The Conqueror's Wife

Matilda refused to marry William, Duke of Normandy. She had been a widow for a few years, and had no wish to marry again. William was illegitimate, but that was no reason for his father, Robert "the Devil" of Normandy, not to give young William the title. In reaction to her refusal, William ambushed Matilda and threw her in the mud. It was the start of a stormy and passionate love story. William went on to conquer England. He ended the Saxon reign, and began the line of English royalty, as we know it today. By his side sat Matilda, his friend, his enemy, his queen. In fact, she was the first English queen, since before, they were merely consorts. It was a bit hard getting used to Gerson's writing style. Nevertheless, I read it and enjoyed it. I particularly found interesting the battle scenes. I usually don't like reading them because they are beyond my understanding. In The Conqueror's Wife, they were described in a way I could understand and envision. It also wasn't gory, which is always a plus.