- Paperback: 448 pages
- Publisher: Matador; UK ed. edition (11 Nov. 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1783062207
- ISBN-13: 978-1783062201
Synopsis
England is in crisis. King has no heir and promises never to produce one. There are no obvious successors available to replace him, but quite a few claimants are eager to take the crown. While power struggles break out between the various factions at court, enemies abroad plot to make England their own. There are raids across the borders with Wales and Scotland. Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex, is seen by many as the one man who can bring stability to the kingdom. He has powerful friends and two women who love him, but he has enemies who will stop at nothing to gain power. As 1066 begins, England heads for an uncertain future. It seems even the heavens are against Harold. Intelligent and courageous, can Harold forge his own destiny. Or does he have to bow to what fates impose?
Review
Like most people I know a bit about 1066 and the Battle of Hastings where Harold got it in the eye, whilst fighting Duke William who would become William the Conqueror, but I didn’t know a lot about the main players or the years that led to it. In 1066: What Fates Impose E.K. Holloway fills in all these gaps, the history of the main characters and the political tension in England at leading up to the War. Beginning in 1045, and King Edward’s marriage to Edith this book really has it all, battles, changing allegiances, political wars, religious tension, plotting and romance making this a thrilling, compelling and stunning read.
1066: What Fates Impose is the perfect historical fiction book for me. I love to learn something from this genre, and find the mixture of fact and fiction utterly addictive as a reading experience. E.K. Holloway’s research is impeccable and his love for history shines through in his writing and knowledge of this period in history. The historical detail is amazing, making the characters interesting and full of life and making this such an accessible read. The characters of King Edward, Harold Godwinson and William, Duke of Normandy have life put into them, we see their highs, lows, and personalities that shine through making them likeable or not depending. The bloody battles, harsh punishments, changing alliances that set brother against brother and family against family, adds thrills to this period, which was brutal at times. It isn’t just England this book is set in, but Scotland, Mercia, France and even Norway as all play an important part of Englands fate at that time. I feel if history was taught in schools more like this book than maybe there would be more of a passion for history.
1066: What Fates Impose is a five star amazing and stunning read. For fans of historical fiction this is a must and perfect read. E.K. Holloway’s writing makes this an enjoyable and riveting read, as well as making this period more accessible; it is nothing like the boring history lessons at school. The attention to detail is wonderful and brings this whole book to life, the sights and sounds, the different characters, the battles and political allegiances and the machinations of the different factions. I can’t recommend this book highly enough, a perfect piece of historical fiction.
