1066, the year that changed everything.
Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England, but he is not the only one who seeks the throne.
News of Harold’s coronation sends ripples of discontent at the court of the Duke of Normandy, for the crown had been promised to him. He gathers his army and waits on the coast for an agreeable wind, seething with anger. If Harold will not step down from the throne, then by God, he will make him.
The King of Norway, Harald Hardrada, also believes he has a claim to the English throne and with the help of Harold Godwinson’s brother, Tostig, he is confident he can fight his way to victory.
Can Harold survive the year of the three battles and can he hold onto his throne? Only time will tell.
In Senlac (Book Two): A Novel of the Norman Conquest of England, Julian de la Motte depicts a harrowing and unforgettable chapter in English history, ending with the death of the last Anglo-Saxon king.
This book’s historical detail is breathtaking. The year 1066 saw devastating losses of life during a violent and tragic chapter in English history. Julian de la Motte’s Senlac (Book Two): A Novel of the Norman Conquest of England joins the ranks of many other excellent fictional works about this period. Julian certainly has a novelist intuition of what makes a book entertaining and worth reading. Despite the story’s focus on the major battles of this turbulent year, the narrative provides an intimate portrayal of the protagonists, and antagonists, their ambitions, and how their lives unfold. This book is emotionally intense at times. The realism is so strong that the reader feels transported to the past, witnessing events first-hand. For those who have an interest in this era, or who simply enjoy quality historical fiction, then this book is an absolute must-read.
Leadership and its morality are the core themes explored throughout this novel. The narrative is structured around three distinct leadership arcs. The first is the heroic King of England, Harold Godwinson. The intelligence, focus, and inspiration Harold displays make him an extraordinarily good leader. He is a true patriot; he cares very deeply for the people he rules and for the men he leads into battle. He leverages every available resource to accomplish his objectives, which are to secure his throne and drive out any invading forces. However, his brother Tostig’s alliance with Harald Hardrada makes him a conflicted character, as Harold realises he must face his brother in battle. Despite being likeable and charismatic, Harold’s valiant concealment of his rheumatic pain makes him all the more heroic. His health problems significantly impact him; although kept secret from most, it’s a recurring motif. Harold’s impatience is another shortcoming; while he listens to his advisors, he doesn’t always heed their counsel. The reader is left to ponder a different outcome at Hastings had he taken his brother’s, Gyrth’s, advice to rest the men and wait before engaging with Duke William. Nevertheless, Harold’s significant responsibilities distinguish him from the other leaders in this novel, thus altering the standards by which a king should be judged. This is why Harold will always remain the hero of this story.
The complexities of power in Harald Hardrada’s portrayal complicate the traditional binary of hero and villain. Hardrada is a ruthless ruler, who has become immensely powerful because of his prolific success on the battlefield. Because of his violent and unpredictable nature, Hardrada is a formidable figure, feared by his enemies and even by some of his own people. He has certainly made a name for himself, but his past success and the stories that have come about because of them make him a rather reckless character in the sense that he thinks he cannot be beaten. Hardrada is a great warrior and yet he is a mortal man, and despite his vast achievements in his life, he underestimates Harold to his own peril. Because of his aggression, especially to the local populous, and lack of refinement, the reader finds this Viking opportunist instantly repulsive. Therefore, when his threat is neutralised, the reader feels a sense of utter relief.
William, Duke of Normandy advocates for peace and a peaceful transition of power, for he believes he is the true King of England, and yet, once committed to a course of action, he readily accepts and even instigates widespread, unwarranted violence to reach his objective. Therefore, the author depicts William’s idea of power as being morally ambiguous. He has the Pope’s blessing and yet he murders women and children. However, William is a shrewd leader, he is confident of victory due to his superior forces, the opportunity to rest his men before the battle, and a well-conceived plan. Unlike Harold and Hardrada, William’s leadership style gives him a clear advantage, as does his army. William might be unlikeable to the reader, however, his military strategic skills are undeniable and wonderfully depicted.
The author’s depiction of Tostig was masterfully drawn. Although always the villain of the story, many novels set in this era do not focus on why Tostig did what he did, or how he did it, but only that he did. This novel offers readers an intimate look into Tostig’s desires and his pursuit of them. Though charming, Tostig’s sly nature prioritises self above country and king (even though the King is his brother). He wants power and glory, and he does not seem to care what he has to do, or who he has to kill to get it.
Senlac (Book Two): A Novel of the Norman Conquest of England by Julian de la Motte is a story that will stay with you long after you have turned that final page, and is an absolute historical triumph.
Congratulations on such a lovely review. Quick question, will your book be out on audio anytime soon?
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