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poppaloops's review
5.0
Outstanding, incredibly well written and made me feel like I was right there in 1066. Fascinating subject and was the trigger of many deep, probing conversations in our home. Absolutely fascinating, thank you!
lisl_plantagenet's review
5.0
Mention the year 1066 and most people, even if unaware of actual events, seem instinctively to know that something of great consequence happened. Having learned about it at school, I myself knew the basics but after that did not read much about it until several years ago. Still, seeing the cover of G.K. Holloway’s 1066: What Fates Impose stilled the moment a bit: resolutely straightforward, not unlike a steely glare, it communicates great import with such details as a Saxon shield and somber implications of a decided destiny.
The gist is this: while the new year dawns, King Edward the Confessor’s twilight looms, and being without an heir creates a considerable problem for England’s future. There is no shortage of contenders for the throne, though this decision—according to English custom and law of the time—is in the hands of the Witan, the king’s council. They choose Harold Godwinson, son of the late Earl Godwin of Wessex, and his coronation takes place on January 6, one day after Edward dies.
Across the channel in Normandy, Duke William is enraged. He claims Edward promised him the crown and that Harold pledged an oath to support his ascension. Vowing to take the throne, by force if necessary, William commences preparation for full invasion of England, further supported, though indirectly, by Norwegian King Harald Hardrada’s assertion that a treaty secures the crown, in fact, for him. Though King Harold emerges victorious in late September’s Battle of Stamford Bridge, where the Norwegian is killed, his army, distracted from forces gathering in the south, is spent. Nevertheless, they head toward William’s position, engage, and Harold falls on October 14.
It was no easy victory for William the Bastard. The Saxons put up a determined fight and are said to have menacingly chanted “Out! Out! Out!” at William’s forces as they faced the formidable Saxon shield wall. The duke had also had to secure support for the invasion, which came via Pope Alexander II, an endorsement that attracted forces in great number. As the year draws to a close, he ascends to the throne and is styled King William I, history later remembering him as William the Conqueror.
Though he was to face a series of rebellions in following years, 1066 covers these only in reference, albeit a powerful one. Holloway opens his novel at the end, depicting William pronouncing his deathbed confessions, owning up to ruthless slaughter of a magnitude most couldn’t imagine for its horror. Nearby stands the bloodied, battered apparition whom in life he last saw 21 years earlier, and who has haunted him ever since.
The author then brings us back in time to 1045 and the tale moves forward in linear fashion, point of view changes allowing us a clear pathway to characters’ perceptions and motives, with Harold Godwinson as the central figure. Holloway has a sharp and succinct manner with words, couching his phrases within passages that reveal strong observation and experience with human nature and its attendant habits.
Godwin looked thoughtful and a silence descended on the room. Over the years he had learned to be on his guard at the sight of Harold’s huge grin; it was genuine enough most of the time but his son had learned how to use it to disarm any reaction to bad news.
The author also crafts his dialogue in such a way that readers get a fuller sense of what others in various scenes often are missing: a glint in the eye, ever so slightly tilted head, raised eyebrow, knowing glance or sarcastic tone. This technique brings his characters’ words into sharper focus, gasp-inducing realization coming to the reader before it does to characters, creating a suspense hanging on the imminent revelation as well as the observation of a person unaware of the situation’s full extent.
As William and his 700-strong armada make their way across the channel, the duke outpacing his support, it is
… the warm morning sun on his face that woke him; that and the sounds of activity on deck.
’Good morning,’ he called to his comrades, over the sound of the gulls, the sea lapping the ship’s sides and the gentle wind slapping the sail.
‘Good morning,’ echoed the replies.
‘She’s a fine craft, the Mora, isn’t she?’ the Duke said to no one in particular.
“Very fine, my Lord,’ replied Odo, with some obvious discomfort.
‘I see you’re feeling seasick too.’
‘It’s not that, my Lord. It’s just that I feel a little uneasy.’
‘Why do you feel uneasy? It’s not like you.’
‘It’s the fleet.’
‘What about the fleet?’
‘Where is it?’
Holloway engages us in this playing with of various characters, but also teases it out to create another effect, this time with us, and in dual fashion. This particular scene lulls us to a calm rising indicated by the soothing sounds of water against the ship, the sun’s warm rays, admiration of the wonderful vessel the duke’s party sails in. The understanding we gain just before William does jars our perception, chilling the moment.
Additionally, we know the story of the historical Harold, and that William’s approach brings the king closer to his last day on earth. As events unfold, however, Holloway provides us with glimpses such as these that cause doubt to arise—perhaps Harold can make it after all. How, we might wonder, could someone who can’t keep track of his own ships hope to conquer an entire nation? It is a testament to the author’s storytelling expertise that in his hands the entire account is more than merely a series of episodes written out. For brief moments we feel we can believe that somehow he finds a way to alter the outcome; our hearts can remain unbroken.
Throughout the novel, though, this impression duels with the running theme of fate and free choice in opposition, perhaps best illustrated by the circumstances of Harold’s official marriage. He plans his actions deliberately and accordingly, but is still ensnared in a condition that seemed to already have been decided. Will the forces who control his destiny continue to steer him to that awful, fateful day?
As he tells his tale, Holloway relates events in a manner that could be identified as neutral, but which also play into the sense of suspense as we speculate as to who he is gunning for. At the Easter feast in 1053, table conversation perilously turns to yet another accusation from Edward regarding Godwin’s culpability in the death of his brother Alfred. In defiance Godwin cries out that if he is guilty, God would choke him; a moment later he smashes a piece of bread into his mouth, collapses and dies several days after.
