The Conqueror: A Novel of William the Conqueror, the Bastard Son Who Overpowered a Kingdom and the Woman Who Melted His Heart

I'm not sure you want me to review the book or the service, but both were great

The Conqueror is one of six historical novels written by Georgette Heyer, who is best known for her Regency Romances, and if this is an indication of the other five - then sign me up! Heyer brings us back to 11th Century Normandy and introduces us to William, Duke of Normandy, (a.k.a. William the Bastard) through the eyes of Raoul de Harcourt - a knight in Duke William's retinue. Raoul began his service to the Duke as a young knight and he quickly rose to be one of William's most trusted friends. Loyalty is a running theme throughout the novel - loyalty from a knight to his lord. Raoul may not have agreed with a lot of the tactics used by William, but he trusted and respected his lord enough to comply. Don't get me wrong, Raoul was no pushover - he voiced his opinions when it was warranted, but in the end he knew his role and played the part. Duke William was a very intriguing man - ambitious would be putting it lightly. He valued brain over braun and cunning over might. Once he saw something he wanted, he got it. Doesn't matter how, but he got it. Which leads me into a great scene with William and his future wife, Mathilda....but I'll leave that for you to read! Let's just say it's not a good idea to call William a bastard! One aspect of why I love historical fiction is the educational factor. I know I'm a total dork, but it's true - I've learned so much history through all the historical fiction novels I have read. I take some of it with a grain of salt cause it's historical fiction after all, but for the most part I know a lot more than I did a few years ago. While reading The Conqueror I learned a great deal more about the difference between an Englishman (or Saxon) and a Norman and the Battle of Hastings scene was not put-down-able! I enthusiastically recommend this novel! Heyer's writing is impeccable and her research is without a doubt one of the best. Character development is awesome and dialogue excellent. The Conqueror keeps you enthralled during and wanting more when you're done...which is how every good book should be! Amy says: 5 / 5 Soundtrack: Conquest by Whitestripes

It often occurs to me that had Heyer been male these rich historic works would have been more appreciated.In this piece we trace William from the room of his birth through one of the most significant and enduring "map-changings" of the last millenium. We see reasons for his behaviour, insight into his relationship with Mathilde, and exquisite detail into the times they lived in.This book is in some ways like My Lord John and An Infamous Army, in that it is so meticulously researched and yet enlivened by personalities, thus saving it from being a boring historic work. Bravo again and again Mme. Rougier! I wish I could have known you and got inside your head.

This novel is set in the time of William the Conqueror. In the beginning he struggles just to stay alive, betrayal and death lurk in every corner and he never knows who to trust. However, he manages to stay alive and because of this his determination to rule over a peaceful duchy and later England drives him. Some of his decisions shock even his most faithful servant and friend, Raoul de Harcourt. Raoul known as "The Watcher" because he sleeps outside William's door at night to protect him, really does save his life more than once. More than once I found myself admiring William for he was a complex ruler and not always ruthless. However, in the end, I still felt for Harold who briefly became King Harold I of England because no matter what novel I have read about the "Oath" made to William by Harold, it always seemed forced.Once you get past the flowery chivalry-type language you find a worthwhile page turning novel! This book was much better than The Golden Warrior by Hope Muntz (which was forgetable!) and was more insightful of William's personality during his eventful life and leadership. It is out-of-print but well worth the time to locate and read!This review refers to the Harcover edition.

History textbooks should all be like this! Heyer's lovely potrayal of William the Conqueror is breathtaking, full of magnificence and romance. It is a story of war, a story of friendship and of love and sorrow. A tale set in a time when chivalry was not dead and the sound of the bugle signalled the start of galloping destriers charging to battle. A fine read and I would recommend it to all out there who have ever believed in knights and damsels in distress.