Scan barcode
A review by tasmanian_bibliophile
1066: What Fates Impose by G.K. Holloway
4.0
‘Such is fate.’
Spanning the period from 1045 to 1087, Mr Holloway’s novel deals with a turbulent period in English history. In 1043 King Edward the Confessor, supported by Godwin, the powerful Earl of Wessex succeeded King Harthacnut. When Edward died in 1066, without an obvious heir, many believed that the Earl of Wessex – Godwin’s son, Harold Godwinson – was the most able person to succeed him. They hoped that Harold would bring stability to the kingdom. But King Harald Sigurdsson of Norway (Harold Hardrada) had different ideas, as did William, Duke of Normandy.
There may not have been any obvious successors, but there were a number of claimants. There are many different factions at court, and with Norway and Normandy also plotting to rule England, there’s plenty of intrigue. Who would prevail, and why? The Godwin family are central to this novel and although they are powerful, they have plenty of enemies. Mr Holloway’s novel provides a fascinating look at this period in history.
Those who know their English history will know the outcome of the battles of 1066. The history can’t be changed, but in reading this novel I found myself wondering ‘What if?’ more than once. In battles won more by chance than strategy, it is tempting to imagine a different outcome.
I enjoyed reading this novel. For me, Mr Holloway’s strength was in bringing the times to life. This novel invited me to consider – in more depth – the characters involved and to consider their motivations. If you are interested in historical fiction set in the 11th century, especially in the period around 1066, then you may enjoy this novel. I did.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Spanning the period from 1045 to 1087, Mr Holloway’s novel deals with a turbulent period in English history. In 1043 King Edward the Confessor, supported by Godwin, the powerful Earl of Wessex succeeded King Harthacnut. When Edward died in 1066, without an obvious heir, many believed that the Earl of Wessex – Godwin’s son, Harold Godwinson – was the most able person to succeed him. They hoped that Harold would bring stability to the kingdom. But King Harald Sigurdsson of Norway (Harold Hardrada) had different ideas, as did William, Duke of Normandy.
There may not have been any obvious successors, but there were a number of claimants. There are many different factions at court, and with Norway and Normandy also plotting to rule England, there’s plenty of intrigue. Who would prevail, and why? The Godwin family are central to this novel and although they are powerful, they have plenty of enemies. Mr Holloway’s novel provides a fascinating look at this period in history.
Those who know their English history will know the outcome of the battles of 1066. The history can’t be changed, but in reading this novel I found myself wondering ‘What if?’ more than once. In battles won more by chance than strategy, it is tempting to imagine a different outcome.
I enjoyed reading this novel. For me, Mr Holloway’s strength was in bringing the times to life. This novel invited me to consider – in more depth – the characters involved and to consider their motivations. If you are interested in historical fiction set in the 11th century, especially in the period around 1066, then you may enjoy this novel. I did.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith