Scan barcode
A review by jmatkinson1
The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth
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.