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Norman Quartet #1
Gildenford
Told from the perspective of a Saxon peasant, this is a story about the ruling family of England and the changing succession during the early 11th century prior to William the Conqueror taking the throne in 1066 from the Earl of Wessex.
392 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
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811 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Anand
19 books31 followersBorn in London, Valerie Anand knew at the age of six that she wanted to be an author. At the age of fifteen, she saw MGM’s film Ivanhoe. She walked into the cinema knowing that she wanted to be a novelist and walked out of it knowing that historical novels were the kind she most wanted to write.
Over the course of her long and distinguished writing career, Valerie has written many works of historical fiction and is well known for the Ursula Blanchard series of Elizabethan mysteries written under the pen name of Fiona Buckley.
Still living in London, Valerie Anand is a frequent visitor to Exmoor, the setting featured in The House of Lanyon.
Over the course of her long and distinguished writing career, Valerie has written many works of historical fiction and is well known for the Ursula Blanchard series of Elizabethan mysteries written under the pen name of Fiona Buckley.
Still living in London, Valerie Anand is a frequent visitor to Exmoor, the setting featured in The House of Lanyon.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 10, 2008
This book is the first of a trilogy written by Anand about the Norman Conquest of England and begins in 1036 when Alfred Atheling and 600 of his party were betrayed and massacred at Gildenford by Harold Harefoot, one of the claimants for the English throne. But, did Harefoot have help in the plot to betray the Atheling and lead him to believe he would be safe entering England. His mother Emma Godwin, the Earl of Wessex. Brand the Woodcutter is innocently drawn into the plot and thus begins his years of service to the very powerful Earl of Wessex as the story then focuses on the reign of Edward the Confessor (Alfred's older brother), Godwin's great secret about the massacre at Gildenford and the events that eventually lead England toward it's destiny with Duke William of Normandy.
Since this is the first of a trilogy, William is a very minor character until the very end and I suspect the second book will have a lot more WOW factor as the story of Duke William and the 1066 Conquest of England unfolds. The ending of this book fell a bit flat for this reader and if one is only planning on reading this book it's not the greatest stand alone book on this period, I would recommend Helen Hollick's A Hollow Crown for a more thorough look at the era. While I very much enjoyed this book, and learning more about this lesser known period, I have to call this one good but not great, and definitely not worth the exorbitant prices being asked for the used copies of this book. Four stars.
Since this is the first of a trilogy, William is a very minor character until the very end and I suspect the second book will have a lot more WOW factor as the story of Duke William and the 1066 Conquest of England unfolds. The ending of this book fell a bit flat for this reader and if one is only planning on reading this book it's not the greatest stand alone book on this period, I would recommend Helen Hollick's A Hollow Crown for a more thorough look at the era. While I very much enjoyed this book, and learning more about this lesser known period, I have to call this one good but not great, and definitely not worth the exorbitant prices being asked for the used copies of this book. Four stars.
August 28, 2015
In 1036 the exiled Alfred Atheling, son of the late King Ethelred and his wife, Emma of Normandy, is invited to return to England to visit his mother. While lodging with Godwin, Earl of Wessex, in the town of Gildenford (now known as Guildford), Alfred and his men are betrayed and captured on the orders of King Harold Harefoot. The Atheling dies after being brutally tortured and blinded.
Several years later, Alfred's brother, Edward the Confessor, succeeds to the throne of England but the truth of what happened in Gildenford remains shrouded in mystery. Was Harefoot acting alone or with Godwin's help? Worse still, was it a plot of Emma's to have her own son murdered? Edward can't be sure, but one man thinks he knows. His name is Brand Woodcutter, a servant of Godwin's who has been part of the Earl's household for many years and is considered to be a friend of the family. Brand's battle with his conscience as he tries to decide what to do with his knowledge of Gildenford is at the heart of this novel as we move through some of the key events leading up to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
I've been reading a lot of fiction set in this period recently and more than one person has recommended Valerie Anand's Norman trilogy to me. I'm glad they did because I really enjoyed it – this is definitely my type of book! It does exactly what a good historical novel should do...brings a bygone age back to life, entertains as well as educating, and reminds us that the people who lived in those distant times were human beings like ourselves, not just names we might have seen in a school textbook.
Most of the characters in Gildenford are real historical figures and they are all so well-drawn and convincing that at first I wasn't sure it was really necessary to incorporate fictional characters such as Brand into the story as well. I did soon warm to Brand, however, and enjoyed the scenes written from his perspective as he observes the actions of others, struggles with conflicting loyalties and agonises over some very difficult decisions. I was impressed by the way Anand manages to weave his personal storyline together with the historical facts, particularly the abduction of the Abbess of Leominster and the uprising in Dover during the visit of Count Eustace of Bologne.
Gildenford was published in 1977 and like most of Valerie Anand's books is currently out of print. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of the second one, The Norman Pretender. Judging from the prices being asked for used copies they must be quite rare, but I'll watch out for a reasonably priced one and hopefully it won't be too long before I can continue with the series.
Several years later, Alfred's brother, Edward the Confessor, succeeds to the throne of England but the truth of what happened in Gildenford remains shrouded in mystery. Was Harefoot acting alone or with Godwin's help? Worse still, was it a plot of Emma's to have her own son murdered? Edward can't be sure, but one man thinks he knows. His name is Brand Woodcutter, a servant of Godwin's who has been part of the Earl's household for many years and is considered to be a friend of the family. Brand's battle with his conscience as he tries to decide what to do with his knowledge of Gildenford is at the heart of this novel as we move through some of the key events leading up to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
I've been reading a lot of fiction set in this period recently and more than one person has recommended Valerie Anand's Norman trilogy to me. I'm glad they did because I really enjoyed it – this is definitely my type of book! It does exactly what a good historical novel should do...brings a bygone age back to life, entertains as well as educating, and reminds us that the people who lived in those distant times were human beings like ourselves, not just names we might have seen in a school textbook.
Most of the characters in Gildenford are real historical figures and they are all so well-drawn and convincing that at first I wasn't sure it was really necessary to incorporate fictional characters such as Brand into the story as well. I did soon warm to Brand, however, and enjoyed the scenes written from his perspective as he observes the actions of others, struggles with conflicting loyalties and agonises over some very difficult decisions. I was impressed by the way Anand manages to weave his personal storyline together with the historical facts, particularly the abduction of the Abbess of Leominster and the uprising in Dover during the visit of Count Eustace of Bologne.
Gildenford was published in 1977 and like most of Valerie Anand's books is currently out of print. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of the second one, The Norman Pretender. Judging from the prices being asked for used copies they must be quite rare, but I'll watch out for a reasonably priced one and hopefully it won't be too long before I can continue with the series.
November 29, 2008
I had to step away from this for a day or two because for some reason I couldn't "hear" the individual voices of the characters like I normally do when I read. But even though they still weren't clear it was no fault of the author as the book was written well. The history was accurate and the characters that were imagined stayed true to the time and place.
This is a great start to the trilogy and others have done great reviews so I won't repeat here. All I will say is that I would recommend this book to HF lovers and although it is not the top book of this period it is still excellent. I look forward to the rest of the series.
This is a great start to the trilogy and others have done great reviews so I won't repeat here. All I will say is that I would recommend this book to HF lovers and although it is not the top book of this period it is still excellent. I look forward to the rest of the series.
September 20, 2012
I really enjoyed this first book in Anand's Norman trilogy. It tells the story of the years leading up to the Norman Conquest, beginning with the massacare at Gildenford. Anand tells a very probable story, one that is entertaining, fascinating and a joy to read. Her characters - historical and fictional ones - are believable and colorfully brought to life. I couldn't help really liking Godwin and his sons (up to a point). I also loved the way the author skillfully wove the stories of Leominster's abducted abbess and the Dover uprising together with the story of Brand (a fictional character). It's true that the book is obviously the first in a series (so it leaves you hanging a bit, and slows down at the end to wrap up the action). Of course I was eager to begin the second. I highly recommend reading this - if you can find it. Hopefully it will be rereleased soon.
February 16, 2017
This is the first of four novels about the years before and during the Norman conquest in England. Most of the characters are historical figures: Aethelred the Unready, Edward the Confessor, Cnut, William Godwin, and their sisters and their cousins and their aunts.
February 18, 2013
A slow-moving, meaty, and yet slightly unsatisfying read. However, I enjoyed the history and was curious how it would play out. I would give it 2.5 stars.
October 23, 2022
Source: www.openlibrary.org
Historical fication: The power struggles within Edward the Confessor's court focusing on the Godwin Family. Not as gripping as Penman, nor does it have the prose of Chadwick - yet still a book I could not put down. There is not much action per say. The tension comes as everyone knows how this story will end; that the evil deed instigated by Earl Godwin at Gildenford Hall leads directly to the death of his sons, the ruin of the Godwin family and indeed, the downfall of England. Excellent pre-conquest history in a descriptive, well written fictional novel!
It begins with the [brutal!] betrayal/murder of Alfred AEtheling and his 600 companions at the instigation of Earl Godwin at Gindenford Hall. The rest of the novel is told primarily (but not always) from the POV of peasant Brand Woodcutter, who is plucked from obscurity to serve in Godwin's hall, completely changing the trajectory of his life. Brand becomes a fighter, vassal to Earl Godwin and then their cousin Beorn Estrithson, and also a somewhat unwilling intimate to all the Godwin machinations and secrets, even as he loves his flawed Lord Godwin. Brand must struggle with his oath to his Lord Godwin vs his conscience vs what is owed to his king. Brand's choices go on to effect all of England [Did he make the right one? At the time, without the benefit of history, it would seem so - yet, had he known the affects of his choices, probably not!]
This novel ends - somewhat abruptly! - in 1052 after King Edward has offered William, Duke of Normandy, the succession of the crown and has exiled the entire Godwin family for their crimes. Yet the Godwins are ever resourceful and in the final scenes they start scheming their potential way back into power. The next books in this series cover the Years to the Conquest [The Norman Pretender,] the fallout afterward [The Disputed Crown] and into the reign of William Rufus [King of the Wood]
Minor point: every historian I've read agrees Emma sent the letter that lead to Alfred's death. But for the purpose for this novel that wouldn't work.
I have heard Helen Hollick's "I am the Chosen King" Saxon #1 is an even better retelling of this time period, but I don't know if my heart can handle a nicer, even better described Harold dying in battle!
Historical fication: The power struggles within Edward the Confessor's court focusing on the Godwin Family. Not as gripping as Penman, nor does it have the prose of Chadwick - yet still a book I could not put down. There is not much action per say. The tension comes as everyone knows how this story will end; that the evil deed instigated by Earl Godwin at Gildenford Hall leads directly to the death of his sons, the ruin of the Godwin family and indeed, the downfall of England. Excellent pre-conquest history in a descriptive, well written fictional novel!
It begins with the [brutal!] betrayal/murder of Alfred AEtheling and his 600 companions at the instigation of Earl Godwin at Gindenford Hall. The rest of the novel is told primarily (but not always) from the POV of peasant Brand Woodcutter, who is plucked from obscurity to serve in Godwin's hall, completely changing the trajectory of his life. Brand becomes a fighter, vassal to Earl Godwin and then their cousin Beorn Estrithson, and also a somewhat unwilling intimate to all the Godwin machinations and secrets, even as he loves his flawed Lord Godwin. Brand must struggle with his oath to his Lord Godwin vs his conscience vs what is owed to his king. Brand's choices go on to effect all of England [Did he make the right one? At the time, without the benefit of history, it would seem so - yet, had he known the affects of his choices, probably not!]
This novel ends - somewhat abruptly! - in 1052 after King Edward has offered William, Duke of Normandy, the succession of the crown and has exiled the entire Godwin family for their crimes. Yet the Godwins are ever resourceful and in the final scenes they start scheming their potential way back into power. The next books in this series cover the Years to the Conquest [The Norman Pretender,] the fallout afterward [The Disputed Crown] and into the reign of William Rufus [King of the Wood]
Minor point: every historian I've read agrees Emma sent the letter that lead to Alfred's death. But for the purpose for this novel that wouldn't work.
I have heard Helen Hollick's "I am the Chosen King" Saxon #1 is an even better retelling of this time period, but I don't know if my heart can handle a nicer, even better described Harold dying in battle!
April 18, 2020
There's kind of a dearth of pre-Norman English historical fiction out there, and I took this on as something that could guide me throughout the the run-up of years to The Conquest.
The book felt very well-researched and was generally enjoyable and informative to read. I *would* say that this is kind of a *barely* 4-star rating;, though she did a good job of putting large historical happenings pretty smoothly in a setting of some depth and color, there were moments of dialogue that felt just a touch anachronistic. Also...I don't know how else to say this - it just wasn't the page-turner of, say, Maurice Druon's Accursed Kings books (highly recommended!), or Conn Iggulden's Wars of the Roses books. It was just drier...stretches were the plot didn't advance much.
Who knows - maybe that's the fault of pre-Norman England and not Valerie Annand
The book felt very well-researched and was generally enjoyable and informative to read. I *would* say that this is kind of a *barely* 4-star rating;, though she did a good job of putting large historical happenings pretty smoothly in a setting of some depth and color, there were moments of dialogue that felt just a touch anachronistic. Also...I don't know how else to say this - it just wasn't the page-turner of, say, Maurice Druon's Accursed Kings books (highly recommended!), or Conn Iggulden's Wars of the Roses books. It was just drier...stretches were the plot didn't advance much.
Who knows - maybe that's the fault of pre-Norman England and not Valerie Annand
September 14, 2018
I wish I had had more time to read this. I had to get it back to the library because I had to order it through ILL. This was a great story beautifully written. I will try to take my time on the other installments if I can get them.
December 7, 2012
This is a well written and very full account of the years leading up to the Norman Conquest. This is a period of English history about which I know little and so I thoroughly enjoyed this. The writing is very accessible and the plot does not drag despite being involved in court intrigue and politics.
I am going straight on with the story in Valerie Anand's next book when William decides to take control.
I am going straight on with the story in Valerie Anand's next book when William decides to take control.
July 16, 2011
Book #1 in a 4-book series. Deals with the Saxons of England in the 40+ years BEFORE the invasion of Duke William of Normandy. Very well written and I enjoyed it immensely. The problem I ran into is not with the story or the author, but the fact that volume #3 (The Disputed Crown) is NOT available from either my local library or the main library in my central Ohio town. I can buy a used copy (half.com) for about $30 but I want to read the book, not read and keep. I'm finding this to be more of a problem with older titles of this and other authors as well. I'm assuming that because of state budget cuts libraries can't afford to replace books when they become damaged or worn out. But it really stinks when you read 1-2 books in a series but can't get certain titles. I won't be reading book #4 (which I CAN get) because it kills the momentum IMHO.
August 19, 2012
This is one of the rare historical novels that deals with pre-conquest Britain. Specifically, it concerns Godwin, Earl of Wessex, the murder of Alfred Atheling, and the resulting effects on Godwin's personal and political relationship with King Edward the Confessor (Alfred's brother). The viewpoint is mostly that of Brand a (fictional) minor member of Godwin's household. Anand really breathes life into these remote historical events - the characters are complex, there's plenty of historical detail, and insightful treatment of the events. It's also a good illustration of the way in which personal/private life was not separate from the public and political in the early middle ages. I really enjoyed it, especially since it covered a part of history that is fascinating, yet not so well known.
August 8, 2012
I found this a fascinating book -- dealing as it does with many of the characters in my own novel, but at a much later date than my own will cover. Valerie Anand and I do not see eye to eye on the Godwins, but I could get around that, I think (I hope I am being honest here) if the main character was more compelling. He does change in the story, but he is not an actor. He is fortune's fool, tossed like flotsam on the tide of events. I think that is the major flaw of the book.
Anand's viewpoint jumps around from character to character so that the driving force of the story is diluted. Too bad. The history itself deserves a better telling.
Anand's viewpoint jumps around from character to character so that the driving force of the story is diluted. Too bad. The history itself deserves a better telling.
Read
April 28, 2013This book is the first of a three part series by the author that tells the story of the early monarchies of England. The time is the 1000's and the author has created a fast moving story of a power struggle between a strong family and the royal family that ruled at this time. She manages to make this historical period come alive for the reader. I found the descriptions of how trade and government were created as well as the characters that were not royal, but helped make the story more personal.This author is outstanding in her ability to recreate this long ago time so vividly. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series if I can find them.
January 18, 2017
I started this book then shelved it, lost interest in that time period. Picked it back up the other day and glad I did. I think it was a great book, maybe the story could of ended 50 or so pages sooner and the story picked back up in volume 2 but never the less look forward to the next 2 volumes of this series.
November 3, 2008
I really liked this book for a number of reasons:
Very well written with complex characters
Showed reasons why William the Conqueror felt he had a right to the English throne but also why the English people felt they didn't want him for a ruler
Showed the consequences of an act of treachery.
Very well written with complex characters
Showed reasons why William the Conqueror felt he had a right to the English throne but also why the English people felt they didn't want him for a ruler
Showed the consequences of an act of treachery.
February 15, 2013
This was excellent. Prior to reading this book I misunderstood who the Norman conquerors were. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. Anand really made the characters and the times in which they lived, come alive.
April 30, 2024
As soon as I finished this book I downloaded the second in the series...no time to waste writing reviews...must get on with reading.
What I liked most...the historical context and an extremely flawed main character.
What I liked most...the historical context and an extremely flawed main character.
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March 31, 2012Boring
June 24, 2012
Wonderful explanation of the conflict between Edward the Confessor and the Godwins. How did I miss this series? Excellent for fans of historical fiction.
October 17, 2013
Wonderful book! I can't wait to read the next in the series. I can't believe I hadn't read anything by Valerie Anand before. Terrific writer.
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December 29, 2015Read long ago but loved this series
December 14, 2010
I read this years ago and liked it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews