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The Confessor's Wife
In the 11th Century, when barren wives are customarily cast aside, how does Edith of Wessex not only manage to stay married to King Edward the Confessor, but also become his closest advisor, promote her family to the highest offices in the land, AND help raise her brother to the throne? And why is her story only told in the footnotes of Edward’s history?
Not everyone approves of Edward’s choice of bride. Even the king’s mother, Emma of Normandy, detests her daughter-in-law and Edith is soon on the receiving end of her displeasure. Balancing her sense of family obligation with her duty to her husband, Edith must also prove herself to her detractors.
Edward’s and Edith’s relationship is respectful and caring, but when Edith’s enemies engineer her family’s fall from grace, the king is forced to send her away. She vows to do anything to protect her family’s interests if she returns, at any cost. Can Edith navigate the dangerous path fate has set her, while still remaining loyal to both her husband and her family?
Not everyone approves of Edward’s choice of bride. Even the king’s mother, Emma of Normandy, detests her daughter-in-law and Edith is soon on the receiving end of her displeasure. Balancing her sense of family obligation with her duty to her husband, Edith must also prove herself to her detractors.
Edward’s and Edith’s relationship is respectful and caring, but when Edith’s enemies engineer her family’s fall from grace, the king is forced to send her away. She vows to do anything to protect her family’s interests if she returns, at any cost. Can Edith navigate the dangerous path fate has set her, while still remaining loyal to both her husband and her family?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2019
362 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Evans
15 books84 followersKelly Evans
Award-Winning Author
Kelly Evans writes historical fiction about real but little-known women from history. She earned a degree in medieval history before moving to London, England where she could usually be found ambling about one of the many museums. While continuing her historical studies, Kelly fell into investment banking and still has no idea how it happened. After a successful career, she moved back to Canada where she gave up corporate life to write full time. When not working on her novels, Kelly writes Audio Description scripts for visually impaired individuals. She enjoys studying medieval medicine and gardening, and watching old sci fi movies.
Read free excerpts from my novels here: https://kellyaevans.com
Award-Winning Author
Kelly Evans writes historical fiction about real but little-known women from history. She earned a degree in medieval history before moving to London, England where she could usually be found ambling about one of the many museums. While continuing her historical studies, Kelly fell into investment banking and still has no idea how it happened. After a successful career, she moved back to Canada where she gave up corporate life to write full time. When not working on her novels, Kelly writes Audio Description scripts for visually impaired individuals. She enjoys studying medieval medicine and gardening, and watching old sci fi movies.
Read free excerpts from my novels here: https://kellyaevans.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 14, 2019
As is usual for historical women, Queen Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor, has been given short shrift by historians. She was undoubtedly a pawn in her father’s power struggles, for Earl Godwin of Wessex had a tenuous relationship with the king and needed a strong bond to stay on top of the political game. What stronger tie than marriage? Naturally, Edith’s feelings had nothing to do with the arrangement and, like it or not, she had to play her part. Even though her family—except for Tostig—treated her like a pawn in their dynastic game and Emma, the queen mother, made no effort to hide her hatred of the Godwines, Edith was able to hold her head high. King Edward appreciated her company, and they were able to forge a comfortable partnership—maybe even love. Alas, her primary duty, to give birth to an heir, remained unaccomplished and Edith was well aware that her status was as queen was in jeopardy—especially when her family fell out of favor. Edith’s barrenness was always at the top of the list of objections:
The corridor leading to the king’s rooms was filled with yelling, and a wide berth was left around the door by his carls. No one wanted to be near the entrance when the occupants exited, judging by the harsh words being exchanged between Archbishop Robert, Emma, and the king.
“You must divorce her. Now.”
Edward Edward strode around the room before stopping before Robert and pointing a finger at him. “No. How dare you even suggest such a thing. You are a man of God, and you are advising I put my mortal soul in peril by breaking one of the laws of the church?”
“Your majesty, in this case the act is justified, and you will be forgiven.”