It has been asserted that this account of Godwin’s death is Norman propaganda, and its inclusion points to Holloway’s method of relating events from both the English as well as Norman perspective, continuing our journey through the year uncertain as to how we will reach the end. It is a neutrality lending the story greater grip as it manages to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Perhaps the best part of 1066: What Fates Impose is the dialogue. Lively, morose, revealing, engaging, informative and at times waggish, it brings characters to life and links them to others as well as us. The novel covers over two decades within which a rather extensive cast of characters appear. Owing to their numbers and familial links as well as contemporary attitudes dictating responses to events and the actions of others, a great deal of information is presented, and Holloway pulls it off succinctly and in an accessible manner. It is entertaining in its robustness and I would highly recommend it to anyone, naturally, interested in the Anglo-Saxon era or this most important year in English history. I would also, however, enthusiastically name it as a dramatic saga of passion and intrigue, fear and depravity, ego and ambition that just about any reader could get hooked into.
The conclusion of 1066 implies a sequel, and though I have ideas where Holloway might go with it, one really can’t be sure, though that is, as examined above, part of what makes this book so riveting. A brilliant portrait of a fascinating era that ended nearly a thousand years ago, Holloway’s ability to bring us there is all the more wondrous, and I look forward to reading more from this author—and hopefully very soon.
The gist is this: while the new year dawns, King Edward the Confessor’s twilight looms, and being without an heir creates a considerable problem for England’s future. There is no shortage of contenders for the throne, though this decision—according to English custom and law of the time—is in the hands of the Witan, the king’s council. They choose Harold Godwinson, son of the late Earl Godwin of Wessex, and his coronation takes place on January 6, one day after Edward dies.
Across the channel in Normandy, Duke William is enraged. He claims Edward promised him the crown and that Harold pledged an oath to support his ascension. Vowing to take the throne, by force if necessary, William commences preparation for full invasion of England, further supported, though indirectly, by Norwegian King Harald Hardrada’s assertion that a treaty secures the crown, in fact, for him. Though King Harold emerges victorious in late September’s Battle of Stamford Bridge, where the Norwegian is killed, his army, distracted from forces gathering in the south, is spent. Nevertheless, they head toward William’s position, engage, and Harold falls on October 14.
It was no easy victory for William the Bastard. The Saxons put up a determined fight and are said to have menacingly chanted “Out! Out! Out!” at William’s forces as they faced the formidable Saxon shield wall. The duke had also had to secure support for the invasion, which came via Pope Alexander II, an endorsement that attracted forces in great number. As the year draws to a close, he ascends to the throne and is styled King William I, history later remembering him as William the Conqueror.
Though he was to face a series of rebellions in following years, 1066 covers these only in reference, albeit a powerful one. Holloway opens his novel at the end, depicting William pronouncing his deathbed confessions, owning up to ruthless slaughter of a magnitude most couldn’t imagine for its horror. Nearby stands the bloodied, battered apparition whom in life he last saw 21 years earlier, and who has haunted him ever since.
The author then brings us back in time to 1045 and the tale moves forward in linear fashion, point of view changes allowing us a clear pathway to characters’ perceptions and motives, with Harold Godwinson as the central figure. Holloway has a sharp and succinct manner with words, couching his phrases within passages that reveal strong observation and experience with human nature and its attendant habits.
Godwin looked thoughtful and a silence descended on the room. Over the years he had learned to be on his guard at the sight of Harold’s huge grin; it was genuine enough most of the time but his son had learned how to use it to disarm any reaction to bad news.
The author also crafts his dialogue in such a way that readers get a fuller sense of what others in various scenes often are missing: a glint in the eye, ever so slightly tilted head, raised eyebrow, knowing glance or sarcastic tone. This technique brings his characters’ words into sharper focus, gasp-inducing realization coming to the reader before it does to characters, creating a suspense hanging on the imminent revelation as well as the observation of a person unaware of the situation’s full extent.
As William and his 700-strong armada make their way across the channel, the duke outpacing his support, it is
… the warm morning sun on his face that woke him; that and the sounds of activity on deck.
’Good morning,’ he called to his comrades, over the sound of the gulls, the sea lapping the ship’s sides and the gentle wind slapping the sail.
‘Good morning,’ echoed the replies.
‘She’s a fine craft, the Mora, isn’t she?’ the Duke said to no one in particular.
“Very fine, my Lord,’ replied Odo, with some obvious discomfort.
‘I see you’re feeling seasick too.’
‘It’s not that, my Lord. It’s just that I feel a little uneasy.’
‘Why do you feel uneasy? It’s not like you.’
‘It’s the fleet.’
‘What about the fleet?’
‘Where is it?’
Holloway engages us in this playing with of various characters, but also teases it out to create another effect, this time with us, and in dual fashion. This particular scene lulls us to a calm rising indicated by the soothing sounds of water against the ship, the sun’s warm rays, admiration of the wonderful vessel the duke’s party sails in. The understanding we gain just before William does jars our perception, chilling the moment.
Additionally, we know the story of the historical Harold, and that William’s approach brings the king closer to his last day on earth. As events unfold, however, Holloway provides us with glimpses such as these that cause doubt to arise—perhaps Harold can make it after all. How, we might wonder, could someone who can’t keep track of his own ships hope to conquer an entire nation? It is a testament to the author’s storytelling expertise that in his hands the entire account is more than merely a series of episodes written out. For brief moments we feel we can believe that somehow he finds a way to alter the outcome; our hearts can remain unbroken.
Throughout the novel, though, this impression duels with the running theme of fate and free choice in opposition, perhaps best illustrated by the circumstances of Harold’s official marriage. He plans his actions deliberately and accordingly, but is still ensnared in a condition that seemed to already have been decided. Will the forces who control his destiny continue to steer him to that awful, fateful day?
As he tells his tale, Holloway relates events in a manner that could be identified as neutral, but which also play into the sense of suspense as we speculate as to who he is gunning for. At the Easter feast in 1053, table conversation perilously turns to yet another accusation from Edward regarding Godwin’s culpability in the death of his brother Alfred. In defiance Godwin cries out that if he is guilty, God would choke him; a moment later he smashes a piece of bread into his mouth, collapses and dies several days after.
It has been asserted that this account of Godwin’s death is Norman propaganda, and its inclusion points to Holloway’s method of relating events from both the English as well as Norman perspective, continuing our journey through the year uncertain as to how we will reach the end. It is a neutrality lending the story greater grip as it manages to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Perhaps the best part of 1066: What Fates Impose is the dialogue. Lively, morose, revealing, engaging, informative and at times waggish, it brings characters to life and links them to others as well as us. The novel covers over two decades within which a rather extensive cast of characters appear. Owing to their numbers and familial links as well as contemporary attitudes dictating responses to events and the actions of others, a great deal of information is presented, and Holloway pulls it off succinctly and in an accessible manner. It is entertaining in its robustness and I would highly recommend it to anyone, naturally, interested in the Anglo-Saxon era or this most important year in English history. I would also, however, enthusiastically name it as a dramatic saga of passion and intrigue, fear and depravity, ego and ambition that just about any reader could get hooked into.
The conclusion of 1066 implies a sequel, and though I have ideas where Holloway might go with it, one really can’t be sure, though that is, as examined above, part of what makes this book so riveting. A brilliant portrait of a fascinating era that ended nearly a thousand years ago, Holloway’s ability to bring us there is all the more wondrous, and I look forward to reading more from this author—and hopefully very soon.
bookish_ginger83's review
5.0
Admittedly I don’t know a lot about royalty in England. I remember some brief things that were covered back when I was in school and I have watched shows like the Tudors so I have a basic grasp. I went into this book curious about what problems that royalty face. I mean we always think people with a lot of money (like celebs) must not have many problems. After all they are rich what else could there be? The answer to that is PLENTY!
There is all sorts of drama around personal lives and ruling a country (no thank you). There is pressure to make decisions as far as wars and how a country will keep on surviving as well as producing an heir to the throne. There are sicknesses that many people die from etc.
I was so engrossed in this book. I felt like I was watching these events from 1066 happening in 2018 right in front of me.
There is all sorts of drama around personal lives and ruling a country (no thank you). There is pressure to make decisions as far as wars and how a country will keep on surviving as well as producing an heir to the throne. There are sicknesses that many people die from etc.
I was so engrossed in this book. I felt like I was watching these events from 1066 happening in 2018 right in front of me.
sllingky's review
5.0
I have recently been adding to my knowledge base about Early Middle Ages (c. 5th–10th century) Britain, the period ranging from the time the Romans left the island until the Norman Conquest. There is a growing body of fiction set in this time period. Readers who are looking to enhance their knowledge of this remarkable period have never had so many works of historical fiction to choose from. Despite the progress I have made in my own education of this time, I had yet to read any books specifically describing the end of this period: the arrival of Duke William of Normandy (also known as William the Conqueror and William the Bastard) and the resulting Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Imagine my delight when I was approached by author G.K. Holloway to read then review his book. I admit that I didn’t have to think very long or hard over whether or not to agree. His book has been well reviewed already, and I now understand why.
Much of the story focuses on the Godwinson family, primarily Harold Godwinson. Before reading this book, I knew Harold primarily as the loser at the Battle of Hastings. I knew that the Bayeux Tapestry depicted his death, adding the text ‘Hic Harold rex interfectus est‘ meaning ‘Here King Harold has been killed’, but beyond that I knew nothing of the man. This book gives a very good broad history, with a few selected pinpoints of the most important days of Harold’s life in the years 1045-66.
Because the novel covers 21 years of history in 440 pages, there are many events that are fairly glossed over, or better, abbreviated, by necessity. Holloway does a very good job condensing the things the reader needs to know and making the complicated politics of the time accessible and understandable. I thought at first that this style of narrative might bother me. While not everyone does, I love details and richly painted description. However, the longer I read, the more I came to appreciate and accept a simpler approach. While Holloway could have easily chosen to turn this single novel into two or three novels, the part of me that enjoys a bit more instant gratification was happy he did not.
That being said, I didn’t feel shorted in the character development department in any way. The places Holloway chose to focus his scenes gave a brilliant picture of Harold, but also of the other players on the political scene of England in that day. There are some classic, bumbling and shifty characters (I’m thinking of Morcar, Earl of Northumbria and Edwin, Earl of Mercia for example), some entitled-turned-enemy characters (Tostig, Harold’s brother and Earl of Northumbria). There is also a lovely development of Harold’s love interests, first with his hand-fasted wife Edyth and the growth of their family as a result, and the later addition of his “political marriage” to Aldytha, daughter of Alfgar.
Holloway’s dialogue is straightforward and approachable, sometimes being so straightforward it took on a deadpan humor in places. I don’t know if this was what the author intended, but I rather enjoyed it, finding myself reacting out loud with delight as the characters interacted. His descriptions are present without loading down the prose, always giving me a good picture of the scene in my head without slowing down the narrative.
The only downside to this book, and this is no critique against the author or the book itself, is the ending. Holloway was true to the very sad history, and in this he did a wonderful job. Saying that though, doesn’t mean that I enjoyed the history itself. If the author could have gotten away with changing the history (and I wouldn’t have forgiven him if he had), I would have had an easier time finishing. As it was, I found that my pace of reading slowed considerably as I approached the last sixth of the book. I knew what was coming. It was like seeing the light of an oncoming train, and there was nothing I could do about it.
I welcome this book to my bookshelves, recommending it to readers interested in learning more about the Early Middle Ages and the history of Britain.
Imagine my delight when I was approached by author G.K. Holloway to read then review his book. I admit that I didn’t have to think very long or hard over whether or not to agree. His book has been well reviewed already, and I now understand why.
Much of the story focuses on the Godwinson family, primarily Harold Godwinson. Before reading this book, I knew Harold primarily as the loser at the Battle of Hastings. I knew that the Bayeux Tapestry depicted his death, adding the text ‘Hic Harold rex interfectus est‘ meaning ‘Here King Harold has been killed’, but beyond that I knew nothing of the man. This book gives a very good broad history, with a few selected pinpoints of the most important days of Harold’s life in the years 1045-66.
Because the novel covers 21 years of history in 440 pages, there are many events that are fairly glossed over, or better, abbreviated, by necessity. Holloway does a very good job condensing the things the reader needs to know and making the complicated politics of the time accessible and understandable. I thought at first that this style of narrative might bother me. While not everyone does, I love details and richly painted description. However, the longer I read, the more I came to appreciate and accept a simpler approach. While Holloway could have easily chosen to turn this single novel into two or three novels, the part of me that enjoys a bit more instant gratification was happy he did not.
That being said, I didn’t feel shorted in the character development department in any way. The places Holloway chose to focus his scenes gave a brilliant picture of Harold, but also of the other players on the political scene of England in that day. There are some classic, bumbling and shifty characters (I’m thinking of Morcar, Earl of Northumbria and Edwin, Earl of Mercia for example), some entitled-turned-enemy characters (Tostig, Harold’s brother and Earl of Northumbria). There is also a lovely development of Harold’s love interests, first with his hand-fasted wife Edyth and the growth of their family as a result, and the later addition of his “political marriage” to Aldytha, daughter of Alfgar.
Holloway’s dialogue is straightforward and approachable, sometimes being so straightforward it took on a deadpan humor in places. I don’t know if this was what the author intended, but I rather enjoyed it, finding myself reacting out loud with delight as the characters interacted. His descriptions are present without loading down the prose, always giving me a good picture of the scene in my head without slowing down the narrative.
The only downside to this book, and this is no critique against the author or the book itself, is the ending. Holloway was true to the very sad history, and in this he did a wonderful job. Saying that though, doesn’t mean that I enjoyed the history itself. If the author could have gotten away with changing the history (and I wouldn’t have forgiven him if he had), I would have had an easier time finishing. As it was, I found that my pace of reading slowed considerably as I approached the last sixth of the book. I knew what was coming. It was like seeing the light of an oncoming train, and there was nothing I could do about it.
I welcome this book to my bookshelves, recommending it to readers interested in learning more about the Early Middle Ages and the history of Britain.
daemonad's review
3.0
1066 What Fates Impose retells the events that escalated in the infamous battle of Hastings. I would recommend it to novices who want to learn about Norman conquest, but also to history enthusiasts who want to find out more about all the key characters without getting tangled in a dry academic text.
This book tells the history behind the Norman conquest and England during the reign of Edward the Confessor in a straightforward manner without digging deeply into the characters, culture and the land. We are given clear reasons why William decides to invade England and we are shown that the Godwinsons were a power hungry family no different from other ruling families. Despite the superficial rendering of the characters, it is clear from the onset that the author favors Harold, and to be honest so do I. It took me a long time to read the last fifty pages because I knew what tragedy would befall our hero Harold Godwinson. I use the term hero loosely because Harold too is driven by ambition, after all like William, he was not of royal blood and as such had no right to the crown. Further, the Anglo-Saxons didn’t come to England in peace, they too were invaders.
When we try to dig deeper into the past and wear the skin of our long gone ancestors, walk the land that has been altered beyond recognition, we imagine and in that sense all historical fiction is just that a fiction, retold in our language and printed on our paper (or digitized) - and yet - when it is done well I can immerse myself in this long gone time even if it’s someone else’s idea of that time and mourn the deaths of the men long gone. There are moments when Mr. Holloway tries to get below the surface and he shows us this world poignantly through the eyes of dying Taillefer, or we experience it with shudders when it is shown to us through the deeds of Ralph Pomeroy, a cold blooded psychopath, or right at the beginning we are shown William in his deathbed and of course when we see Harold walking among his sleeping troops at the dawn of the battle. These, however, are only brief moments in the 21 years that the book covers. Often we are simply told of the events and people in most simplistic way. It made me wonder if it was a deliberate attempt to mirror the style of medieval chroniclers who were more preoccupied with telling than showing.
I also wished that there were notes at the end of the book where the author could have listed historical facts, legends and historical accounts that were written hundred years later. We could also learn this way what happened to some of the characters. Oddly we only learn what happens to Pomeroy. Perhaps Mr Holloway wanted to stir passion in the reader about the injustice of it all. At the beginning of the book we learn what William goes through on his deathbed, but since this is based on accounts written 100 years later it does not lighten the burden of Harold’s tragedy. Though perhaps for some it may conjure pity for William who ironically was the most developed character in the book.
This book tells the history behind the Norman conquest and England during the reign of Edward the Confessor in a straightforward manner without digging deeply into the characters, culture and the land. We are given clear reasons why William decides to invade England and we are shown that the Godwinsons were a power hungry family no different from other ruling families. Despite the superficial rendering of the characters, it is clear from the onset that the author favors Harold, and to be honest so do I. It took me a long time to read the last fifty pages because I knew what tragedy would befall our hero Harold Godwinson. I use the term hero loosely because Harold too is driven by ambition, after all like William, he was not of royal blood and as such had no right to the crown. Further, the Anglo-Saxons didn’t come to England in peace, they too were invaders.
When we try to dig deeper into the past and wear the skin of our long gone ancestors, walk the land that has been altered beyond recognition, we imagine and in that sense all historical fiction is just that a fiction, retold in our language and printed on our paper (or digitized) - and yet - when it is done well I can immerse myself in this long gone time even if it’s someone else’s idea of that time and mourn the deaths of the men long gone. There are moments when Mr. Holloway tries to get below the surface and he shows us this world poignantly through the eyes of dying Taillefer, or we experience it with shudders when it is shown to us through the deeds of Ralph Pomeroy, a cold blooded psychopath, or right at the beginning we are shown William in his deathbed and of course when we see Harold walking among his sleeping troops at the dawn of the battle. These, however, are only brief moments in the 21 years that the book covers. Often we are simply told of the events and people in most simplistic way. It made me wonder if it was a deliberate attempt to mirror the style of medieval chroniclers who were more preoccupied with telling than showing.
