Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....I've read Elizabeth Chadwick's The Wild Hunt three times now and I love it as much today as I did when I first discovered it. As a teen, I was seduced by the romance between Guyon and Judith, but as an adult I find myself draw to the characters, atmosphere, politics, history and emotional conflict. Romance aside, there is a certain timelessness to the narrative that appeals on a variety of levels. Guyon's relationship with Judith might sound odd to some, but the pairing of a twenty-eight year old to a maid of sixteen was quite acceptable in the twelfth century and I like that Chadwick didn't shy from exploring the intricacies of that age gap. The novel spans four years and the emotions she illustrates in both hero and heroine are intensely authentic. The relationship ebbs and flows, it changes as the characters grow together and that really worked for me. Guyon's relationship Rhosyn is equally intriguing. Chadwick's treatment of the Welshwoman in downright captivating. On the surface, she is Judith's rival, a pebble in the boot of the Lady's marriage, but as a reader I couldn't help respecting Rhosyn's position and spirit. She is honest to herself, kind, generous, gentle, sensitive, accepting, practical and realistic. I liked that. Too often, authors paint the other woman in extreme shades, but I felt Chadwick's approach thought-provoking and appreciate how she handled Guyon's conflicting emotional allegiances without physical infidelity or blatant stereotyping. Several members of the supporting cast also caught my eye. The author had no cause to develop them as she did, but conflicts each faced over the course of the story added much to the fabric of the narrative. Eluned's childish infatuation and jealousy, Rhys' sense of possession and developing understanding of the world and Alicia's struggle for happiness both during and after her marriage pulled me further into the story. Each has an individual journey and I liked how their struggles played into the main story line. Chadwick's book marked my first introduction to the Welsh March Wars, but I've learned a lot about them over the years and revisiting the novel only heightens my admiration for her handling of the material. Most who read the book will remember the character drama, but the power struggle between Guyon and the other marcher lords is rather interesting if you've an interest in period politics. The novel touches on the death of William II and ascension of Henry I, but Chadwick's focus is definitely on the border violence that characterized the age. Atmospherically, I love this piece. There are a couple of words, treadmill for example, that stand out like sore thumbs, but for the most part the language and descriptions feel genuine to the era. Chadwick obviously understands the period and the lifestyles of those who lived in it. Folk remedies such as moldy bread are prominently depicted, but no one feigns to know why the treatment is effective and there are no undue hints that the concoction of bacteria on the aging crusts is in fact penicillin.Bottom line, The Wild Hunt is a wonderful book. Brilliant in both historic detail and fictional drama. Highly recommended.
The Wild Hunt was the first novel by English author Elizabeth Chadwick who has gone on to write many acclaimed historical novels most of which are not romances and not all of which are available in the US. This one is followed by two in the series: The Running Vixen and The Leopard Unleashed.The Wild Hunt takes place in the Welsh Marches (in England on the border of Wales) and in London during 1098-1102. It tells the story of Guyon, lord of Ledworth, and eventually through marriage to Judith of Ravenstow, Earl of Ravenstow. He marries Judith when she is barely 16 and quite the child still. Because of the rich lands he gained, he also gained many enemies who were real people and some truly evil. The marriage is to Judith is not consummated for over a year. Before Judith, Guyon, one of William Rufus' knights and a young nobleman, had a Welsh mistress, Rhosyn, who carries his child. It seemed that Rhosyn loved him while he only cared for her. Once married to Judiith, while he does take his pleasure from others (at least one such liaison is specifically mentioned), he does not again sleep with Rhosyn, ostensibly so as not to hurt her more. Please. She did suffer.Chadwick does a great job of integrating history into the story so that you get a real feel for the time period. I loved the character of Guyon. He is a strong and cunning warrior but has a real tender side that is most often seen with Rhosyn and his nieces. He is also patient with Judith's growing pains. Frankly, I never took to Judith, not even when she matured into a young woman who took on great responsibility of Ravenstow and their other estates. Instead, I liked Rhosyn and felt she really loved Guyon. When she and Guyon parted because he had to marry the King's choice, and her heart was broken, I really felt for her. And since her pain continued, my empathy for her continued as well.Judith's most familiar emotions were anger and jealousy which didn't make me overfond of her. Oh yes, she told Guyon she loved him but I just never felt she had the kind of love that Rhosyn had for Guyon. So I found that aspect of the story disappointing. I also felt that Chadwick, probably working into the great historical author she was to become, threw in a lot of names of the time I didn't remember or need to know. For these reasons while it's very well written, I'm giving it 4 stars.
What do You think about The Wild Hunt (1992)?
4.5 stars for this versionThe Wild Hunt is Elizabeth Chadwick's first published work, winner of the 1990 Betty Trask Award and the version I've just read is the 'reworked' version. The Wild Hunt is the 1st novel in the Ravenstow trilogy, it was out of print for many years then re-published by Sphere Publishing with a 'spring clean' & new cover as will be "The Running Vixen" (re-publish date Dec 2009) and "The Leopard Unleashed" (re-publish date unknown.)A marriage of political expediency, at the order of King William Rufus unites Lady Judith of Ravenstow and Guyon FitzMiles, lord of Ledworth. Judith has been traumatised by an abusive father and is naturally fearful of her new husband. While skilled in healing & the running of a household, 16 year old Judith is an innocent when it comes to matters of husband & wife, fortunately Guyon has no wish to terrify his child bride and waits patiently to consummate their marriage. Set in the turn of the 12th Century in the untamed Welsh border area, Guyon and Judith's story is woven beautifully into the historic tapestry of the time - the scheming and treachery endemic in the royal court during the reign of King William Rufus and subsequently King Henry I, political intrigue, Welsh raids, border skirmishes, secrets, and the evil & cruelty of true historical characters, Robert de Belleme (Earl of Shrewsbury), and Walter de Lacey. Chadwick's descriptions of the cruelty and desecration perpetrated actually brought tears to my eyes.I loved Ms Chadwick's development of the fictional characters Guyon and Judith. While Guyon has all the traits required of a much loved hero, he is saved from the "to good to be true" portrayal by a few realistic flaws. Judith is a beguiling blend of innocence and passion, poise and wildness, her strong will & temper are a force to be reckoned with. Judith and Guyons' love slowly blossoms as trust, maturity and attraction grows. While for me The Wild Hunt didn't have the same heartfelt appeal of The Love Knot or The Greatest Knight I did thoroughly enjoy it.Having not read the first published version of The Wild Hunt my opinion is based solely on this version and obviously with the benefit of years of writing experience and increased historical knowledge Elizabeth Chadwick has fine-tuned The Wild Hunt to give the reader a compelling, well researched historical tale & endearing love story.
—Sheree
This is the reissued version of Chadwick’s debut novel and is set against the backdrop of the post Conquest period during the reign of William Rufus and Prince Henry. When Guyon FitzMiles attempts to gain his uncle’s lands through supplication to the king, he is granted them – on the condition that he marries the Lady Judith of Ravenstow who is the sole heir to her father’s estate. By securing the lands from Judith’s despised incle, Robert De Belleme, the king hopes to avoid war. Judith has been traumatised by an abusive father and is naturally fearful of her new husband. Guyon promises not to consummate the marriage until she is ready.What gradually develops between them is a trust and respect that eventually blooms into a passionate love. Their story is tightly interwoven with a tenuous political situation as brothers battle for the kingdom and the barons divide themselves between the factions.The first half of the book was slow to get into but as the plot unfolded, my perseverance paid off. The fate of Roshin and her children was particularly hard to read as I had admired her courage and integrity. Judith’s paternity was a masterful stroke and I loved the way her character developed throughout the book. A promising sample of the underlying talent that the author will go on to possess.
—Nisareen
Wow! I have not read many novels set in the medieval era but this book is the best in detailing the setting by far. It does not focus only on the romance but also on the political and social mood of the time. Battles, ambushes and sieges were described as they happened. I will definitely read more of Elizabeth Chadwick's work.This edition is a re-worked version of the original novel published in 1990 that won Chadwick the Betty Trask Prize. Owing to her "increased writerly experience and a bit more historical knowledge," Chadwick decided to give The Wild Hunt a "spring clean" in this edition published by Sphere.
—Kay ✾◕ ‿ ◕✾