“I swear by all that is holy, Robert, if you say one more word...”
“The woman is barren. You need an heir.” Emma’s voice, despite being low, carried over the king’s words.
Poor Edith couldn’t get a break. But as she survived each challenge she became stronger and more confident. From being a frightened girl and a threatened wife, she emerged as a figure to be reckoned with, even beyond the death of her husband. Excellent tale about a forgotten queen.
The corridor leading to the king’s rooms was filled with yelling, and a wide berth was left around the door by his carls. No one wanted to be near the entrance when the occupants exited, judging by the harsh words being exchanged between Archbishop Robert, Emma, and the king.
“You must divorce her. Now.”
Edward Edward strode around the room before stopping before Robert and pointing a finger at him. “No. How dare you even suggest such a thing. You are a man of God, and you are advising I put my mortal soul in peril by breaking one of the laws of the church?”
“Your majesty, in this case the act is justified, and you will be forgiven.”
“I swear by all that is holy, Robert, if you say one more word...”
“The woman is barren. You need an heir.” Emma’s voice, despite being low, carried over the king’s words.
Poor Edith couldn’t get a break. But as she survived each challenge she became stronger and more confident. From being a frightened girl and a threatened wife, she emerged as a figure to be reckoned with, even beyond the death of her husband. Excellent tale about a forgotten queen.
December 3, 2019
“Sister, you’re to marry Edward, King of England...”
The news could not have been more surprising or unwanted. Edith of Wessex had been brought up by the nuns of Wilton Abbey, and she had no desire to leave her home and face the gauntlet of life at court. And the idea that she would be Queen of England seemed foolish, laughable almost — only it wasn’t. Edith was to marry Edward, and that was the end of it. However, for Edith, it was only the beginning.
Torn from a life of quiet contemplation, Edith finds herself in the very heart of the English court. It is here that Edith discovers an inner strength. A strength that she had not known she possessed, but if she is to survive the gossip-mongering, the curry of favours, and her mother-in-law, Edith must hold her head up high and become the Queen her country needs.
But there are those in court who fear Edith’s power and the rise of the House of Godwin. They will do anything to cast aspersions on her name and her family.
From the tranquillity of Wilton Abbey to the brutal slaying of the last Anglo-Saxon King of England, The Confessor’s Wife by Kelly Evans is the utterly enthralling story of Edith of Wessex’s life.
Meticulously researched, and with a masterful style which pulls you right into the story from the opening sentence, The Confessor’s Wife is a work of monumental scholarship. There is no doubt in my mind — this book is an absolute triumph.
In a time of treachery and war, the women of this era are often overlooked, and although much is known about the piety of Edward the Confessor and the turmoil that was left in his wake after his death, little is known about his wife, Edith. Evans has plucked Edith from obscurity and penned her story — and what a story it is. Filled with intrigue, treachery, scandal, love, and of course, God, The Confessor’s Wife is an example of historical fiction at its very best.
Evans tells Edith’s story with tremendous verse but also a keen sensitivity. Edith is highly accomplished and very intelligent, but she is also a very warm character, full of love for her husband. I thought Edith’s relationship with Edward came across as very plausible — history tells us that she did, after all, become one of Edward’s most trusted advisors. I thought their marriage was wonderfully portrayed and more importantly, believable.
As one would expect with a story about The Confessor, Edward spends a great deal of time away overseeing the building of Westminster Abbey, and while he does this, Edith runs her household with firmness but also fairness. Edith is the epitome of what a Queen should be.
Edith’s relationship with her brothers came across as slightly more complicated. As so often happens, the taste of power makes one crave more, and this is certainly how Evans has portrayed the House of Godwin. Edith is sometimes reckless as she makes sure her brothers advance — of course, the consequence is that other nobles see it as a consolidation of power and they fear where it will all end. I thought the rise of the House of Godwin — from earl to King — was beautifully depicted through the course of this novel.