I also wished that there were notes at the end of the book where the author could have listed historical facts, legends and historical accounts that were written hundred years later. We could also learn this way what happened to some of the characters. Oddly we only learn what happens to Pomeroy. Perhaps Mr Holloway wanted to stir passion in the reader about the injustice of it all. At the beginning of the book we learn what William goes through on his deathbed, but since this is based on accounts written 100 years later it does not lighten the burden of Harold’s tragedy. Though perhaps for some it may conjure pity for William who ironically was the most developed character in the book.
tasmanian_bibliophile's review
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
andyn5's review
5.0
Probably the most amazing historical novel I’ve read in a while! Thank you Mr. Holloway for reaching out to me to review your book and for sending the amazing paperback version.
Wow! This book is so much; it’s hard to express the feelings and thoughts in an organised way. This is the first historical novel that I have read and reviewed from this particular historical period, that's why it took me a bit more time to put everything down. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy it!
Let me start from the beginning. This epic tale of rivalry, ambition and conspiracy takes place in the 11th century Anglo-Saxon Britain. The chronological timeline takes us in depth to the events that lead to the fall of King Harold Godwinson and the rise of William the Conqueror to the throne of Britain. Familiar historical figures and historical facts come together to shed light into one of the most decisive periods of the English history.
First off, the passion, the knowledge and research put into this novel was the first thing that blew me away. Between the description of the characters, the settings, the battles, the travels and the strategies, it was impossible to go dive into authentic, original and authoritarian novel. The harsh reality of history is not sugar-coated at all which really brought me back to a time-frame where the desire to conquer had no limit and no border.
The second is the clever and magnificent way that this novel was written both in structure and style. The timeline structure was a great approach to get a broader vision of events and not to get lost in the sea of historical characters. I didn’t have the feeling that this novel had a main character. For me, all the characters had a role that contributed for the turn of events that led to the end of the Anglo-Saxon period and, even if they didn’t seem to be related at all, in the end everything comes together perfectly. I got to read and admire King Harold Godwinson, his intellect, his leadership and his politics. I loved every minute of it. The battle scenes were so exciting to read, I had my heart jumping all the time.
By the end of the book it’s clear that, unfortunately, the best man doesn’t always win. I wish with all my heart that history didn’t happen the way it did. All of this because Holloway managed to do the humanisation of the characters so well that it was impossible not to feel for them.
This is probably my favourite historical novel so far and I regret nothing! Definitely looking forward to read more of Mr. Holloway's work.
Highly recommended read for the fans of historical novels, very very worth it!
Wow! This book is so much; it’s hard to express the feelings and thoughts in an organised way. This is the first historical novel that I have read and reviewed from this particular historical period, that's why it took me a bit more time to put everything down. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy it!
Let me start from the beginning. This epic tale of rivalry, ambition and conspiracy takes place in the 11th century Anglo-Saxon Britain. The chronological timeline takes us in depth to the events that lead to the fall of King Harold Godwinson and the rise of William the Conqueror to the throne of Britain. Familiar historical figures and historical facts come together to shed light into one of the most decisive periods of the English history.
First off, the passion, the knowledge and research put into this novel was the first thing that blew me away. Between the description of the characters, the settings, the battles, the travels and the strategies, it was impossible to go dive into authentic, original and authoritarian novel. The harsh reality of history is not sugar-coated at all which really brought me back to a time-frame where the desire to conquer had no limit and no border.
The second is the clever and magnificent way that this novel was written both in structure and style. The timeline structure was a great approach to get a broader vision of events and not to get lost in the sea of historical characters. I didn’t have the feeling that this novel had a main character. For me, all the characters had a role that contributed for the turn of events that led to the end of the Anglo-Saxon period and, even if they didn’t seem to be related at all, in the end everything comes together perfectly. I got to read and admire King Harold Godwinson, his intellect, his leadership and his politics. I loved every minute of it. The battle scenes were so exciting to read, I had my heart jumping all the time.
By the end of the book it’s clear that, unfortunately, the best man doesn’t always win. I wish with all my heart that history didn’t happen the way it did. All of this because Holloway managed to do the humanisation of the characters so well that it was impossible not to feel for them.
This is probably my favourite historical novel so far and I regret nothing! Definitely looking forward to read more of Mr. Holloway's work.
Highly recommended read for the fans of historical novels, very very worth it!
speesh's review
5.0
I have read a fair few books about the 1066 era now and I was beginning to think I’d maybe seen pretty much all there was to see in terms of how the story could be looked at. Stupid me. I was wrong. ‘1066 What Fates Impose’ has pretty much now set the Gold Standard for Norman Conquest fiction, just as Marc Morris’ ’The Norman Conquest’ has done for non-fiction of the period. In fact, I was drawn to compare the two a few times while underway, with ‘What Fates Impose’ coming out of it very well indeed. Both books have scope, sureness, readability and also a certain amount of tongue-in-cheek-ability (Face it, you got to enjoy a novel that can find place for lines (about Harald Hardrada) like “The old Viking warrior never felt comfortable in churches unless he was robbing them.”). It is also clear (to me) that G.K. has drawn many of the same conclusions as Marc Morris and also writes in a similar way that in its understatement, makes it easily understandable and accessible.
It’s hard not to take sides on the 1066 period - for an Englishman, anyway - and this book, while presenting scenarios for what happened, on both sides, doesn’t end up sitting on the fence either. Clearly its sympathies are with the English. William is a Bastard, literally and figuratively, Harold is a reasonably normal chap (in his youth, at least), thrust into history’s spotlight. He was tricked, the English were unlucky, William was ungracious while knowing he was riding his luck, he got what was coming in the end.
The book has a good, flowing style, full of understated period detail that doesn’t get all prissy, know-it-all, or ‘in your face’ and thereby obscuring the story. It is written in a calm, precise, knowledgable and authoritative way that gave me total confidence that, based on what evidence there is, it could well have happened like this, if the people behaved in this way, for these reasons. In fact, I could go as far as to say it did occur to me that it read as though you have happened upon a translation of a particularly well-kept diary from someone (somehow) close to all the action and all the participants. There were a couple of ‘bumps’ but they were very minor and absolutely nothing to get in the way of the enjoyment as a whole. I won’t pick them out as they may not be bumps for you.
