Bastard King

Once again I have been swept into another world by Jean Plaidy. The Bastard King was an easy read, which I enjoyed from beginning to end. William was the bastard son of Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy. His father made William a Duke at an early age. He saw death and strife early on and feared for his life constantly. He never had much time for women, having been enthralled in his passion to be a good ruler, a good king when the time came (for it was foreseen by his mother). When he met Matilda, he was in love, but first he had a score to settle with her-a score that changed everything. William and Matilda were as one. William sought her guidance often, for she was the only one who was just like him and only she could truly soothe him. But Matilda would betray him later in his life, as he would her. But still, their love remained great. This book mentions William's children-ten in all, especially Robert, who William despised because of his height, amongst other things and who would form an army against William. Adelisa, who died of a broken heart, Richard, who William adored and Rufus, the selfish one. It also mentions Edward the Confessor and how Edward had promised William his throne upon his death. A promise William would not forget and would fight for until it was done. William changed the landscape of England with his passion for building and architecture. He was hated and feared, but Jean Plaidy paints a picture of him that shows us the human that he truly was. He loved, he ruled, he was betrayed and adored. I learn so much from Jean Plaidy's works. She paints beautiful pictures with her words, leaving me with more knowledge than I had expected.

First in the Norman Trilogy series, this book chronicles the life of William the Conqueror, illegitimate son of Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy. and the daughter of a tanner. Robert dies on his way to the Holy Land, leaving William, only eight years old at the time, as heir to the Duchy of Normandy. William, with the aid of a few loyal men loyal, is forced to fight ruthless, ambitious usurpers in order to retain his title. He sees death in the face more than once, but Fate has decreed he would be Duke of Normandy. Then, in 1066, William crosses the channel from Normandy to England, defeats King Harold, Edward's popular Saxon successor and forever changes the course of England's history. William and his descendents will control both Normandy and England for centuries to come. A highly recommended, most enjoyable read.

So many books about William the Conqueror get side-tracked into the tale of Harold II of England. This book certainly mentions their meeting and the Battle of Hastings in 1066, but it was really a much fuller accounting of William's life than just the one conquest of England. This book begins with William as a child and although there were some differences in this author's account (such as his mother's name, who actually cared for him as a fugitive youth, etc.) the tale was well portrayed. The book becomes it's best, however, when the author reaches his marriage with Matilda of Flanders - a strong woman for a strong man and then some! Their lives together and love for each other is a wonderful background tale that supports the more commonly known image of William as a ruler and warrior. What I liked best about this book was the deep involvment of their children in the story. The author brings us through to their adulthood and through the deaths of both Matilda and William and sets the stage for the second book in the trilogy beautifully. I had not had much interest in William Rufus, Robert or Henry (William's sons) until I read this book. I immediately started book #2 (Heart of the Lion) and I can tell you that the story continues seemlessly. If you are interested in 1066, if you like English, Norman or French history, if you are interested in strong military leaders or strong women, or if you are just looking for a fascinating tale about a man that seemed (then as now) larger than life - this is a fantastic book for all of the above! I think today's publishers are crazy for beginning the re-publication of Ms. Plaidy's work by starting with the Tudor series. Take us back to whence it began - and that's the Norman Trilogy!

Jean Plaidy's The Bastard King is an enthralling novelization of the life of William the Conqueror. Covering the life of a man who was arguably the most important figure in the history of England, the story reads like a Wagnerian epic. Highly dramatic, especially in its portrayal of the relationship between William and his wife, Matilda of Flanders, the book is one that engages the reader. While Plaidy is far from the most gifted of writers, sometimes bordering on downright silly and trashy, she does have a talent for pushing a story along, which she does with great skill in this book. With the recent reissue of many of Plaidy's Tudor novels, historical fiction fans may well find themselves searching their local libraries for more Plaidy novels. Plaidy's Norman Trilogy would seem a logical place to start, and this first of those novels does not disappoint.

Jean Plaidy is an excellent author. She manages to make you fascinated with all the characters in the story--from its hero William the Conqueror, to his worthy adversary Harold Godwinsson. A must-read for a historical fiction buffs.