(4.5) The second in Anand's trilogy and Harold Godwinson take center stage
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The Norman Pretender takes up the story where Gildenford left off, as the powerful Godwinson family returns to England after King Edward forgives them for their role in the massacre of his brother Alfred and 600 of his Norman followers. The old Earl dies and his oldest son Harold becomes The Earl of Wessex and the story then details Harold's life as he battles the Welsh and his bitter enemy Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, while also struggling with his jealous brother Tostig. We also see the return of the fictional character of Brand the Woodcutter (who has been living in Duke William's court), along with Wulfhild, the daughter he didn't know existed, as he returns to England and Harold gives them the lands surrounding Fallowdene.
For those familiar with the period and its history you know what happens
next, but for the sake of those that don't I won't detail too much further, just suffice it to say that Anand weaves a fine tale of Harold Godwinson and the events leading him to make an oath of fealty that he cannot keep, the final treachery of his brother Tostig that exhausts Harold and his army, finally culminating in that fateful October day in 1066 and the Battle at Hastings.
While is book is not quite as good as Helen Hollick's Harold the King (a must read!), I had a very hard time putting this down and I am very much looking forward to reading the last in the trilogy, The Disputed Crown. These books are out of print and from some of the prices being offered quite rare, but if you can find copies at a reasonable price and are interested in this period I'd go for it. 4.5/5 stars.
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This book has it ALL!
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BUY THIS BOOK! Anand weave a remarkable story and tells the tale of the search for an heir upon the death of Edward the Confessor. Harold, Earl of Wessex and brother to the Queen, or William, Duke of Normandy and originally named heir... who should be the rightful king of England when Edward dies? Well, just to keep it intersting there is the long lost cousin, the bi-polar younger brother of Harold (Tostig), and the Viking leader Harold Hardrada to contend with also. In a story almost too good to be true, it is remarkable to realize that it is true...or at least based on historical fact. As for Anand's ability to stick to history - well, it's commendable. Certainly, there are characters who have no known historical basis, but they are created to be as realistic as possible and only help to make the story flow. Brand Woodcutter is back from the extraordinary first book (Gildenford) along with several other memorable personas. I was lucky enough to get this book before the few remaining used book dealers realized the treasure they held - and jacked up the price unreasonably. However, if you can find a dealer who appreciates this book for the story it tells and is willing to part with their copy - BUY IT. Personally, I will not part with mine - I know I'll enjoy it again in years to come. Any publishers reading this - you are OUT OF YOUR MINDS if you don't bring this book out in print again.
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