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How to join in...
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Feel free to forward reviews for any
of my books, both praise and constructive criticism will be considered. At
my discretion, however, I may edit or abridge any submitted reviews.
Please note, this is not a message board. Correspondence
and a "right to reply" will not be included.
If you have any
comments please email me direct on author@helenhollick.net
Disclaimer: All
views expressed on this page are purely those of private
correspondants, and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Helen
herself.
Spoiler Warning: Some of a
novel's plot twists and surprises may be inadvertently mentioned and/or
exposed.
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Critique for
"Harold the King"
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This was the first book written by Helen Hollick
that I've read. It certainly will not be my last!
Ms. Hollick is a
truly magnificent author! She brings to life all of the characters of that
turbulent time in a way that's absolutely spellbinding. And, she writes us
a very telling account of Harold Godwinesson, his lifelong love for his
"hand-fast" wife Edith Swannhaels and their children. She tells us in
vivid terms of the self centered egotism and lust for power of Harold's
sister Edith (Queen by marriage to Edward) and brother Tostig.
Her
description of Edward (like Helen, I refuse to add the title "the
Confessor" to his name seeing as how that term was coined upon his
politically inspired canonization in 1161,
long after his reign and death) is SPOT ON,
in my opinion. A weak man and king, much like his father Aethelred who was
known as "the Unready", Edward had no sense of kingship. He actually
would've been happier to have been a monk, Abbot, or Bishop. Ms. Hollick
also paints a vivid portrait of William the Bastard of Normandy, his
ruthless ambition, cruelty, avarice, and desire to obtain the throne of
England at whatever cost.
This outstanding work gives us a very good insight into the greed,
treachery, and overweening ambition that all too often drives human
beings, both then, at this crucial milestone in England's history and
still present today. But the main thing is that Helen Hollick is able to
bring to vivid life the personages and times of the period 1043-1066.
This book is truly a MUST READ for those who would
better understand the history of England. It's a definite page turner, I
could NOT put it down and found myself reading into the wee hours of the
morning until my eyes were so strained I could no longer focus on the
words. Would that I could give this book TEN stars, I would certainly
award them to this masterpiece and to Helen Hollick, a truly magnificent
writer! I highly recommend this work and the other works that Ms. Hollick
has produced.
She is right up there in the same league with Sharon Penman,
Rosemary Sutcliff, and Morgan Llywelyn as a great writer who can bring
history to life! And, as a lifelong reader and student of history, I
dearly love good historical novels that stick to the historical facts and
bring the characters to vivid life. Ms. Hollick does this as well as any
writer I've ever read! Thank you Helen, please give us more!
Jerry
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