Edith’s relationship with Tostig is very compelling. Tostig is a very likeable character, especially at the beginning of this story. He is very easy going with a great sense of humour and seemingly very compassionate, but there is a darker side to him. Tostig is very opinionated, and one might say narcissistic in his belief that he knows best — he will take no counsel from his sister. But Edith’s love for Tostig is unconditional, and she risks a great deal to save not only his life but also his reputation. Alas, she can not save Tostig from himself. Evans certainly has a wonderful eye for human frailty, and this especially applies to her portrayal of Tostig.
The desperately heroic struggle of Harold Godwin at the end of this book as he battles to retain his crown is profoundly moving, as is Edith’s grief when she learns that her brothers Tostig, Harold, Leofwine and Gyrth are dead and that the crown of England now belongs to that bastard Norman. But, when given the choice by William, Edith withdraws with honour. An ending that is befitting this worthy Queen of England.
Evans writes with a realism that was almost tangible and has presented her readers with a story that has an impressive sweep and brilliance. In a crowded bookcase, The Confessor’s Wife deserves the highest of acclaim.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yard.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
October 15, 2019
In ‘The Confessor’s Wife’ author Kelly Evans presents us with the life and times of a woman relegated to the footnotes of history. In my case, I didn’t know the 11th century king known as Edward, the Confessor even had a wife. This, I learn, is largely because he died without an heir. Evans focuses her story on the childless wife, Edith of Wessex, asking: how, at a time when barren wives were customarily cast aside, does Edith stay married to King Edward, become his closest advisor and in the process promote her family to some of the highest offices in the land?
In many respects this is a valiant attempt to bring to life a very marginal character in history. We see Edith as an unruly child and bad-tempered adolescent, we see her ill-mannered behaviour with her mother, and her constant antipathy to her jealous mother-in-law, Emma of Normandy. We also read about how her brothers rose to high rank only to betray their monarch (and sister).
The story includes documented events, but unfortunately the author offers few reasons why these events occurred, and very little from the various protagonists' perspectives. Edith’s brothers Sweyn and Tostig both have important roles to play, but we only read about what they did, almost nothing about their motives save sparse, limited dialogue. On the whole, this historical fiction relies heavily on non-fictional ‘telling’. There is little insight into individual points of view and for this reason I found the book very disappointing.
Writing about a lesser-known person in a distant epoch gives an author a certain freedom to create the character reading and research suggests, which Evans has tried to do to a limited extent with Edith. We see her first as a young woman who has spent ten years in a nunnery – a remarkably modern young woman, too. Her use of language is very contemporary, and includes current idiomatic expressions and Americanisms. I was uncomfortable with the girl’s unnecessary rudeness, and surprised that after such a long time in a quiet, pious environment she should emerge such a harridan. I wanted to know why. Why, when she is queen, she is also antagonistic and ill-mannered with the clergy, refusing to show them respect or address them as was customary.
This portrayal should not detract from the story, but I have to confess it did set my teeth on edge. Would the wife of a monarch confront her mother in public, using the expression ‘Stupid woman’, or have temper tantrum with her older sibling and father for all to witness? It suggests the girl had either been sent to the convent to correct her shrewish behaviour, or that she learnt very little in its tranquil confines. It also shows an utter lack of respect for her royal husband. This type of behaviour continues with her mother-in-law, the better-known Emma of Normandy, throughout the book.
Edith’s marriage is hindered and overshadowed by Emma’s presence at Edward’s small court, which may well have happened, but unfortunately turns the novel into something of a soap opera. As a result, I found it almost impossible to warm to Queen Edith, seeing her only as ill-bred and immature. The two older women do nothing to endear themselves to the reader either, both being self-centred and power-seeking with no redeeming qualities.
The characterisation of the king, Edward, filtered through this persistent matriarchal sparring shows him as being somewhat unwise and ineffectual, although he appears genuinely fond of his spiky wife, which is something.
