Publication Date: May 13th, 2025
Publisher: Historium Press
Pages: 292
Genre: Historical Fiction
"Deus Lo Vult!"
Gilles is the natural son of the Earl Waltheof, executed by William the Conqueror for supposed treachery. Raised in Normandy by Queen Matilda of England, Gilles is a young servant of Robert, Duke of Normandy, when the first call for a Holy War against the infidel and for the liberation of Jerusalem is raised in Christendom. Along with thousands of others, inspired by a variety of motives, intense piety mixed with a sense of adventure and the prospects of richness, Gilles becomes a key and respected follower of the Duke of Normandy and travels through France and into Italy to the point of embarkation for Constantinople and the land of the Greeks.
In this epic first phase of a long and gruelling journey, Gilles begins to discover a sense of his own strengths and weaknesses, encounters for the first time the full might and strength of the Norman war machine and achieves his much coveted aim of knighthood, as well as a sense of responsibility to the men that he must now lead into battle.
The Will of God is the literal translation of the Latin phrase "Deus Lo Vult"; a ubiquitous war cry and a commonly offered explanation of all the horrors and iniquities unleashed by the First Crusade of 1096 to 1099, when thousands of Europeans made the dangerous and terrifying journey to the Holy Land and the liberation of Jerusalem. It is the first of two books on the subject.
Gilles concluded simply, “...and so, Madame, we travel now to God's own city of Jerusalem. There we shall all wash our sins and be cleansed.” Simply speaking the words, he found himself doubting them.
“And then?” she enquired. “What then?”
It was, Gilles recognised, a genuine question, one that he had not paused to ask himself. This beautiful creature was bringing into doubt so many things. He simply shrugged once more, a dismissive raising of the shoulders.
“Will this world then end, and all within it?”
He cleared his throat, would have spat in the dust, but thought that perhaps this might not be seemly and be taken amiss.
“Lady, I simply do not know,” he said, staggered by this realisation.
He was the son of a traitor, although the treacherous activities his father was involved in were never made clear to Gilles. Fate would see Gilles raised in Normandy by no other than the Queen of England. However, as he grew into a man, his fate remained tied to the House of Normandy, meaning that wherever his lord went, he was destined to follow.
“The Will of God” by Julian de la Motte reveals a rich history that immerses the reader in a vibrant bygone time dominated by religious fanatics and questionable loyalties. Each page is alive with the pulsating energy of a time when devotion could ignite both passion and peril, inviting readers to navigate through a world where faith and loyalty are often at odds, creating a landscape rich with intrigue and conflict.
Julian de la Motte skilfully weaves a historical narrative that immerses readers in the vivid turmoil of this era. The novel begins with the harrowing and chaotic sacking of Mantes, where thick, acrid smoke hangs in the air like a shroud, mingling with the anguished cries of desperate souls echoing through the streets. Flames rage like wild beasts, devouring buildings and consuming lives in their merciless grip. Amidst this destruction lies the first Norman king of England, William, a figure once grand and indomitable, now reduced to a battered shell of himself. He wrestles with the agonising spectre of death, looming over him with an unforgiving finality. The fraught relationship with his eldest son, Robert, adds a poignant layer of tragedy to the story. Instead of passing down the coveted English throne, William bequeaths to Robert the Duchy of Normandy, while his younger brother, William Rufus, becomes king. As the story unfolds, the stirring battle cry of “Deus lo Volt,” which translates to “God wills it,” reverberates through the hearts of Christians. This fervour is ignited by the impassioned French priest, Peter the Hermit, who rallies the common people to undertake the People’s Crusade. Meanwhile, noblemen, including Robert, also take up arms and embark on a perilous pilgrimage to the sacred city of Jerusalem. The author’s meticulous research infuses this tale with rich historical authenticity, capturing the essence of human struggle, devotion, and aspiration in a world on the brink of a bitter and brutal period in history.
The setting is vividly portrayed, immersing the reader in the vibrant sights, resonant sounds, and rich smells of medieval Normandy. From the grand hall where the Crusade is proclaimed to the muddy courtyard where soldiers gather, every detail of the environment enhances the experience. Descriptions of clothing, weapons, and landscapes contribute to a strong sense of time and place. The setting serves not only as a backdrop but also as an active element in the story, shaping the characters’ experiences and influencing their actions. Similarly, Julian de la Motte excels at using descriptive language to create vivid images in the reader’s mind. His descriptions of the setting, characters, and their emotions are rich and detailed, significantly enhancing the narrative’s immersive quality. Julian de la Motte’s ability to convey the oppressive heat, the cold, the discomfort of the clothing, and the characters’ inner turmoil is particularly effective, adding depth and believability to the story.
The novel features a vast cast of colourful characters, many of whom are based on real historical figures. It follows them through the timeline of historical events of the era. Initially, there is some toing and froing between scenes and time frames, as the novel starts with William’s death and then goes back to before Matilda’s death, which can slightly confuse the reader, especially if they do not have a prior understanding of the era. However, eventually, the true hero of the story emerges.
Gilles, the hero of this tale, is an endearing character, brimming with redeemable qualities. His keen eye for detail makes him remarkably observant, while his boundless resourcefulness shows a quiet strength that belies his youth. The reader grows to understand him intimately through his thoughtful reflections and the profound insight he brings to the chaotic world around him. He becomes acutely aware of the political intricacies surrounding the Crusade—where ambition and inflated egos collide in a fervent quest to free Jerusalem. Gilles realises that, for many, the Crusade’s lofty ideals are mere facades, masking the true desire for plunder and greed. Despite the tumultuous tide of events, Gilles understands that remaining loyal to Robert is paramount for his survival and success. This loyalty ultimately rewards him in ways he never anticipated. Gilles breathes life into the story through his journey, and he becomes a character with whom readers can form a deep connection, drawing them into his world and inviting them to join him on his remarkable adventure.
Duke Robert comes across as a complex figure driven by a mix of religious zeal, political ambition, and personal desires. He presents himself as a god-fearing man, or at least he wants everyone to believe. Additionally, he struggles to maintain control of his Duchy amidst increasing civil disobedience and rising tax invasions from his nobility. Many of his vassals are abandoning him to join forces with his enemy, the King of France, or, even more disturbingly, they are turning to his brothers, William and Henry. Despite years of fighting with his father over an offensive prank his brothers played on him—one for which their father refused to punish them—Robert grapples with the shortcomings of being the duke of such a grand kingdom, something his father secretly feared. In response, he decides to take up the mantle of a warrior of Christ. He heavily mortgages the Duchy to his brother William to raise funds for the Crusade. Robert comes across as an enigmatic figure, and the author has spent considerable time researching his character and life, ensuring that this portrayal of Robert is firmly rooted in historical accuracy. He’s depicted as a man of action and a risk-taker. While he claims that the Crusade is aimed at freeing the holy cities, he is also not averse to the idea of increasing his wealth along the way, although he keeps such thoughts to himself! Although Robert is very much a secondary character in this story, he does drive the narrative forward with surprising momentum.
There are many other characters in this story and each have their part to play. The death and burial of King William I serve as a reminder of the fragility of life. Queen Matilda is a force to be reckoned with. Lady Gundrada is portrayed as a powerful and calculating figure, focused on maintaining control. Yves is charming but potentially duplicitous. Eloise is depicted as a mother willing to do anything for her son. Lady Zoe emerges as a multifaceted character, appearing vulnerable yet possessing hidden strength and a personal agenda. De Drengot is shown as an arrogant and imposing figure, adding tension to the narrative. Benoit acts as a silent observer, providing a sense of intrigue and unspoken understanding. Bishop Odo and Stephen of Blois are also well-crafted, contributing depth to the ensemble. The interactions between characters, especially the observations from Gilles, reveal their personalities and motivations, making them feel authentic in the telling.
The mood of this novel is steeped in darkness and foreboding, mirroring the pervasive uncertainty and peril that Gilles and his fellow crusaders contend with on their tumultuous journey. While the narrative does not thrust readers directly into the chaos of battle, it vividly conveys the gruelling hardships they endure as they traverse landscapes to reach their fateful destination. The horrifying devastation wrought upon the villages and towns they pass through starkly contrasts with their purported mission of faith, leaving a trail of despair—people are rendered homeless, starved, and stripped of hope. This paints a tragic picture of hypocrisy for these devout men of God. Yet, amidst this bleakness, there are fleeting moments of levity—glimmers of humour and the warm bonds of camaraderie that briefly uplift the spirits of the weary travellers. In addition, the fervent expressions of their faith provide a flicker of light against the encroaching shadows. However, beneath the surface, threads of doubt and uncertainty weave through the minds of some characters, particularly Gilles, adding depth to their spiritual struggles as they grapple with their convictions in the face of grim realities.
“The Will of God” by Julian de la Motte is an impressive work of historical fiction that captivates readers with its richly developed characters, vivid imagery, and compelling storyline. The author skilfully creates a deep sense of atmosphere, transporting audiences to the centre of a gripping saga filled with pain, passion, and perseverance as the protagonist embarks on a challenging and treacherous quest to follow his lord and reclaim the sacred Holy Land.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
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