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The Bastard King (1977)

The Bastard King (1977)

Book Info

Author
Genre
Rating
3.94 of 5 Votes: 3
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ISBN
0330250779 (ISBN13: 9780330250771)
Language
English
Publisher
macmillan

About book The Bastard King (1977)

This is the story of William the Conqueror – Duke of Normandy and King of England, son of Robert the Magnificent and a long line of Dukes of Normandy. Such a wonderful foundation was set by first telling part of the story of Robert the Magnificent and his love story with Arlette, daughter or a tanner who might not have been a suitable match on paper but was the perfect match in heart.We are walked through William’s life and delighted at the turn it takes when he finds his own true love in Matilda of Flanders. Through much strife William wades, always advancing his goal of power, coveting even the throne of England to which he has no true claim. Both the good and the bad of William is exposed through his words and actions, but a powerful ruler he turned out to be. Taking us from before his conception to the moment of his death, Plaidy fully explores William the son, William the husband, William the father William the Duke, William the King, William the Conqueror.

I knew next to nothing about William the Conqueror and his family, besides 1066 and all that jazz, before reading this novel. It prompted me to do my research and I read about the real Bayeaux Tapestry, Doomsday Book and Battle of Hastings, among other things. As always, Plaidy introduces unforgettable characters and it will take me quite awhile to forget them. Matilda is a tough woman, but her and William's relationship makes sense. Their relationships with their children are complicated and, especially as the children grew, sad. Overall, this was an excellent beginning to a trilogy and I can't wait to start on the next installment!

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This novel based on King William I of England, aka William the Bastard, aka William Duke of Normandy, aka William the Conqueror, had me hooked from start to finish.Ms Plaidy opens the tale before William’s birth, showing how his parents met and why he was destined to be baseborn. I’m glad the author did this, as I knew nothing of these earlier events.I love the way we get to see William grow up, evolve into one of the all-time great generals, and see him right through to his death. Despite some of the harsh – or even horrific – actions he undertook or ordered, I found him likeable.Along with William himself, I especially liked the author’s portrayal of the “bastard’s” parents and of his wife, Matilda of Flanders.It’s hard to review this book for anything else specific because I found it to be a continual flow of engaging narrative. Thus, the best thing I can recommend to anyone considering reading it, is to read it.A regal read.
—Phil Syphe

A former girlfriend introduced me to the author, who goes by several other pen names. Her books are quite short but tend to be well-paced. Additionally, she is very accurate Historically, so, unlike GLADIATOR or BRAVEHEART, movies which I love but which are not accurate, you are getting a good coverage of what you missed in school. Story follows the life of William the Conqueror, starting with his father's rise to power, William's birth and then an internal struggle. We then follow his path as he gets a wife by beating her for insulting him, his dealings with the English, his invasion and then his holding of the realms. Like Henry II, upon his death bed, his servants take off with all his wealth. STORY/PLOTTING: B minus; HISTORICAL INFO: B to B plus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B minus; WHEN READ: Jan. 2006 (revised review mid October 2012); OVERALL GRADE: B minus to B.
—StoryTellerShannon

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