trailofmonkeys's review against another edition
4.0
The language and story are both good, the only real obstacle is having to stomach listening to the internal voice of a Daily Mail reader in 1066.
sarah_shelf's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
3.0
After the Norman invasion of 1066 the people of England suffered greatly and no more so than in East Anglia. The story of Hereford the Wake is well-known, a man who rose up against his oppressors with the power of the people in support but who ultimately failed against the might of the Normans. This is a story of a man who loses everything and revolts.
The book was only published after crowd-funding raised enough money to do so and it is clear why the established publishing houses were reluctant to take this book on. The story is written in a language which is neither modern English nor authentic Anglo-Saxon - it is a parallel language designed to reflect the times that the story is set in. That makes the job of the reader really difficult as much of the time one is deciphering the narrative rather than enjoying it. It's a challenge to read and therefore is admired rather than liked but applauded for sheer audacity.
The book was only published after crowd-funding raised enough money to do so and it is clear why the established publishing houses were reluctant to take this book on. The story is written in a language which is neither modern English nor authentic Anglo-Saxon - it is a parallel language designed to reflect the times that the story is set in. That makes the job of the reader really difficult as much of the time one is deciphering the narrative rather than enjoying it. It's a challenge to read and therefore is admired rather than liked but applauded for sheer audacity.
mary412's review against another edition
4.0
In college I had to take courses in Old English and Middle English so I was intrigued when I read about Kingsnorth's The Wake. When I learned that it was available on Audible read by Simon Vance, I knew that was for me. It was surprisingly easy to understand, easier when I wasn't looking at the printed page! buccmaster is a socman of holland with three oxgangs of good land who rales against the Norman invaders, their bastard king and the new religion they have brought to disrupt his life. As we know from our history lessons, he lost on all counts. The plot didn't have enough twists and turns for my taste.
andreaedits's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
senordustin's review against another edition
4.0
boern angland.
most notable for its style (give it about 25 pages to sink in), the anger at loss of identity really had an affect on me. the story could have been better to match the powerful language. still quite an experience.
most notable for its style (give it about 25 pages to sink in), the anger at loss of identity really had an affect on me. the story could have been better to match the powerful language. still quite an experience.
hooliaquoolia's review against another edition
4.0
I took almost a year to read this. I would read 30 pages, then put it down. Then start from the beginning, read the same 30 pages, and put it down. It took me laying down everything else and dedicating myself to focusing on this book to finally finish it, and it was definitely worth it. I got into a trance while I was reading it, and despite the fact that the main character is a delusional psychopath, it was incredibly intriguing. Not quite what I signed up for, but still highly recommend for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I will definitely be reading more Kingsnorth.
jeremiglio's review against another edition
5.0
This has been sat on our bookshelves for about 4 years, and in that time I've read the first page probably a dozen times before being put off by the difficulty of the language. I'm so glad I persevered and finally read the whole thing.
This is undeniably a difficult read, at least to start with - the language becomes second nature once you get used to it, but it's still not something you can read while half-asleep. But the language is integral to this book and the experience of reading it, and of inevitably becoming engrossed in the world. I couldn't stop thinking about it from the moment I started reading it, and I probably won't for a while. It's just brilliant.
Buccmaster is a brilliantly constructed character, an unreliable narrator and one whose deteriorating mental state is the perfect lens through which to view the fall of Old England following the conquest. I knew some about this period of history before, but this has definitely inspired me to learn more.
This is undeniably a difficult read, at least to start with - the language becomes second nature once you get used to it, but it's still not something you can read while half-asleep. But the language is integral to this book and the experience of reading it, and of inevitably becoming engrossed in the world. I couldn't stop thinking about it from the moment I started reading it, and I probably won't for a while. It's just brilliant.
Buccmaster is a brilliantly constructed character, an unreliable narrator and one whose deteriorating mental state is the perfect lens through which to view the fall of Old England following the conquest. I knew some about this period of history before, but this has definitely inspired me to learn more.
anabradley's review against another edition
5.0
Probably the most original book I have ever read. It is a really interesting take on the dystopia genre, taking a dystopia set, instead of in the future, in the past. The pseudo-old English text is surprisingly easy to read (only took me about a page to adjust to it) and I feel that it really added to the story. Kingsnorth says in the author's note that the choice of language allows us to see the story through the eyes of the characters, rather than through a modern lens, which, having finished the book, I completely agree with.The themes of Christianity versus paganism are also right up my street, so I would highly recommend.
theelliad's review against another edition
2.0
The sense of accomplishment I achieved from turning the final page of this book is like nothing I've ever experienced before...