucky to survive, Freda is placed in the women's abbey Saint Ositha's by the newly appointed bishop. Bishop Ælle promises to teach Freda to write while capitalising on her miraculous survival in a bid to attract pilgrims to the abbey.
As she settles into her new life at the abbey, Freda struggles with her faith, continues to mourn her sister and is consumed by rage at the Vikings. Later in the book Freda's rage is stoked anew:
"I thought of Saint Paul urging us not to allow the sun to set on our anger. I smiled. This sun was not setting. This sun was rising on my anger, illuminating my rage in gold." Page 264-265
Freda is a feisty character and Marion Taffe expertly brings this period in English history alive, skillfully helping the reader make sense of the complicated politics of 10th century Wessex. A coming of age story, Freda must find her place in the abbey and eventually develops a connection with Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians. Freda is inspired by Æthelflæd's courage and steadfast leadership and their shared bond over grief.
"Death's twin sister is Grief. She waits at the door while Death takes the soul, then Grief enters the living. The first time you meet, she ties a chain around your heart and fastens it with hooks, and the hooks dig deeper with the effort of each beat. Grief is with you always. She is the long cold night. The eternal uhtcearu." Page 205*
*Uhtcearu (oot-key-are-oo) is an Anglo-Saxon word that translates to mean pre-dawn anxiety or nighttime sorrow.
I adored Taffe's writing in By Her Hand and I agree with the publisher that it will appeal to fans of Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell, Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks and The Anchoress by Robyn Cadwallader. I also think it'll appeal to readers who enjoyed The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks, Rapture by Emily Maguire and Book of Colours by Robyn Cadwallader.
I was fortunate to purchase a signed edition of By Her Hand at Readings during a visit with a friend and the irony that it's signed by the hand of the author isn't lost on me. And can we take a moment to admire the stunning cover design? This has to be one of my favourite covers for 2025 and having recently enjoyed Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton, I took great pleasure seeing the hare on the cover and the meaning it has for the protagonist.
The importance of stories is a key thread in this historical fiction novel, and in a meta fashion, the author acknowledges the power of story in a conversation between Bishop Ælle and Freda:
"Have I not taught you that stories are spears in the right hands? Even a lie can be shaped, tamed, turned into an elegy to make a man yield. A poem can forge a kingdom. A riddle can crush a mind." Page 290
I always read the Acknowledgements section of a book but can't remember the last time I commented on one in a review but I have three observations worth noting from this one. I really enjoyed learning that the author tried to build Saint Ositha's in Minecraft with her children and I'd love to see it. Secondly, it was cool to hear the author made hearth cakes - frequently referenced in the book - with her children for research during lockdown. I'm imagining they would taste like damper but I'd love to try them. Thirdly, and I rarely see this, but Marion Taffe thanks the authors who provided generous and thoughtful endorsements for this book. It may seem obvious but often this is never publicly 'acknowledged' by authors in this way and her gratitude impressed me.
Australian author Marion Taffe has burst onto the scene with this debut and I thoroughly recommend By Her Hand to fans of historical fiction set during the early medieval period, even if this is your first time venturing that far back in history.
As she settles into her new life at the abbey, Freda struggles with her faith, continues to mourn her sister and is consumed by rage at the Vikings. Later in the book Freda's rage is stoked anew:
"I thought of Saint Paul urging us not to allow the sun to set on our anger. I smiled. This sun was not setting. This sun was rising on my anger, illuminating my rage in gold." Page 264-265
Freda is a feisty character and Marion Taffe expertly brings this period in English history alive, skillfully helping the reader make sense of the complicated politics of 10th century Wessex. A coming of age story, Freda must find her place in the abbey and eventually develops a connection with Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians. Freda is inspired by Æthelflæd's courage and steadfast leadership and their shared bond over grief.
"Death's twin sister is Grief. She waits at the door while Death takes the soul, then Grief enters the living. The first time you meet, she ties a chain around your heart and fastens it with hooks, and the hooks dig deeper with the effort of each beat. Grief is with you always. She is the long cold night. The eternal uhtcearu." Page 205*
*Uhtcearu (oot-key-are-oo) is an Anglo-Saxon word that translates to mean pre-dawn anxiety or nighttime sorrow.
I adored Taffe's writing in By Her Hand and I agree with the publisher that it will appeal to fans of Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell, Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks and The Anchoress by Robyn Cadwallader. I also think it'll appeal to readers who enjoyed The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks, Rapture by Emily Maguire and Book of Colours by Robyn Cadwallader.
