Senlac is a set of two novels, re-telling the tumultuous events of 1066. We are sharing our review of Book One, which deals with the run-up to the brutal battles on English soil that changed the course of the country's history forever.
The novel opens with the slow death of King Edward of England, later known as The Confessor. Suffering from illness, his anticipated death drags out, as nobles from across the kingdom and beyond gather to witness the end of an era – and the beginning of uncertainty.
The scene at Westminster should have been one of sombre reflection on the king's long reign and valiant deeds, yet his stubborn refusal to name an heir has his advisers in crisis. Many do not want his young great-nephew, Edgar, deemed to be of feeble mind, on the throne, whilst others spot their chance at manipulation.
Then there is the king's earlier promise to William, Duke of Normandy, who is keeping a close eye on English affairs from the other side of the channel. But he's a Norman, not of the ruling (rightful) house of Wessex.
So the wider consensus is that Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex and Edward's brother-in-law, should succeed him. However, this decision is not unanimous either, but Harold is the most sensible choice in the circumstances. England needs a competent ruler, who is capable of fending off the Danes and the Normans.
But following the king's death, William of Normandy is keen to stake his claim – as promised to him by Edward, through Harold, before.
And not forgetting Harold's scheming brother, Tostig, who'd been ousted as Earl of Northumberland following a rebellion over taxes. As Tostig tries to lure the Norse king, Harald Hardraada, to claim the throne, matters become messy.
Harold has his hands full at quelling these attempts at his rule, but with the arrogance of a Godwinson, he scarcely believes the challenges to be serious.
Then both Harald Hardraada and William plan their next move... and we know how it all ended!
Senlac is a fascinating account of the months leading up to the fateful autumn of 1066. It begins with King Edward's death in January of that year, where – in exquisite detail – we witness a bedchamber full of nobles and churchmen, each plotting their own advantage following the king's demise. The scene is set out so clearly, as if the author had witnessed it personally. He goes into painstaking detail about the chamber, its furnishings and fittings, something which eyewitnesses would indeed have spotted during the long days spent waiting. We literally witness the hours leading to the king's death just as those present would have seen it. This closely-focused narrative makes for an intense reading experience, and it sets the style for the whole novel.
Senlac is told through a range of point-of-views. This gives readers a chance to see history unfold, witnessing each person's ambitions, beliefs, and actions. We witness Harold's sense of entitlement (even at the cost of his brother Tostig's loyalty), William of Normandy's fury, Harald Hardraada's ambition, despite his many successes – and Tostig's cunning.
I quite liked Tostig best, I must admit. He is shown to be the spoilt, grudge-bearing character intent on having his revenge on his elder brother, Harold – and the author has created him perfectly, with his dark intrigues. It made for realistic reading, as he is slowly but steadily needling Hardraada into action.
I also found Hardraada himself to be a fascinating character, but then I have long considered him to have been a remarkable man. Readers may want to read up about his adventurous life, and it's a tragic circumstance of his never-ending ambition that his life ended at Stamford Bridge, eventually. Though perhaps it's fitting...
William of Normandy is just as expected. Sulking, expectant of the kingship, and finding himself deceived, he does everything in his power to plan his invasion, at great cost. A ruthless ruler, devoid of any empathy, and highly ambitious, he stops at nothing to get what he considers his by right.
And then we have Harold Godwinson, chosen to be King of England following Edward's death. A highly capable administrator and warrior, he is the consummate politician. You do wonder what would have happened, had he not fallen out with Tostig. Perhaps, he'd have been even better prepared for Hastings, and avoided that fateful arrow. Alas, we'll never know.
There are other, secondary, characters who play vital roles in the run-up to these events, but they are too many to list. Their importance becomes clear as critical events unfold, and they provide a useful view from outside those wielding power.
The amount of research the author has undertaken for this novel is simply staggering. Mr de la Motte goes into the most minute detail, giving us readers an eyewitness account of events. And not only those. The detail of each setting – the accommodation, decoration, food, and cleanliness is clearly outlined. A remarkable feat and a veritable treat for readers.
Due to this focus on the tiniest detail, the narrative often resembles the style of a non-fiction book, rather than a novel, but in its closeness to the setting, it allows readers to gain a true sense of life in the 1060s. The author's impeccable prose and deep knowledge of the era shine through on each page, bringing the setting vividly to life.
Each chapter outlines its point in time, and although we sometimes go back to previous events vital to the understanding of particular scenes, it is all so clearly defined that you never lose track. And whilst most of us are familiar with the ultimate outcome, the events leading up to the fateful battles are vitally important, and they make for utterly compelling reading.
I would definitely recommend Senlac, Book One to any readers who wish to immerse themselves in the most realistic depiction of a world of medieval politics, scheming, and warfare, where personal ambitions overrule any common sense or responsibility.