The story proper starts in 1045, though there is an opening chapter that is well worth going back to, after you’ve finished. It works wonderfully well as both a scene-setter and a scene closer. Actually, is there any point in repeating the story? The bare bones you probably ‘know’ already. There are as many versions of what might have happened as there are people writing them. The story here is thusly; the relatively newly formed country of England is coming off the back of wins and defeat at the hands of Vikings and assorted other invaders, and hopefully coming into a period of calm and peace. What it actually gets is internal rivalries based on the pre-English country states - what are essentially birth-pangs and old rivalries that are hard to forget. What England really needs, is a strong king with a son ready to take over in the fullness of time. What it gets is a king they can support, but one that doesn’t, cannot, or at the very least is unable to, produce an heir who will be of age when he passes on. A vacuum of sorts is created almost by accident. There are various contenders and pretenders, with varying degrees of eligibility - depending on where you stand, of course. What is surprising to realise about this period - and I’m pretty sure it went on over here in Denmark at the time as well - is that the King was effectively elected. Of course, the son of the previous King stood the best chance, but in the case of no close heir, the vote went to the Witan, a pre-democratic periodic gathering of the good and the great. Those with the land and money and the armies to back it up, anyway. On the other side of the Channel, unable to understand how anyone but the King and his family could be King…is Duke William, head of a minor province, called Normandy. He’s not had it easy either, doubtful parentage, the constant threat of assassination while growing up and then having to hold on to power through sheer force of will. By being the biggest, baddest most ruthless of the whole pack. To say his claim to the throne of England, is doubtful, is actually to imbue it with more authority than it actually has. So, what then transpires, is the stuff of legend and has kept historians, writers and seamstresses in business pretty much ever since.
From there on - and based solely on the reading I have done - the book follows the events as they are known to us. And by ‘known’, I’d say it really should be read often as speculation, based on what is perhaps the least unlikely scenario. The ’true histories’ of the period are ’true’ to the facts as paid for by the person behind the writer of the history. It seems like a history was never written without an angle, an axe to grind, a point to make. ‘Facts’ were made to fit where they were wanted to be fitted. I get the idea that nowadays, we consider it a ‘fact’ if conclusions can be drawn from the repeated use of similar descriptions of events, that therefore they must have, most probably, happened - in some form of other. Or where archaeology, or probability based on archaeology, can maybe back them up. There you go. While ‘What Fates Impose’ is not meant to be an actual history of the period, I can imagine objections to it from any academics out there could perhaps hinge on the portrayal of how Harold came to pledge allegiance to William and thereby support William’s claim that Edward promised him the throne. You’re either going to like it or you’re not. But you cannot deny it works with the background of the characters and situations set up in the book. But I’ve no doubt that some - often self-proclaimed (I’ve come across them) - ‘experts’ will take exception and maybe overlook the book as a whole. They'd be doing themselves a great disfavour.
G.K., has created believable, realistic, human characters from some of history’s most iconic figures. It is good to have Godwin Sr., and Harold’s background filled out, for instance. Only ‘Shieldwall’ by Justin Hill (of the books I’ve read on 1066 so far) does something similar with the Godwin family. That Harold had plenty of children and two ‘wives’, for instance, was something I hadn’t realised. He’s drawn as a fairly normal young man, one we’d recognise and like, if we met him on the street today. For instance, he meets a pretty girl, falls in love, wants to spend the rest of his life with her. But because he becomes King, there are other demands, other priorities that cannot be avoided. Harold grows up and develops into a true king as the book progresses. From wild, though sensible and caring at heart, to be a proper statesman and envoy. HE has kingly qualities, that’s for sure. Oh, what we lost at Hastings…
William is very different. The way he portrayed in the book, reading between the lines, seems due to his trying to make amends, to compensate, for the feelings of inadequacy he must have felt because of the lowliness - and doubtful parentage - of his birth. He has something to prove and feels he can only do it by any means possible, fair or unfair, lawful or unlawful. He knows what he’s doing, can’t help himself and knows he’ll come to regret it.
Throughout the book, there builds a feeling of a far greater loss being imminent. Greater than ‘just’ the English warriors being beaten on that October day at Senlac Hill. Again, like Marc Morris does at the start of ’The Norman Conquest’, G.K., hits us with a couple of very telling facts. Here, they are about the situation before and after the invasion. In 1066, England had a population of about two million. One hundred years later, the population was halved. No famine, no plague. Just William and "Norman civilisation.” Many times during the reading of the book, I got the strong sense - intentional or unintentional - that he feels a way of life, a tradition, a history and a bright future, was about to be wiped out. Not just half the population, something more.
Events unfold, bridges are crossed and then burned behind them and an unstoppable historical ball is set rolling. There are times when it seems like the least worst option, for William at least, is to press on with the whole sorry mess. So we move inexorably towards 1066 and October 14th and the battle. Even though I’ve read many books now, which detail the weeks and days leading up to and including the battle, even though we wouldn’t be who we are today without having been the Normans first - I’ve never had a feeling of encroaching dread like I did while reading the final third of this book. I think it says so much about the quality of the preceding passages and the quality of the writing and presentation of those last few days and hours, that it’s like while I know what happened and it can’t (obviously) be any other way, I still hoped, I still thought ‘we’ and Harold might just do it. The victory was there. The victory was there for us to lose. And we did. Our luck just wasn’t in that day. It could have been so different. The tension, is stomach clenching. I’m reading the words and another part of my brain is shouting to the English characters “go on, GO ON!” I know it can’t be any other way, but still…might it? He dangles victory in front of Harold, it’s there for him to take, if only…And it’s gone. As it surely must have been. It really held me tight in its spell and have me hoping that THIS time Harold would win. That William would get the humiliation - and horrendously painful - death he’s got coming. Harold seems to have done everything right, except be finally lucky. I didn’t want to read on. I wanted to stop there and imagine what could have been…
'What Fates Impose’ really is Historical Fiction par excellence. It’s going take a good book, a very good book indeed, to beat this re-telling of the 1066 story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and I recommend it without hesitation.
