Review of The Chosen Queen, historical Fiction set in 11th century Britain by Joanna Courtney
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Synopsis
The Chosen Queen is based on the life of Edyth, daughter of the Earl of east Anglia, wife of king Griffin of Wales, and later married to Harold Godwinson.
When Edyth’s father is exiled from court, the family go to Wales. There, Edyth catches the eye of King Griffin and when her family leaves, she stays behind to marry him. As Queen of Wales, Edyth learns how to support the men in her life rule a country.
Returning with her children to England following Griffin’s murder, Edyth becomes firm friends with Svana, handfast wife of Harold Godwinson. As political tensions rise due to the lack of an obvious heir for the aging king, the pressure on Edyth and Harold to marry and claim their place at England’s head.
Review
Even though I’m familiar with the history and knew the basics of what was going to happen, especially towards the end, I still found myself hooked. Primary sources from this period of history are largely biased (about men by men), and I enjoyed the way this book focused more on the women.
Despite being a bit modern, the characters are brought to life well and seem more like actual people than primary sources make them seem. They seemed understandable and I came to really care for them.
Edyth is a very admirable woman. She is strong, resilient, and mature. She fights for what she believes in. I particularly admired her understanding of politics and the way that she helps the men in her life make decisions. In this way, she has a significant effect on the running of her country even though she couldn’t hold any official power.
He looked at her curiously and she spun round to grab his other hand in hers. “We should tour the whole country – the north first. Let people see you, talk to you. It is what you do well, Harold, and people will trust a king they have seen with their own eyes.” He nodded thoughtfully and she pushed on. “Griffin skulked at Rhuddlan. He thought he was safe, but it was an illusion – as you proved all too well.” Harold grimaced but now was the time for lessons, not recriminations. “We only rode south when it was too late – that is not a mistake you can afford to make.”
“You are right. You are so right, Edyth. See, I told you I needed you as queen.”
The author changed the names of some of the characters to make it easier for a modern reader. I understand this, and some of these changes were done well, such as Eadyth/Edyth and Gyrth/Garth. Other changes, I didn’t like – the difference between the real person’s name and the book character’s name is just too great. For example, Gunnhild becomes Hannah and Leofwine becomes Lane.
The Chosen Queen is full of historical detail but isn’t bogged down with it. It really made me feel that I was experiencing the 11th century. The intense political climate of the time is thoroughly explored. The author has clearly done some excellent research into the period; her world-building is excellent both in the big events and the little details.
Conclusion
Have you read The Chosen Queen? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.
If you haven’t, it can be bought at Book Depository (they have free worldwide shipping!).
