What do You think about The Bastard King (1977)?
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