It’s hard not to take sides on the 1066 period - for an Englishman, anyway - and this book, while presenting scenarios for what happened, on both sides, doesn’t end up sitting on the fence either. Clearly its sympathies are with the English. William is a Bastard, literally and figuratively, Harold is a reasonably normal chap (in his youth, at least), thrust into history’s spotlight. He was tricked, the English were unlucky, William was ungracious while knowing he was riding his luck, he got what was coming in the end.
The book has a good, flowing style, full of understated period detail that doesn’t get all prissy, know-it-all, or ‘in your face’ and thereby obscuring the story. It is written in a calm, precise, knowledgable and authoritative way that gave me total confidence that, based on what evidence there is, it could well have happened like this, if the people behaved in this way, for these reasons. In fact, I could go as far as to say it did occur to me that it read as though you have happened upon a translation of a particularly well-kept diary from someone (somehow) close to all the action and all the participants. There were a couple of ‘bumps’ but they were very minor and absolutely nothing to get in the way of the enjoyment as a whole. I won’t pick them out as they may not be bumps for you.
The story proper starts in 1045, though there is an opening chapter that is well worth going back to, after you’ve finished. It works wonderfully well as both a scene-setter and a scene closer. Actually, is there any point in repeating the story? The bare bones you probably ‘know’ already. There are as many versions of what might have happened as there are people writing them. The story here is thusly; the relatively newly formed country of England is coming off the back of wins and defeat at the hands of Vikings and assorted other invaders, and hopefully coming into a period of calm and peace. What it actually gets is internal rivalries based on the pre-English country states - what are essentially birth-pangs and old rivalries that are hard to forget. What England really needs, is a strong king with a son ready to take over in the fullness of time. What it gets is a king they can support, but one that doesn’t, cannot, or at the very least is unable to, produce an heir who will be of age when he passes on. A vacuum of sorts is created almost by accident. There are various contenders and pretenders, with varying degrees of eligibility - depending on where you stand, of course. What is surprising to realise about this period - and I’m pretty sure it went on over here in Denmark at the time as well - is that the King was effectively elected. Of course, the son of the previous King stood the best chance, but in the case of no close heir, the vote went to the Witan, a pre-democratic periodic gathering of the good and the great. Those with the land and money and the armies to back it up, anyway. On the other side of the Channel, unable to understand how anyone but the King and his family could be King…is Duke William, head of a minor province, called Normandy. He’s not had it easy either, doubtful parentage, the constant threat of assassination while growing up and then having to hold on to power through sheer force of will. By being the biggest, baddest most ruthless of the whole pack. To say his claim to the throne of England, is doubtful, is actually to imbue it with more authority than it actually has. So, what then transpires, is the stuff of legend and has kept historians, writers and seamstresses in business pretty much ever since.
From there on - and based solely on the reading I have done - the book follows the events as they are known to us. And by ‘known’, I’d say it really should be read often as speculation, based on what is perhaps the least unlikely scenario. The ’true histories’ of the period are ’true’ to the facts as paid for by the person behind the writer of the history. It seems like a history was never written without an angle, an axe to grind, a point to make. ‘Facts’ were made to fit where they were wanted to be fitted. I get the idea that nowadays, we consider it a ‘fact’ if conclusions can be drawn from the repeated use of similar descriptions of events, that therefore they must have, most probably, happened - in some form of other. Or where archaeology, or probability based on archaeology, can maybe back them up. There you go. While ‘What Fates Impose’ is not meant to be an actual history of the period, I can imagine objections to it from any academics out there could perhaps hinge on the portrayal of how Harold came to pledge allegiance to William and thereby support William’s claim that Edward promised him the throne. You’re either going to like it or you’re not. But you cannot deny it works with the background of the characters and situations set up in the book. But I’ve no doubt that some - often self-proclaimed (I’ve come across them) - ‘experts’ will take exception and maybe overlook the book as a whole. They'd be doing themselves a great disfavour.
G.K., has created believable, realistic, human characters from some of history’s most iconic figures. It is good to have Godwin Sr., and Harold’s background filled out, for instance. Only ‘Shieldwall’ by Justin Hill (of the books I’ve read on 1066 so far) does something similar with the Godwin family. That Harold had plenty of children and two ‘wives’, for instance, was something I hadn’t realised. He’s drawn as a fairly normal young man, one we’d recognise and like, if we met him on the street today. For instance, he meets a pretty girl, falls in love, wants to spend the rest of his life with her. But because he becomes King, there are other demands, other priorities that cannot be avoided. Harold grows up and develops into a true king as the book progresses. From wild, though sensible and caring at heart, to be a proper statesman and envoy. HE has kingly qualities, that’s for sure. Oh, what we lost at Hastings…
William is very different. The way he portrayed in the book, reading between the lines, seems due to his trying to make amends, to compensate, for the feelings of inadequacy he must have felt because of the lowliness - and doubtful parentage - of his birth. He has something to prove and feels he can only do it by any means possible, fair or unfair, lawful or unlawful. He knows what he’s doing, can’t help himself and knows he’ll come to regret it.
Throughout the book, there builds a feeling of a far greater loss being imminent. Greater than ‘just’ the English warriors being beaten on that October day at Senlac Hill. Again, like Marc Morris does at the start of ’The Norman Conquest’, G.K., hits us with a couple of very telling facts. Here, they are about the situation before and after the invasion. In 1066, England had a population of about two million. One hundred years later, the population was halved. No famine, no plague. Just William and "Norman civilisation.” Many times during the reading of the book, I got the strong sense - intentional or unintentional - that he feels a way of life, a tradition, a history and a bright future, was about to be wiped out. Not just half the population, something more.