Apart from the history and characterisation, I should also comment on the fact that this edition regrettably lacks editing. There are too many repeated and redundant words and phrases; plot development and sequencing could also do with some adjustment. Also, small details such as the fact that a woman of Edith’s rank would have either ridden pillion or in the cart on leaving the convent (not astride) need to be corrected. A sharp, professional edit would be very beneficial.
In many respects this is a valiant attempt to bring to life a very marginal character in history. We see Edith as an unruly child and bad-tempered adolescent, we see her ill-mannered behaviour with her mother, and her constant antipathy to her jealous mother-in-law, Emma of Normandy. We also read about how her brothers rose to high rank only to betray their monarch (and sister).
The story includes documented events, but unfortunately the author offers few reasons why these events occurred, and very little from the various protagonists' perspectives. Edith’s brothers Sweyn and Tostig both have important roles to play, but we only read about what they did, almost nothing about their motives save sparse, limited dialogue. On the whole, this historical fiction relies heavily on non-fictional ‘telling’. There is little insight into individual points of view and for this reason I found the book very disappointing.
Writing about a lesser-known person in a distant epoch gives an author a certain freedom to create the character reading and research suggests, which Evans has tried to do to a limited extent with Edith. We see her first as a young woman who has spent ten years in a nunnery – a remarkably modern young woman, too. Her use of language is very contemporary, and includes current idiomatic expressions and Americanisms. I was uncomfortable with the girl’s unnecessary rudeness, and surprised that after such a long time in a quiet, pious environment she should emerge such a harridan. I wanted to know why. Why, when she is queen, she is also antagonistic and ill-mannered with the clergy, refusing to show them respect or address them as was customary.
This portrayal should not detract from the story, but I have to confess it did set my teeth on edge. Would the wife of a monarch confront her mother in public, using the expression ‘Stupid woman’, or have temper tantrum with her older sibling and father for all to witness? It suggests the girl had either been sent to the convent to correct her shrewish behaviour, or that she learnt very little in its tranquil confines. It also shows an utter lack of respect for her royal husband. This type of behaviour continues with her mother-in-law, the better-known Emma of Normandy, throughout the book.
Edith’s marriage is hindered and overshadowed by Emma’s presence at Edward’s small court, which may well have happened, but unfortunately turns the novel into something of a soap opera. As a result, I found it almost impossible to warm to Queen Edith, seeing her only as ill-bred and immature. The two older women do nothing to endear themselves to the reader either, both being self-centred and power-seeking with no redeeming qualities.
The characterisation of the king, Edward, filtered through this persistent matriarchal sparring shows him as being somewhat unwise and ineffectual, although he appears genuinely fond of his spiky wife, which is something.
Apart from the history and characterisation, I should also comment on the fact that this edition regrettably lacks editing. There are too many repeated and redundant words and phrases; plot development and sequencing could also do with some adjustment. Also, small details such as the fact that a woman of Edith’s rank would have either ridden pillion or in the cart on leaving the convent (not astride) need to be corrected. A sharp, professional edit would be very beneficial.
July 30, 2019
I have never read a lot about Edward the Confessor (c1003-1066), much less his wife, Edith, even though Medieval English history is one of my most favorite nerd loves. There! I’ve said it my dear blurbworms, and with that confession made I am free to review a most excellent book by Kelly Evans about the aforementioned King and his long overlooked wife of many talents and capabilities. To me, it is most exciting that so many books are being written about the long ago consorts of Britain’s famous kings as normally, all we would think of them is that they were marriages of “convenience”: to restrain aggression, maintain status, create heirs and territories. In this case, Edith, the lovely gal in question, is the daughter of the most powerful Earl Godwin of Wessex, whose aggressive sons are vying for the whole pie.
I did indeed, love this tale of Edith. Powerful and influential, without being overbearing or tyrannical (like her snippy mother-in-law, Emma). Intelligent, wise, and loving her family and King above all, her character is developed and presented in such a realistic way that I could feel I was there, and believe me, feeling I was in a cold castle room was preferable to being in my hot 100 degree hellish Texas. But to continue, the foods, clothing, daily rituals, entertainments of 11th century life was exciting for me to read. And on a larger scale, the political machinations, treachery amongst brothers and families and nations were eye-opening (hello, 21st Century!). Well heck, nothing much changes but the weather, right-ho? So to all you blurbwormians out there, who want to peer into those mists of Time, to read about the end of 600 years of Saxon Kings history in realistic detail, The Confessors Wife by Kelly Evans (btw, her other books look fantastic too) is a wonderful way to do so.
I did indeed, love this tale of Edith. Powerful and influential, without being overbearing or tyrannical (like her snippy mother-in-law, Emma). Intelligent, wise, and loving her family and King above all, her character is developed and presented in such a realistic way that I could feel I was there, and believe me, feeling I was in a cold castle room was preferable to being in my hot 100 degree hellish Texas. But to continue, the foods, clothing, daily rituals, entertainments of 11th century life was exciting for me to read. And on a larger scale, the political machinations, treachery amongst brothers and families and nations were eye-opening (hello, 21st Century!). Well heck, nothing much changes but the weather, right-ho? So to all you blurbwormians out there, who want to peer into those mists of Time, to read about the end of 600 years of Saxon Kings history in realistic detail, The Confessors Wife by Kelly Evans (btw, her other books look fantastic too) is a wonderful way to do so.
November 10, 2022
Another excellent read!
I have now read three of this author’s books, and I have enjoyed them all. Fact based and fun dun to read while cross-referencing the non-fiction history. Now I will await another title from Ms. Evans!
I have now read three of this author’s books, and I have enjoyed them all. Fact based and fun dun to read while cross-referencing the non-fiction history. Now I will await another title from Ms. Evans!
October 11, 2019
I read via an ARC from the author, for Rosie Amber's Book Review Team. The fact that it was free has not affected this honest review.
As more and more historical novels hit the virtual shelves, authors of the genre are digging deeper to find the lesser known characters to write about. Edith was, as the title suggests, the wife of Edward the Confessor, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England. Edward was succeeded by Harold Godwinson, who was famously defeated by William of Normandy in 1066.
I enjoyed this - it's a light sort of historical fiction that flows well, an 'easy read'. I don't know much about the factual details of this time, but I did have a brief look online and it appears to be well-researched. Also, the domestic details are presented well, with just enough information—I liked that there was none of the endless descriptive passages straight from the research notes that is present in some histfic; I never felt that I was reading the author's research at all, which is always a plus.
On the slight downside there were times when I felt the dialogue was too modern, with the odd mild Americanism such as 'snuck' instead of 'sneaked', though they weren't bad enough to make me stop reading. My only other negative was problems with punctuation; either the author or her proofreader, or preferably both, need to learn about run-on sentences/comma splices; there were quite a lot of these, and the odd missing comma. But, again, this was only mildly irritating.
This isn't a book for the historical fiction purist or buff, but for those who are only after an enjoyable, light novel with some well-drawn characters and an interesting look back in time, I'd say it's just the thing.
As more and more historical novels hit the virtual shelves, authors of the genre are digging deeper to find the lesser known characters to write about. Edith was, as the title suggests, the wife of Edward the Confessor, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England. Edward was succeeded by Harold Godwinson, who was famously defeated by William of Normandy in 1066.
I enjoyed this - it's a light sort of historical fiction that flows well, an 'easy read'. I don't know much about the factual details of this time, but I did have a brief look online and it appears to be well-researched. Also, the domestic details are presented well, with just enough information—I liked that there was none of the endless descriptive passages straight from the research notes that is present in some histfic; I never felt that I was reading the author's research at all, which is always a plus.
On the slight downside there were times when I felt the dialogue was too modern, with the odd mild Americanism such as 'snuck' instead of 'sneaked', though they weren't bad enough to make me stop reading. My only other negative was problems with punctuation; either the author or her proofreader, or preferably both, need to learn about run-on sentences/comma splices; there were quite a lot of these, and the odd missing comma. But, again, this was only mildly irritating.
This isn't a book for the historical fiction purist or buff, but for those who are only after an enjoyable, light novel with some well-drawn characters and an interesting look back in time, I'd say it's just the thing.
November 9, 2020
Really liked the setting and reading history from the perspective of the wife. However, the writing is simple and somehow the book did not grab me.
February 13, 2023
Interesting—a side of history I’ve not considered.
June 14, 2020
Captivating Story!
I read this entire book in less than 12 hours. Literally couldn't put it down! The story and the people jump off the page and pull you into their world.
I read this entire book in less than 12 hours. Literally couldn't put it down! The story and the people jump off the page and pull you into their world.
April 15, 2020
Positively fascinating
I found this book positively fascinating. The author's writing style is wonderful and truly brings the characters to life. I didn't know anything about queen Edith but I am so much a fan. You will find yourself totally absorbed in this book.
I found this book positively fascinating. The author's writing style is wonderful and truly brings the characters to life. I didn't know anything about queen Edith but I am so much a fan. You will find yourself totally absorbed in this book.
August 15, 2019
This is Evans' second book about women who lived towards the end of the Anglo-Saxon era in England and it is wonderful! "The Confessor's Wife" tells us the tale of Edith of Wessex, daughter and sister to some of the most powerful men of the realm and wife to King Edward, "The Confessor". If you know the history of pre-conquest England you will find the novel to be impeccably researched. But, you do not need to know any history to thoroughly enjoy this book. *Slight Spoiler*, The novels I have read about Edith and Edward always portray an unhappy marriage. Evans takes another tactic, while their marriage is a happy one, outside forces interfere and cause stress and strife. There are "good guys" and "bad guys" but none of the characters are black or white, they are shades of grey and very human. The motivations behind the actions that Evans' characters have are very plausible and believable. "The Confessor's Wife" has action and deception, love and hate, family feuds and familial ties. I love how Evans takes the known history and weaves a tale around and through it leaving us with a fresh interpretation of the era.
July 28, 2019
History Comes Alive
This is a beautifully written chronicle of Edith Godwin who in 1044 becomes the Queen of England when she marries Edward, King of England. She immediately earns an enemy in the King’s mother and must constantly defend herself against slander and manipulation. Slowly though the King realizes that his wife is a shrewd and intelligent advisor and she takes on more responsibilities with ruling England. Although barren, the King loves his wife and refuses entreaties to marry another.
This novel is a testament to an incredible, strong woman who rose in the early years of England’s history to prove she was an equal to any male ruler. The story pulls you into that time through the impeccable detail and research of the woman’s victories and challenges.
Fans of Margaret George and Hilary Mantel will rejoice to find another historical writer whose work is as good.
For transparency, I was given an ARC through the author.
This is a beautifully written chronicle of Edith Godwin who in 1044 becomes the Queen of England when she marries Edward, King of England. She immediately earns an enemy in the King’s mother and must constantly defend herself against slander and manipulation. Slowly though the King realizes that his wife is a shrewd and intelligent advisor and she takes on more responsibilities with ruling England. Although barren, the King loves his wife and refuses entreaties to marry another.
This novel is a testament to an incredible, strong woman who rose in the early years of England’s history to prove she was an equal to any male ruler. The story pulls you into that time through the impeccable detail and research of the woman’s victories and challenges.
Fans of Margaret George and Hilary Mantel will rejoice to find another historical writer whose work is as good.
For transparency, I was given an ARC through the author.
September 15, 2019
Once again, Kelly Evans has delivered! Discovered this wonderful writer a few years ago with Mortecarni. The Confessor's Wife was wonderfully well-written, with many, many details about details, battle, and the court's life in England, prior to William the Conqueror. I love all the details she puts in the story, about food, drinks, seasons, clothing and all those details make the characters even more interesting!
