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karireads's review against another edition
4.0
When reading about English history, I always seem to find myself rooting for the loser: Celts over the Romans, Richard III over Henry Tudor, and of course, Harold over William. Naturally, an alternate history where Harold wins the Battle of Hastings was like catnip.
The sweep of alternate history is the focus, making this a plot-based novel rather than character-based. Characters are often sketchily developed at best. The unfolding of events invites the reader to ponder possibilities (Would Alexander really be so stubborn? Would Harold really reach out to that leader? Would Philippe really react this way?). I also enjoyed the nods to actual history, such as an alternate Bayeux Tapestry and the Chanson de Roland.
The challenges facing Harold in uniting England in the wake of Hastings is the central plot, and that would be no less challenging for Harold than William.
The final battle is suspenseful and satisfying. Enjoyable read.
The sweep of alternate history is the focus, making this a plot-based novel rather than character-based. Characters are often sketchily developed at best. The unfolding of events invites the reader to ponder possibilities (Would Alexander really be so stubborn? Would Harold really reach out to that leader? Would Philippe really react this way?). I also enjoyed the nods to actual history, such as an alternate Bayeux Tapestry and the Chanson de Roland.
The challenges facing Harold in uniting England in the wake of Hastings is the central plot, and that would be no less challenging for Harold than William.
The final battle is suspenseful and satisfying. Enjoyable read.
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