Events unfold, bridges are crossed and then burned behind them and an unstoppable historical ball is set rolling. There are times when it seems like the least worst option, for William at least, is to press on with the whole sorry mess. So we move inexorably towards 1066 and October 14th and the battle. Even though I’ve read many books now, which detail the weeks and days leading up to and including the battle, even though we wouldn’t be who we are today without having been the Normans first - I’ve never had a feeling of encroaching dread like I did while reading the final third of this book. I think it says so much about the quality of the preceding passages and the quality of the writing and presentation of those last few days and hours, that it’s like while I know what happened and it can’t (obviously) be any other way, I still hoped, I still thought ‘we’ and Harold might just do it. The victory was there. The victory was there for us to lose. And we did. Our luck just wasn’t in that day. It could have been so different. The tension, is stomach clenching. I’m reading the words and another part of my brain is shouting to the English characters “go on, GO ON!” I know it can’t be any other way, but still…might it? He dangles victory in front of Harold, it’s there for him to take, if only…And it’s gone. As it surely must have been. It really held me tight in its spell and have me hoping that THIS time Harold would win. That William would get the humiliation - and horrendously painful - death he’s got coming. Harold seems to have done everything right, except be finally lucky. I didn’t want to read on. I wanted to stop there and imagine what could have been…
'What Fates Impose’ really is Historical Fiction par excellence. It’s going take a good book, a very good book indeed, to beat this re-telling of the 1066 story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and I recommend it without hesitation.
yulannu's review
3.0
1066 What Fates Impose retells the events that escalated in the infamous battle of Hastings. I would recommend it to novices who want to learn about Norman conquest, but also to history enthusiasts who want to find out more about all the key characters without getting tangled in a dry academic text.
This book tells the history behind the Norman conquest and England during the reign of Edward the Confessor in a straightforward manner without digging deeply into the characters, culture and the land. We are given clear reasons why William decides to invade England and we are shown that the Godwinsons were a power hungry family no different from other ruling families. Despite the superficial rendering of the characters, it is clear from the onset that the author favors Harold, and to be honest so do I. It took me a long time to read the last fifty pages because I knew what tragedy would befall our hero Harold Godwinson. I use the term hero loosely because Harold too is driven by ambition, after all like William, he was not of royal blood and as such had no right to the crown. Further, the Anglo-Saxons didn’t come to England in peace, they too were invaders.
When we try to dig deeper into the past and wear the skin of our long gone ancestors, walk the land that has been altered beyond recognition, we imagine and in that sense all historical fiction is just that a fiction, retold in our language and printed on our paper (or digitized) - and yet - when it is done well I can immerse myself in this long gone time even if it’s someone else’s idea of that time and mourn the deaths of the men long gone. There are moments when Mr. Holloway tries to get below the surface and he shows us this world poignantly through the eyes of dying Taillefer, or we experience it with shudders when it is shown to us through the deeds of Ralph Pomeroy, a cold blooded psychopath, or right at the beginning we are shown William in his deathbed and of course when we see Harold walking among his sleeping troops at the dawn of the battle. These, however, are only brief moments in the 21 years that the book covers. Often we are simply told of the events and people in most simplistic way. It made me wonder if it was a deliberate attempt to mirror the style of medieval chroniclers who were more preoccupied with telling than showing.
I also wished that there were notes at the end of the book where the author could have listed historical facts, legends and historical accounts that were written hundred years later. We could also learn this way what happened to some of the characters. Oddly we only learn what happens to Pomeroy. Perhaps Mr Holloway wanted to stir passion in the reader about the injustice of it all. At the beginning of the book we learn what William goes through on his deathbed, but since this is based on accounts written 100 years later it does not lighten the burden of Harold’s tragedy. Though perhaps for some it may conjure pity for William who ironically was the most developed character in the book.
This book tells the history behind the Norman conquest and England during the reign of Edward the Confessor in a straightforward manner without digging deeply into the characters, culture and the land. We are given clear reasons why William decides to invade England and we are shown that the Godwinsons were a power hungry family no different from other ruling families. Despite the superficial rendering of the characters, it is clear from the onset that the author favors Harold, and to be honest so do I. It took me a long time to read the last fifty pages because I knew what tragedy would befall our hero Harold Godwinson. I use the term hero loosely because Harold too is driven by ambition, after all like William, he was not of royal blood and as such had no right to the crown. Further, the Anglo-Saxons didn’t come to England in peace, they too were invaders.
When we try to dig deeper into the past and wear the skin of our long gone ancestors, walk the land that has been altered beyond recognition, we imagine and in that sense all historical fiction is just that a fiction, retold in our language and printed on our paper (or digitized) - and yet - when it is done well I can immerse myself in this long gone time even if it’s someone else’s idea of that time and mourn the deaths of the men long gone. There are moments when Mr. Holloway tries to get below the surface and he shows us this world poignantly through the eyes of dying Taillefer, or we experience it with shudders when it is shown to us through the deeds of Ralph Pomeroy, a cold blooded psychopath, or right at the beginning we are shown William in his deathbed and of course when we see Harold walking among his sleeping troops at the dawn of the battle. These, however, are only brief moments in the 21 years that the book covers. Often we are simply told of the events and people in most simplistic way. It made me wonder if it was a deliberate attempt to mirror the style of medieval chroniclers who were more preoccupied with telling than showing.
I also wished that there were notes at the end of the book where the author could have listed historical facts, legends and historical accounts that were written hundred years later. We could also learn this way what happened to some of the characters. Oddly we only learn what happens to Pomeroy. Perhaps Mr Holloway wanted to stir passion in the reader about the injustice of it all. At the beginning of the book we learn what William goes through on his deathbed, but since this is based on accounts written 100 years later it does not lighten the burden of Harold’s tragedy. Though perhaps for some it may conjure pity for William who ironically was the most developed character in the book.