I was fortunate to purchase a signed edition of By Her Hand at Readings during a visit with a friend and the irony that it's signed by the hand of the author isn't lost on me. And can we take a moment to admire the stunning cover design? This has to be one of my favourite covers for 2025 and having recently enjoyed Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton, I took great pleasure seeing the hare on the cover and the meaning it has for the protagonist.
The importance of stories is a key thread in this historical fiction novel, and in a meta fashion, the author acknowledges the power of story in a conversation between Bishop Ælle and Freda:
"Have I not taught you that stories are spears in the right hands? Even a lie can be shaped, tamed, turned into an elegy to make a man yield. A poem can forge a kingdom. A riddle can crush a mind." Page 290
I always read the Acknowledgements section of a book but can't remember the last time I commented on one in a review but I have three observations worth noting from this one. I really enjoyed learning that the author tried to build Saint Ositha's in Minecraft with her children and I'd love to see it. Secondly, it was cool to hear the author made hearth cakes - frequently referenced in the book - with her children for research during lockdown. I'm imagining they would taste like damper but I'd love to try them. Thirdly, and I rarely see this, but Marion Taffe thanks the authors who provided generous and thoughtful endorsements for this book. It may seem obvious but often this is never publicly 'acknowledged' by authors in this way and her gratitude impressed me.
Australian author Marion Taffe has burst onto the scene with this debut and I thoroughly recommend By Her Hand to fans of historical fiction set during the early medieval period, even if this is your first time venturing that far back in history.
June 14, 2025
“No woman is what you expect her to be.”
By Her Hand was a beautifully crafted tale of women and their grief, fear, courage and ultimately hope. It was wonderfully captivating and I struggled to put it down.
Freda is a young girl living in the Peak District, Mercia in AD 910. Her mother died in childbirth and she is often frightened of her father, but she dreams of one day being able to write. However living under the shadow of war, her village is soon destroyed by raiders and Freda must make difficult choices to ensure her own survival.
Marion has highlighted another period of history where women’s stories have been largely forgotten. It was a time of near constant threat and terror, both from invading armies as well as in the home. Being a woman meant being constantly on your guard and being seen as goods to be traded. Women’s worth was measured by their marriageability and violence was a part of everyday life.
Freda’s story was one of grief and tragedy but also resistance and bravery. Her survival seen as a miracle and then used as a bargaining tool to gain favour and riches for powerful men, but she refused to be compliant.
By Her Hand was an incredibly emotional and powerful read. There were many challenging parts to this story and the loss of so many women with little regret from men was absolutely infuriating and so very sad.
I love that Marion chose to set her book in this time and to focus on the strong and brave women who we know little about. I would like to think that there would have been women like Freda who defended those weaker than themselves and refused to be kept down.
By Her Hand was a beautifully crafted tale of women and their grief, fear, courage and ultimately hope. It was wonderfully captivating and I struggled to put it down.
Freda is a young girl living in the Peak District, Mercia in AD 910. Her mother died in childbirth and she is often frightened of her father, but she dreams of one day being able to write. However living under the shadow of war, her village is soon destroyed by raiders and Freda must make difficult choices to ensure her own survival.
Marion has highlighted another period of history where women’s stories have been largely forgotten. It was a time of near constant threat and terror, both from invading armies as well as in the home. Being a woman meant being constantly on your guard and being seen as goods to be traded. Women’s worth was measured by their marriageability and violence was a part of everyday life.
Freda’s story was one of grief and tragedy but also resistance and bravery. Her survival seen as a miracle and then used as a bargaining tool to gain favour and riches for powerful men, but she refused to be compliant.
By Her Hand was an incredibly emotional and powerful read. There were many challenging parts to this story and the loss of so many women with little regret from men was absolutely infuriating and so very sad.
I love that Marion chose to set her book in this time and to focus on the strong and brave women who we know little about. I would like to think that there would have been women like Freda who defended those weaker than themselves and refused to be kept down.
May 16, 2025
I really liked how I was taken back into the world of women in the 900’s in the lands which became England.
I think a glossary would have been a welcome and useful addition to this book. So even tough I gave 4 stars , probably 3 1/2 is closer because from the language point of view the read was disrupted by searching for the meaning of some words.
I think a glossary would have been a welcome and useful addition to this book. So even tough I gave 4 stars , probably 3 1/2 is closer because from the language point of view the read was disrupted by searching for the meaning of some words.
April 27, 2025
Big fan of well-researched historical fiction like this one
October 8, 2025
I don’t think I knew I’d enjoy historical fiction so much. What an absolute joy and delight - and an Australian author to boot. A battle cry to single women too!!
April 6, 2025
I really enjoy hearing a womans voice, a womans experience, in historical fiction novels.
We can only imagine how lives played out for the woman in this time with so many of the lived issues for women still present today.
Freda is a strong character.
We can only imagine how lives played out for the woman in this time with so many of the lived issues for women still present today.
Freda is a strong character.
April 28, 2025
By Her Hand by Marion Taffe is set in the Peak District, Middle Ages.
It's a medieval blend of fantasy adventure.
I absolutely loved this book set in the woodlands of England.
This book includes profound and intricate descriptions of calligraphy and its use throughout the Middle Ages.
You'll find yourself in religious battles; in an abbey with priests and nuns.
Once in a while a hare may hop onto your page!
It comes in a beautiful cover with 'green and gold' and a glimpse of a hare.
It's a medieval blend of fantasy adventure.
I absolutely loved this book set in the woodlands of England.
This book includes profound and intricate descriptions of calligraphy and its use throughout the Middle Ages.
You'll find yourself in religious battles; in an abbey with priests and nuns.
Once in a while a hare may hop onto your page!
It comes in a beautiful cover with 'green and gold' and a glimpse of a hare.
December 5, 2024
I honestly don't know what it was about this book that pulled me in so much. I'm not a big historical fiction reader, let alone, one to do with religion. But the writing was so captivating, even with the hard to pronounce words.
Likes:
the gripping descriptive writing
It reminded me of Vikings
The FMC development
The friendships formed
Dislikes:
the long-ish chapters
The hard to pronounce words
Could have done more with the fighting scene
March 11, 2025
"For a woman, living in the world of men is to always ready for battle. But we have no byrnies, no helms. There are no banners or crafts painted on shields."
The setting is 10th century Mercia. This place and time is brought fully to life. Little details and use of words from the time period fully immerse you.
The main character is Freda. She is a bright young girl and I enjoyed reading about her coming of age.
The story begins in a peaceful village which is suddenly attacked by Viking raiders, breaking Freda's life apart. She finds herself living in a nunnery, learning to read and write.
The themes of the novel and close to my heart - the importance of literacy, and the autonomy of women and girls.
I enjoyed this novel, but found it very slow to read. The writing was lovely and the setting really intrigued me, but for some reason I don't fully understand, I didn't look forward to picking this book back up each time I put it down.
The setting is 10th century Mercia. This place and time is brought fully to life. Little details and use of words from the time period fully immerse you.
The main character is Freda. She is a bright young girl and I enjoyed reading about her coming of age.
The story begins in a peaceful village which is suddenly attacked by Viking raiders, breaking Freda's life apart. She finds herself living in a nunnery, learning to read and write.
The themes of the novel and close to my heart - the importance of literacy, and the autonomy of women and girls.
I enjoyed this novel, but found it very slow to read. The writing was lovely and the setting really intrigued me, but for some reason I don't fully understand, I didn't look forward to picking this book back up each time I put it down.
August 29, 2025
He stuck out his thumb, its nail edged black like the thinnest new moon. ‘Feather,’ he said. Then his forefinger. ‘Ink.’ His middle finger. ‘Skin.’ He took his writing feather and showed me how it was held in those three fingers. ‘These gifts from the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost, connected by these three fingers.’
‘Trinity,’ I whispered.’ (Freda)
Freda is in thrall to the power of written storytelling. In the 10th century, most scribes were men but Freda has been taken under the wing of Bishop Æelle. Under the instruction of the bishop and Mother Mathilde, she learns to read – Ænglisc, Latin, Greek. And she learns to write. Freda practices her letters in the air, in mud, in wax and, eventually, on vellum.
Whose story does Freda write? First, the life of Juliana, the virgin saint who was tempted, humiliated and tortured. Second, the life of Judith, the apocryphal widow who was beautiful, bold and murderous. And third? With insight and imagination, through lines and margins, her own story, both an amalgamation and a singularity.
In her debut novel, Marion Taffe recreates a time of violence, struggle and turmoil in medieval England. Political power is wielded by the kings, clerics and warriors of Wessex, Mercia and the Danelaw. But, as the book’s title suggests, Taffe’s novel is predominantly about young Freda and ‘the many women omitted from the historical record’ (Author’s note): the astute Lady Æthelflaed; the healers, Nainsi and Mildryd; the abbey oblates Berhtfled, Wulfild, Cearu and Brihtwyn; the women who were raped and abused; and those who died in childbirth.
* * * * * * * * * *
Taffe uses Old English spellings for place names and everyday words. A map and a glossary would be useful additions to the published book.
* * * * * * * * * *
You can find more book reflections on my blog, Thoughts from an Idle Hour.
May 8, 2025
Set in 910AD, this is the story of how one woman's strength, determination (and a little luck) leads her out of trauma and loss and into a life of opportunity, at a time when options and opportunities were limited. Living the life of a nun may not seem a suitable or attractive choice, but it is here that the main character, Freda, learns to read and write, having long dreamt of being a writer, a poet...
The voice and character of the main character is one of the biggest strengths of this story - following her journey and coming of age is like watching the unfurling of a flower, but Freda is supported by a host of great characters who either help or challenge her along the way. Great world building - I felt like I could vividly see the Mercian monastery and countryside in my mind as if I were watching the latest Netflix show...
I felt like it went a bit too long in parts, and the ending was quite rushed and sudden. For a young girl to go from living as a nun and being afraid of everything and everyone, to deciding to put herself in the middle of a war felt a little jarring and sudden...
Still - well written and a brilliant achievement for a first book!
The voice and character of the main character is one of the biggest strengths of this story - following her journey and coming of age is like watching the unfurling of a flower, but Freda is supported by a host of great characters who either help or challenge her along the way. Great world building - I felt like I could vividly see the Mercian monastery and countryside in my mind as if I were watching the latest Netflix show...
I felt like it went a bit too long in parts, and the ending was quite rushed and sudden. For a young girl to go from living as a nun and being afraid of everything and everyone, to deciding to put herself in the middle of a war felt a little jarring and sudden...
Still - well written and a brilliant achievement for a first book!
May 4, 2025
This story is an astonishing achievement from a debut author. Quite apart from the fascinating Freda story arc and the sighing-screaming waves of her young life, the meticulous and painstaking research this took is truly admirable.
This period in English history is fascinating to me, especially the leap forward that the English language took on the backs of enlightened leaders and fearless writers. Taffe captures this beautifully.
Her lilting and gentle writing voice is powerfully juxtaposed with the violence, power, and scheming that weave their thread through all politics and self-interest. This is creative art at its best.
All the characters in her story had their place, and she didn't pander to the "all men are bastards" trope, despite the terrible things they did (and still do) to women.
While I was a little (only a little) disappointed in the denouement, I could see the path of a sequel. Marion Taffe has whetted my appetite to know more about Freda. This story reached me as real. I invested in it. I learned from it.
This period in English history is fascinating to me, especially the leap forward that the English language took on the backs of enlightened leaders and fearless writers. Taffe captures this beautifully.
Her lilting and gentle writing voice is powerfully juxtaposed with the violence, power, and scheming that weave their thread through all politics and self-interest. This is creative art at its best.
All the characters in her story had their place, and she didn't pander to the "all men are bastards" trope, despite the terrible things they did (and still do) to women.
While I was a little (only a little) disappointed in the denouement, I could see the path of a sequel. Marion Taffe has whetted my appetite to know more about Freda. This story reached me as real. I invested in it. I learned from it.
April 17, 2025
An enjoyable read, it takes you back to 10th century early Briton. Life is nasty , raiders from the north, Danes or Vikings, set the scene. Freda’s village life is ended, her story is of life as on oblate, trainee within a remote community of nuns. Learning how to write is a key driver of her fate. Power, who has it, is a big theme, from head of nunnery, to bishop, the military/ civil leaders. Who doesn’t have it - women, children, poor people, underlings of all descriptions.
The author produces a very detailed knowledge of early times, much of it domestic, within Freda’s intimate social setting. Women’s work, medical, cultural, agricultural work, military skills, religious, political, all the in and outs go into recounting how people lived
It’s quite nuanced in its feminist approach, showing women’s vulnerability, not just to marauding rapists, but within the family, the institutions, the powerful at work , we see how extremely limited and how dangerous life was for females.
The author produces a very detailed knowledge of early times, much of it domestic, within Freda’s intimate social setting. Women’s work, medical, cultural, agricultural work, military skills, religious, political, all the in and outs go into recounting how people lived
It’s quite nuanced in its feminist approach, showing women’s vulnerability, not just to marauding rapists, but within the family, the institutions, the powerful at work , we see how extremely limited and how dangerous life was for females.
May 24, 2025
“Alwin, life for a woman, in the world of men, is to be always ready for battle. But we have no byrnie, no helm. There are no banners or crests painted on shields, so we cannot tell who is a Hengest and who is a Hrothmar. I am lucky. I have the abbey.”