For those of you who enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book!
For those of you who enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book!
June 4, 2021
If you love history, you will love this book. I had never really been taught about Queen Edith (Edward the Confessor’s wife) and this book draws you into the world of a young woman who’s entered the realm of royalty. Beautifully written, and as with the other books I’ve read, by Kelly, I have been transported to these times and lived through it, with the thorough research and its execution. I couldn’t put it down.
December 10, 2020
DNF at 60%
I was hoping to love this book but was disappointed. The plot was thin, held together by loosely connected vignettes rather than having defined chapters or narrative arc. This could have been a rich exploration of last days of pre-Norman England but fell rather flat.
I was hoping to love this book but was disappointed. The plot was thin, held together by loosely connected vignettes rather than having defined chapters or narrative arc. This could have been a rich exploration of last days of pre-Norman England but fell rather flat.
July 30, 2019
Great read, I really enjoyed this book and liked the characters. The story flowed really nicely.
It is a stand alone novel but I wish I had read the Northern Queen first (reading now)
It is a stand alone novel but I wish I had read the Northern Queen first (reading now)
February 27, 2021
Interesting history. Story moved along well. Was delighted that the author is a Canadian!
August 12, 2021
What a wonderful way to tell the story of the last Saxon kings of England and the buildup to the Norman Conquest than through the eyes of wife and sister of the last Saxon kings?
But it is so much more than the viewpoint in which the author chose to tell the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Kelly Evans' brilliant writing. It transports you back to this little-understood time and the end of an era and dynasty that stretched back to Alfred the Great.
I will freely admit to a little bias, as the main characters are all relatives of mine, so I imagined becoming acquainted with my ancestors and relatives. The Confessor's Wife is not a direct ancestor because...well, you will understand when you read it. But, frankly, this is a captivating book regardless of that little detail. Read this book and enjoy the final days of Saxon England as I did!
But it is so much more than the viewpoint in which the author chose to tell the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Kelly Evans' brilliant writing. It transports you back to this little-understood time and the end of an era and dynasty that stretched back to Alfred the Great.
I will freely admit to a little bias, as the main characters are all relatives of mine, so I imagined becoming acquainted with my ancestors and relatives. The Confessor's Wife is not a direct ancestor because...well, you will understand when you read it. But, frankly, this is a captivating book regardless of that little detail. Read this book and enjoy the final days of Saxon England as I did!
January 31, 2023
Recommended
Thank you for yet another book that brought an amazing woman back to life. Made me want to cheat and look ahead to the outcome of the battles but i did not The story wove history into a gorgeous exciting and colorful tapestry. My new obsession seems to now be this era in English history and a curiosity of what follower is. Loved Edith even with her class if you can call loyalty to family a flaw. King Edward came across as a mostly good king and an amiable character with a great loyalty to his wife. His flaw if you can call it that was not wanting power so badly that he was obsessed with his role as King. He seemed to prefer simpler, more direct pursuits in life which offered him distraction from the burden of ruling. He also seemed to take his religion seriously in being at times forgiving of people who had betrayed him and then repented.
Thank you for yet another book that brought an amazing woman back to life. Made me want to cheat and look ahead to the outcome of the battles but i did not The story wove history into a gorgeous exciting and colorful tapestry. My new obsession seems to now be this era in English history and a curiosity of what follower is. Loved Edith even with her class if you can call loyalty to family a flaw. King Edward came across as a mostly good king and an amiable character with a great loyalty to his wife. His flaw if you can call it that was not wanting power so badly that he was obsessed with his role as King. He seemed to prefer simpler, more direct pursuits in life which offered him distraction from the burden of ruling. He also seemed to take his religion seriously in being at times forgiving of people who had betrayed him and then repented.
September 17, 2020
This is a carefully constructed fictional account that gives you a possible look into the hearts and minds of Edward the Confessor and his Wife Edith and how she was manipulated then became the manipulator in a court rife with plotting and betrayal.
It is not an epic love story though there are elements of it as this arranged marriage turns into a love match but when Edith proves to be barren enter the angst and political turmoil that surrounds the Queen and her ambitious family. Despite Edward being a devoted and compassionate husband the court that is about as cutthroat as they come vying to influence to King.
It comes down to survival and the final challenge when Edward is faced with the invasion of William the Conqueror.
It is not an epic love story though there are elements of it as this arranged marriage turns into a love match but when Edith proves to be barren enter the angst and political turmoil that surrounds the Queen and her ambitious family. Despite Edward being a devoted and compassionate husband the court that is about as cutthroat as they come vying to influence to King.
It comes down to survival and the final challenge when Edward is faced with the invasion of William the Conqueror.
November 1, 2020
The stressful life of a queen revealed
This events in this story are those that proceed the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Court life is full of intrigue and spies, loyalty and back stabbing. A powerful family at the start of the story, the Godwins, are almost obliterated by the end, save for former Queen Edyth, who was unable to produce an heir during her reign. William the Conqueror was a bastard, but he was a royal bastard and fought a beleaguered and fatigued army to win this historic battle.
This events in this story are those that proceed the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Court life is full of intrigue and spies, loyalty and back stabbing. A powerful family at the start of the story, the Godwins, are almost obliterated by the end, save for former Queen Edyth, who was unable to produce an heir during her reign. William the Conqueror was a bastard, but he was a royal bastard and fought a beleaguered and fatigued army to win this historic battle.
May 21, 2022
Much better read than expected
While familiar with accounts of both queen Edith and king Edward this account brought the characters to life far more than I expected. King Harold has always had my respect not only for his defence of the country at Stamford bridge but also for the long match to meet the forces of William, who nearly lost the battle but for the break in the front line. Due to this narrative my respect for those defending their home has grown. I really enjoyed this read.
While familiar with accounts of both queen Edith and king Edward this account brought the characters to life far more than I expected. King Harold has always had my respect not only for his defence of the country at Stamford bridge but also for the long match to meet the forces of William, who nearly lost the battle but for the break in the front line. Due to this narrative my respect for those defending their home has grown. I really enjoyed this read.
September 24, 2020
Great story
Loved this book very much. I did not know a lot about this time period. This takes place a lot earlier than most books I read. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about court in this time period. Queen Edith was very interesting and was a good and strong female part.
Loved this book very much. I did not know a lot about this time period. This takes place a lot earlier than most books I read. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about court in this time period. Queen Edith was very interesting and was a good and strong female part.
January 2, 2021
A very readable historical novel set in England just before the Norman Conquest. Told from the perspective of Edward the Confessor’s wife Edith.I don’t know much about this period and found this book full of interesting details about life in the Middle Ages, as well as the politics of the time.
January 8, 2021
A good read
A fun and interesting historical story. I like how it was written however I wish the that were added to pad out the story had not been added. All in all a very good read.
A fun and interesting historical story. I like how it was written however I wish the that were added to pad out the story had not been added. All in all a very good read.
January 1, 2021
Have to write review
I am trying to remove this book from my Kindle a d it seems the only way to do it is to write a long review. I remember enjoying the book but that is all
I am trying to remove this book from my Kindle a d it seems the only way to do it is to write a long review. I remember enjoying the book but that is all
February 18, 2021
A nice little read. Not heavy on details but enough to give the gist of Edward the Confessor’s life with his wife Edith.
April 15, 2021
A good read
A chronicle that was epic in scope. A bit tedious at times. But an overall enjoyable And pleasant read. I
A chronicle that was epic in scope. A bit tedious at times. But an overall enjoyable And pleasant read. I
May 4, 2021
Needed more editing. Language is confusing. Confusing layout and timeline. Some characters needed more development.
May 12, 2021
An easy-to-read bit of historical fiction leading up to and ending with the battle of Hastings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews