Within the Fetterlock

A great read -- not your usual true love and battles and a happy ending -- this is a complicated tale of intrigue, treachery and conspiracy. This is not a quick and easy read. The "cast of characters" is large and complicated, it was well into 100+ pages before a grasped it all but well worth it. The author provided a list of characters to refer to which I found very helpful. All in all a great read about a period I knew little about. As a side note, this book begins about the period that Katherine leaves off -- but is not related to that book and does not favor Henry of Bolingbrook that well. I did love the final scene between Constance and Henry's Queen. LOL. At the same time, I did enjoy reading about what become of Henry, as well as Katherine and John's two sons. Highly recommended. As a side note, check out this author's other book, The Adventures Of Alianore Audley. An hysterical send up of historical fiction, I doubt that Mel Brooks could have done better. Set in the period of Edward IV and Richard III. I recommend having a passing knowledge of the period or you'll miss half the jokes.

Within the Fetterlock is a true epic in the true sense of the word - an utterly satisfying historical family saga of the type very difficult to find nowadays. Set in the unsettled times of Richard II - a time when kin destroyed kin and planted seeds that one day became the War of the Roses, Within the Fetterlock tells the story of Constance, a very proud Plantagenet princess. Possessing a strong sense of right and wrong, blue blooded to her very core, yet also vulnerable, Constance holds her pride as a shield against an uncertain, dangerous world. Constance is the only legitimate daughter of the Duke of York, Edmund of Langley, the fourth son of Edward III. Langley chose for his family the cognizance of a falcon confined within a fetterlock, indicating his recognition and acceptance of the constraints set upon his power, which meant his family should never inherit the throne. Langley, like his daughter, desires to be loyal to his nephew, Richard II. Unlike his daughter, future events, often set in motion by Langley's own ambitious and deceitful son, will force him to turn from his loyalty; he choses to support the complex Henry of Lancaster, another nephew and regarded by Langley almost like another son. A man who also loves Constance and knows he will never have her. Wedded to Thomas Despenser when they both were small children, the story opens to show Constance and Thomas as young adults, very happily matched in their marriage, but Thomas is soon caught up in his brother-in-law's machinations for the throne, with Constance pulled along by the currents and out into deadly depths not of her own making. Within the Fetterlock possesses a multi cast of characters, but unlike many books of this type, the author never bogs down story. It is a novel that keeps the reader fully engaged and turning pages to the very end. All the characters possess clear, distinct voices, drawn with the skill of a talented author who more than just knows his history. His obvious passion for this subject and certain grip on this time period brings it alive. Constance is a glittering character I will long remember. Her story of survival amidst so much grief and loss is so symbolic of women of this time and class. Constance's story symbolises too how women of her class were often falcons held within the fetterlock of their patriarchal society. As with all Wainwright's characters, from the first page, Constance becomes real and vivid. With her beloved husband, family and then, when widowed, her lover under threat, we feel her pain and despair, her desire to remain loyal no matter the cost and her anger when she perceives herself betrayed. Brian Wainwright's prose weaves a densely wrought tapestry of immense colour and life, setting the reader deep within Medieval England. In a time when a King's court moved constantly around his dominion, we experience this long ago England in all its seasons, entering a place where kin are prepared to kill one another if it means

Meeting Constance of York in the manner that Brian Wainwright presented her brought an otherwise obscure historical figure into the spotlight. Edmund of Langley's daughter is vaguely referred to in history books, but Mr. Wainwright has made her alive. Her 'in-your-face' way of dealing with Henry of Bolingbroke, her satisfying marriage to Thomas Despenser, and her relationships with people like Edmund Mortimer, Edmund Holland, Richard II, and others is brilliantly portrayed in this intricately researched novel. Written in a totally different way than his The Adventures of Alianore Audley, nevertheless, it's as delightful and refreshing. I hope another novel is in the works! Compare Mr. Wainwright's writing and research to Elizabeth Chadwick, Isolde Martyn, Philippa Gregory, and others whose attention to detail make history come to life.

Within the Fetterlock is one of those rare novels that treats the reader with intelligence; it is both vivid and compelling. Wainwright takes us on a journey into the life of Constance of York, daughter of Edmund,Duke of York. Through her we witness the turbulence of emotions, the rife and pull of politics (as they were) that surrounded the reigns of Richard II and the blood and thunder of Harry of Bolingbroke's 'stolen crown' and the heated frigidity of emotions this event brings out in Constance and the numerous historical characters all written with three dimensional detail rarely seen.The writing is tight, absorbing and heartfelt, nary is a word misplaced.Wainwright lovingly caresses Constance's tale with deep consideration and painstaining detail.Within the Fetterlock is destined to become a classic novel of serious and exquisite historical fiction.

Within the Fetterlock by Brian Wainwright is one of the rarest of the rare--it takes history and breathes it into life. After a bit of a confusing start (the cast of characters could literally have numbered in the hundreds), I got my bearings and found myself swept into the lives of Constance Despenser and the courts of Richard II and Henry IV. Wainwright has captured the essence of real historical persons and made me care deeply about them. I had to take my time reading this book, not because it is in any way difficult, but because I needed to savor it. Wainwright, with his expert research, has woven a story that should be read, experienced, and digested by all who love historical fiction. This is one is highly recommended!