This book, as a woman, was a difficult but heartfelt experience. I really enjoyed how three dimensional each character felt, even the side characters and those mentioned only a few times. They had their own unique aspirations that moved the story, and even the protagonists had grey areas to which their morals and values were exposed as inconsistent.
The language was difficult to digest at first, but the characters and their stories encouraged me to read on.
A wonderful book, and I’d encourage everyone to read after checking the warnings first as the story contains depictions of s.a, violence, s.h, and maternal death.
4.2/5
This book, as a woman, was a difficult but heartfelt experience. I really enjoyed how three dimensional each character felt, even the side characters and those mentioned only a few times. They had their own unique aspirations that moved the story, and even the protagonists had grey areas to which their morals and values were exposed as inconsistent.
The language was difficult to digest at first, but the characters and their stories encouraged me to read on.
A wonderful book, and I’d encourage everyone to read after checking the warnings first as the story contains depictions of s.a, violence, s.h, and maternal death.
4.2/5
March 22, 2025
Set in Mercia (now England) in the 10th century, By Her Hand follows Freda, whose life is upturned during a terrible raid on her village. Freda seeks refuge in an abbey and learns not just to write, but learns the power of the crafted word by her own hand.
I was fortunate to read an early copy and to interview Marion about her debut novel on The Book Deal podcast. Who doesn’t want to read a book about warrior queens, the power of the pen and poetry? What struck me was the luminescence of Marion’s writing, her deft and precise use of language and the unravelling of a story. One in which I thought was a quiet novel in an abbey but transformed into a propelling and beautifully-wrought tale in a world unfamiliar, but also not.
I was fortunate to read an early copy and to interview Marion about her debut novel on The Book Deal podcast. Who doesn’t want to read a book about warrior queens, the power of the pen and poetry? What struck me was the luminescence of Marion’s writing, her deft and precise use of language and the unravelling of a story. One in which I thought was a quiet novel in an abbey but transformed into a propelling and beautifully-wrought tale in a world unfamiliar, but also not.
April 27, 2025
I picked this book up because I had enjoyed the TV series "The Last Kingdom", this being the same time frame and some of the same characters. Also I'm always interested in a woman's story and this one who has a passion for writing.
Much of this story is well written and historically researched, with Freda's story interwoven.
I know these were very different and hard times, and cannot be compared to today's standards, but I can't handle violence against children, I just can't. Also much of the book was a bit repetitive and slow, and I found I wasn't eager to pick the book up. The only reason I finished reading the book was because I was curious about what would happen to Freda eventually.
The last section didn't disappoint, it was fast paced and eventful, and all the loose ends tied off.
Much of this story is well written and historically researched, with Freda's story interwoven.
I know these were very different and hard times, and cannot be compared to today's standards, but I can't handle violence against children, I just can't. Also much of the book was a bit repetitive and slow, and I found I wasn't eager to pick the book up. The only reason I finished reading the book was because I was curious about what would happen to Freda eventually.
The last section didn't disappoint, it was fast paced and eventful, and all the loose ends tied off.
November 14, 2025
2.5 stars
This is interesting in that it follows the life journey of a young woman who is orphaned, used by the church and given refuge in a monastery (convent). The story line for the times was thoughtful and gave insight into how they lived and what they endured - especially women. I must say that I found the use of random words in old English or Mercian in the writing a bit annoying. Sometimes from the rest of the sentence the context was obvious, but oftentimes not. It also jarred the flow of the writing/reading process.
All in all, I think this could have been shorter, but having finished it I thought the story was rounded out.
This is interesting in that it follows the life journey of a young woman who is orphaned, used by the church and given refuge in a monastery (convent). The story line for the times was thoughtful and gave insight into how they lived and what they endured - especially women. I must say that I found the use of random words in old English or Mercian in the writing a bit annoying. Sometimes from the rest of the sentence the context was obvious, but oftentimes not. It also jarred the flow of the writing/reading process.
All in all, I think this could have been shorter, but having finished it I thought the story was rounded out.
April 15, 2025
Marion Taffe has successfully managed a deeply-researched historical fiction which is also a page turner. She takes us into a rich 10th century world where Freda's life takes breathtaking, but believable turns. She is a completely sympathetic heroine, brave but flawed, creative but vulnerable. The pace of the novel is always tense, but always working in concert with the world-building and beautiful descriptions. Freda's tumultuous life is satisfyingly resolved without being too neat. A tour de force!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews