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Madselin
In 1066, a young woman of royal blood loses her birthright to the Norman conquerors and sets out to reclaim it, regardless of the cost
209 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1968
7 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Norah Lofts
106 books309 followersNorah Ethel Robinson Lofts Jorisch (27 August 1904–10 September 1983) was a 20th century best-selling British author. She wrote over fifty books specialising in historical fiction, but she also wrote non-fiction and short stories. Many of her novels, including her Suffolk Trilogy, follow the history of a specific house and the residents that lived in it.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 25, 2011
Lofts (d. 1983) was a deservedly popular author of historical fiction in her own lifetime, though not nearly as well-known to the current generation of serious readers as she deserves to be. Her work --which is set mainly in her native England, usually in Suffolk, where she was a longtime resident-- is characterized by a solid knowledge of history (she was a secondary-school history teacher before becoming a full-time writer), excellent plotting skills, serious psychological insight, and above all very lifelike, nuanced characterizations of men and women who are believable compounds of positive and negative traits and motives; and you have the feeling that she's generally more interested in understanding her characters than judging them. She blends the realistic observation of a Realist with, frequently, the evocative, intense situations and emotion-inducing moral grey areas of the Romantic school. And for all her gentleness in judging individuals, she has a sharp eye for illuminating social injustice, cruelty, greed and hypocrisy, and implicitly condemning them for what they are. All of these characteristics are in view in this mature work; I found this one of the best Lofts novels I've read (and I've read several).
The Goodreads description for this book reads like the jacket blurb it probably was, and the description of the dynamic of the relationship between Rolf and Madselin is misleading (it makes this sound like a romance genre novel, which it isn't). But they have the setting right, and the general idea of Madselin's situation. Personally, the aftermath of the Norman Conquest isn't my favorite historical setting, because of the sheer brutality of the real-life suffering visited on innocent people with complete impunity for the murdering thugs who inflicted it; and Lofts doesn't hesitate to depict this in all of its unvarnished ugliness. But there are redemptive qualities in her plot and treatment that made this novel a gripping, rewarding read. It's also, at 209 pp., with the author's limpid, free-flowing prose carrying you along, a very quick read. (Another characteristic of Loft's style is dialogue that reads like modern speech, without actual anachronisms; she doesn't try to cultivate archaic-sounding speech patterns, unlike such writers as Scott.) At the book's opening, in the winter of 1067, 16 months after the battle of Hastings, Madselin is a 17-year-old widow hiding in a convent from the Norman usurpers who, just days earlier, brutally murdered her husband, a Saxon lord, and took over his little farming community. Like all teens of that day, she's no empty-headed child with her emotional maturity and sense of responsibility artificially stunted by an unnatural cultural environment (like our culture :-( ); she's not a stranger to the rough realities of the adult world. But for most of her life, she's been somewhat callow, willful and self-absorbed; she's only now beginning to see the needs of others besides herself, and to see some of her past attitudes and actions in the unflattering light of reality. This novel will be, in large measure, a story of her growth in moral maturity and empathy. It's also the story of Rolf, new lord of the manor, given a fief by William the Conqueror (whose armorer he was) despite his lack of noble pedigree, product of a rough upbringing, conscious of his social inferiority, taciturn, looking out for Number One from ingrained instinct, but not devoid of conscience or learning ability. These two will demonstrate the adage that "war makes strange bedfellows;" and along the way, as she gradually reveals through their pasts and present who they are as people, Lofts spins a fascinating tale. Before she's done, she'll throw a suspenseful monkey-wrench into the works that'll have you turning pages like mad; and the denouement may blow you entirely out of the water (as it did me.) Maybe I'm too prodigal with 5-star ratings, but I thought this one deserved it.
The Goodreads description for this book reads like the jacket blurb it probably was, and the description of the dynamic of the relationship between Rolf and Madselin is misleading (it makes this sound like a romance genre novel, which it isn't). But they have the setting right, and the general idea of Madselin's situation. Personally, the aftermath of the Norman Conquest isn't my favorite historical setting, because of the sheer brutality of the real-life suffering visited on innocent people with complete impunity for the murdering thugs who inflicted it; and Lofts doesn't hesitate to depict this in all of its unvarnished ugliness. But there are redemptive qualities in her plot and treatment that made this novel a gripping, rewarding read. It's also, at 209 pp., with the author's limpid, free-flowing prose carrying you along, a very quick read. (Another characteristic of Loft's style is dialogue that reads like modern speech, without actual anachronisms; she doesn't try to cultivate archaic-sounding speech patterns, unlike such writers as Scott.) At the book's opening, in the winter of 1067, 16 months after the battle of Hastings, Madselin is a 17-year-old widow hiding in a convent from the Norman usurpers who, just days earlier, brutally murdered her husband, a Saxon lord, and took over his little farming community. Like all teens of that day, she's no empty-headed child with her emotional maturity and sense of responsibility artificially stunted by an unnatural cultural environment (like our culture :-( ); she's not a stranger to the rough realities of the adult world. But for most of her life, she's been somewhat callow, willful and self-absorbed; she's only now beginning to see the needs of others besides herself, and to see some of her past attitudes and actions in the unflattering light of reality. This novel will be, in large measure, a story of her growth in moral maturity and empathy. It's also the story of Rolf, new lord of the manor, given a fief by William the Conqueror (whose armorer he was) despite his lack of noble pedigree, product of a rough upbringing, conscious of his social inferiority, taciturn, looking out for Number One from ingrained instinct, but not devoid of conscience or learning ability. These two will demonstrate the adage that "war makes strange bedfellows;" and along the way, as she gradually reveals through their pasts and present who they are as people, Lofts spins a fascinating tale. Before she's done, she'll throw a suspenseful monkey-wrench into the works that'll have you turning pages like mad; and the denouement may blow you entirely out of the water (as it did me.) Maybe I'm too prodigal with 5-star ratings, but I thought this one deserved it.
January 3, 2016
This was my first Lofts and I was impressed with her storytelling, flow of writing and use of historical framework. Happy to find another prolific writer of historical fiction that can also write well. A treat.
Following the Norman conquest of England in about 1066, this is a personal view of the hardships encountered primarily from a young Englishwoman's perspective. But it is also an interesting picture of the life and times for both sides as Madselin, who survives the invasion, marries the Norman who killed her husband rather than run and hide with the prospect of certain death or starvation. There are numerous colorful characters including knights, clergy, masons, servants, simple laborers etc.
The writing just flows effortlessly and smoothly while still being complex in structure. I noticed some lengthy sentences connecting numerous phrases with many commas but it worked. I also enjoyed her seamless use of flashbacks to explain or substantiate current events. It works rather than detracts.
I think the story could actually have been much longer. So many interesting characters could have been further examined. I felt her strong feelings for her past love, Stigand, were not well developed early on which made me question her motivation. Her evolution of feelings about Eitel and Rolf was very touching however. And for some reason the middle of the book dragged a bit for me. I was leaning toward 3.5 stars but the last brief chapter was so beautiful and well written I would give that one alone a 5. My biggest problem is which Lofts to read next?
Following the Norman conquest of England in about 1066, this is a personal view of the hardships encountered primarily from a young Englishwoman's perspective. But it is also an interesting picture of the life and times for both sides as Madselin, who survives the invasion, marries the Norman who killed her husband rather than run and hide with the prospect of certain death or starvation. There are numerous colorful characters including knights, clergy, masons, servants, simple laborers etc.
The writing just flows effortlessly and smoothly while still being complex in structure. I noticed some lengthy sentences connecting numerous phrases with many commas but it worked. I also enjoyed her seamless use of flashbacks to explain or substantiate current events. It works rather than detracts.
I think the story could actually have been much longer. So many interesting characters could have been further examined. I felt her strong feelings for her past love, Stigand, were not well developed early on which made me question her motivation. Her evolution of feelings about Eitel and Rolf was very touching however. And for some reason the middle of the book dragged a bit for me. I was leaning toward 3.5 stars but the last brief chapter was so beautiful and well written I would give that one alone a 5. My biggest problem is which Lofts to read next?
January 2, 2018
Best medieval historical fiction I have read since Cecelia Holland's Great Maria. So glad I got to begin 2018 with such an exquisite read.
I loved every bit of Norah Lofts' Madselin: Her elegant writing (flashback storytelling is not my cuppa but in the deft hands of this author, it worked beautifully); The authentic brutality of the setting during William the Conqueror's ruthless domination of England (the violence, sense of doom, and misery were palpable without turning into misery porn); And especially, the characterizations of the protagonists and secondary characters as real people of the era (pragmatic, cunning, scheming and conniving survivors, NOT something out of a bloody Disney movie).
It was a refreshing read in a sea of Mary Sues and Gary Stus skipping their ways through golden fields of unicorns for a neatly tied up Happily Ever After as occurs in most historical romances.
Not giving away any plot spoilers because it would be such a disservice to Lofts' laboriously crafted intrigue. Suffice it to say that fans of romance and fans of historical fiction should both be satisfied with this story. I can say without a doubt that the protagonists, each in their own way, are some of the most plausible, admirable, and entertaining fictional characters created in the genre. I left them on the last page of the book both elated for them and sad that I had to let them go because I would have loved to continue the journey with them.
I loved every bit of Norah Lofts' Madselin: Her elegant writing (flashback storytelling is not my cuppa but in the deft hands of this author, it worked beautifully); The authentic brutality of the setting during William the Conqueror's ruthless domination of England (the violence, sense of doom, and misery were palpable without turning into misery porn); And especially, the characterizations of the protagonists and secondary characters as real people of the era (pragmatic, cunning, scheming and conniving survivors, NOT something out of a bloody Disney movie).
It was a refreshing read in a sea of Mary Sues and Gary Stus skipping their ways through golden fields of unicorns for a neatly tied up Happily Ever After as occurs in most historical romances.
Not giving away any plot spoilers because it would be such a disservice to Lofts' laboriously crafted intrigue. Suffice it to say that fans of romance and fans of historical fiction should both be satisfied with this story. I can say without a doubt that the protagonists, each in their own way, are some of the most plausible, admirable, and entertaining fictional characters created in the genre. I left them on the last page of the book both elated for them and sad that I had to let them go because I would have loved to continue the journey with them.
July 19, 2015
This tale of Madselin in 1066 England is top quality historical fiction. These are the days of extreme hardship after the Norman conquest with survivors of the English making ultimate efforts to eat and shelter. More refined former roles relating to work, class level or family support being quite secondary niceties. The first stone castle construction is the central task assigned to her Norman lord, Rolf. Strongly recommend this excellent Norah Lofts. She has never been given the honor and placement she deserves for her trove of top level historical realities and characterizations. Each book a gem, treasure to be revisited.
January 29, 2009
I love reading Norah Lofts. If you haven't ever read her you really need to!! Her writing is superb, her plots are great, lots of history, but her characters are the BEST--always sooooo real. In this one in particular I love how the love story is subtle and underplayed--actually almost not touched on, yet you're still cheering at the end when her husband says "I'm against my wife being hanged." Awesome.
November 20, 2021
I have read this several times and it is fascinating to me. It is about a mercy killing and I am sure everyone would agree that it was very just that Madselin actually had some mercy and lots of courage. I am sad to say that to find a copy of it would be very difficult as it is out of print but if you go to second hand book stores you might find one or maybe on Thrift Books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2014
How engrossed was I by this book? I cancelled a long-standing appointment so I could finish reading it. Set in England shortly after the 1066 Norman invasion, it concretely depicts the clash of Norman and Anglo/Saxon cultures through the story of Madselin. She is the 17-year-old widow of an elderly Anglo-Saxon lord who displays savvy survival skills initially by agreeing to a whirlwind marriage to the Norman lord of her former estate. Those instincts serve her well again and again as she adroitly shares local lore that aids the invaders and strategies aimed to relieve the misery of the vanquished. Her new husband, Rolf, William the Conqueror's armorer, is of humble origins but harbors a keen and careful mind and fierce determination to succeed in fulfilling the king's charges.
Norah Lofts, a gifted writer of historical fiction, displays her talents for brisk story-telling with surprising plot twists, vivid descriptions of place, and multi-layered characters who are memorable because so real. She is crisply and entertainingly instructive, as always. In this instance, the "lessons" are about the interplay of disdain by "winners" and passive-agressive resistance by "losers," of differing codes of honor, and of the long-term cost extracted by short-term goals. Loft's keen psychological insights enliven her characters and illuminate modern conundrums.
Norah Lofts, a gifted writer of historical fiction, displays her talents for brisk story-telling with surprising plot twists, vivid descriptions of place, and multi-layered characters who are memorable because so real. She is crisply and entertainingly instructive, as always. In this instance, the "lessons" are about the interplay of disdain by "winners" and passive-agressive resistance by "losers," of differing codes of honor, and of the long-term cost extracted by short-term goals. Loft's keen psychological insights enliven her characters and illuminate modern conundrums.
January 31, 2010
Another book I read as a teenager, and then re-read later. It was one of the first grown-up historical romances that I read (but it's clean, don't get me wrong). I think I read this when I was also reading all the Victoria Holt titles I could find. I liked this one better, because it felt more real. Plus, it wasn't a straight-forward love story, so that was unusual for me, too. Well-written, interesting historical.
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December 31, 2018This book was kind of all over the place and didn't really have a plot, but the writing was clear and compelling. Think I would have been really into it when I was 13/14. 3/5
June 18, 2015
This is one of my favorites. Takes place during the Norman Invasion.
August 23, 2019
This story takes place in the eleventh century when medieval Saxon England is occupied by the Normans. Madselin, a young girl just married, is already unhappy. Her husband is old, and she's in love with another. Then her husband is killed defending her in the invasion, and realizing she has to now fend for herself, she agrees to marry Lord Rolf. Her people are poor and have always had to struggle to survive, but now the new Lord takes what little they have and their freedom, forcing them to build a castle for him. Madselin, who has been spoiled and selfish all her life, now becomes a negotiator between the Norman conquerors and her people. In the end, she realizes love comes in many forms. This is historical fiction at its best-Norah Lofts never disappoints.
October 3, 2025
The book describes the few years after the Norman Conquest for ordinary people: the poverty, the frustrations, the compromises and the massive upheaval.
This is a great book. I thought the start a bit slow, but it contained important background information. Rolf is a man of few words and the romance is written in his style, using careful details only. I liked it, as my imagination filled in the gaps. Madselin is full of self-confidence, but she does not come across haughty. The romance is only a part of the plot. The main story kept me turning the pages. I had finished it in just 3 days.
December 22, 2022
While I have read a lot of historical fiction and a lot about William the Conqueror, this was the first written from the point of view of one of those conquered. For that reason alone, it was compelling, and Madselin, Rolf, Hild, and others were believable people and not just stock characters. My only complaint was with the description of her early relationship with Stigand; it was not developed enough for me to understand why she took the later actions she did.
June 6, 2024
This book sits on my bookshelf at the beach and I have read it more than once. Ms Lofts deftly weaves the Saxon experience into a story of courage and survival. Having just been to Normandy and loved the Bayeux Tapestry, I am happy to see the English side again.
Madselin is very human, and quite spoiled. I liked seeing her become an adult.
"Read Dates: How about so many i can't count. And my old paperback is falling apart. It was used when I bought it back in the 70's"
Madselin is very human, and quite spoiled. I liked seeing her become an adult.
"Read Dates: How about so many i can't count. And my old paperback is falling apart. It was used when I bought it back in the 70's"
April 17, 2024
I'd give this a 4.5/5 definitely! You learn more about England during the Norman conquest and I love the romance between the main characters. Nora Lofts does a wonderful job growing and maturing Madselin throughout the book and in many ways I wish there was a sequel. The description of the book doesn't do it justice. Worth the read!
May 13, 2020
Read April 2020
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September 3, 2025Did not finish
May 2, 2016
A well-written historical novel, set in approximately 1066.
Madselin, 16, widowed, Catholic, put into a convent beset by the Normans (or Danes?). She escapes with her "load", her dead husband, Eitel, and a free servant, Hild. She harbors a secret love for Stigand, who saved her from a big wolf; she sees him, much later, in gaol, tortured nearly to death in an effort to find gold or jewels where there was none. Some other characters, who figure somewhat prominently. Now she is married to Rolf, though she bore Eitel's child . . .
As I said, entertainingly well-written.
Madselin, 16, widowed, Catholic, put into a convent beset by the Normans (or Danes?). She escapes with her "load", her dead husband, Eitel, and a free servant, Hild. She harbors a secret love for Stigand, who saved her from a big wolf; she sees him, much later, in gaol, tortured nearly to death in an effort to find gold or jewels where there was none. Some other characters, who figure somewhat prominently. Now she is married to Rolf, though she bore Eitel's child . . .
As I said, entertainingly well-written.
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January 12, 2012Book came into store and begged reading, yes Lofts is a good read. Historical fiction written with acute clarity & feelings war, feudalism, Lords,and role of women in early times. Currently, reading book 3 of Martin's fire& ice series while finding a ton of similarity - historical fiction & fantasy.
May 8, 2019
I have loved Norah Lofts since I was in 9th grade and read one of her historical novels for extra credit. Despite the illustrated cover of this book, it is not romance, but well written, character driven story, with the added bonus of a love story within the main plot. I've read this book many times over the years, and never grow tired of it. It is one I'll return yo again and again.
July 8, 2015
I had forgotten how good Lofts is when she's on her game (she was very prolific). This one is smart and clear-eyed; completely unsentimental but not stinting on human warmth. She gives a bracing slap of life in a very difficult place and time. Very satisfying.
August 29, 2007
good book
August 31, 2010
3.5 for this tale of a widowed Saxon who married the Norman who killed her husband and took his lands.
September 27, 2010
Love historical fiction!
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February 6, 2015Added 10/3/12. I read this book years ago. I'd like to read it again sometime because it was recommmended by a friend.
September 19, 2021
A wonderful medieval..real Keeper
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April 29, 2008Lofts, norah
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November 24, 2017I can't say enough good things about this book. It is set in England shortly after the deciding battle with William the Conqueror in 1066. The accurate historical setting is the backdrop for the story of Madselin, ousted lady of the manor, who marries, without love, the new Norman lord. The tightly-woven plot, the historical details, and the compelling characters make for a delightful read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews