After surviving a plane crash in a 4-seater Cessna – yes, this really happened – the doctor told me to rest for at least two weeks because of the head injury I’d sustained. So what’s a ‘normally busy’ woman to do under such circumstances? Read Elizabeth Chadwick, one of my favourite historical fiction authors! On that occasion I read (one might say devoured) Books 2 and 3 of the author’s trilogy on Eleanor of Aquitaine.
My most recent read is The King’s Jewel by Elizabeth Chadwick, the story of Nesta, daughter of the Welsh Prince Rhys of Deheubarth and Gerald Fitzwalter, the man who marries her. In this story, we are transported to 12th century Wales with Henry I in power, the Welsh in rebellion, and women treated as chattels and pawns in men’s search for power.
The story begins in April 1093 with the death of Nesta’s father.
During the reign of William II, Welsh lands were given to Normans and their Welsh allies. At the time, Wales consisted of many principalities that spent much time, effort, blood and money warring with each other. Not surprising, the Welsh revolted against Norman rule and in the early 12th century a period of violent power struggles ensued for control between the English crown, under the ruthless rule of King Henry I, and Welsh leaders.
In her author’s note, Elizabeth Chadwick says: “Another element that pulled me in to write Nesta and Gerald’s story was my interest in Henry I and his many mistresses … he had at least twenty-one illegitimate children with a succession of different women.” Why did Henry acquire so many mistresses? Chadwick says: “My own view is that Henry saw and Henry took because Henry could, whether the young women consented or not. The women would have had no say in the matter because they were generally either hostages, or put forward by their families in the interests of gaining royal favour.” When someone new caught Henry’s fancy, “the women themselves were often married off to men who would value a tie with the King and regard the link as a privilege and a useful part of networking.”
I won’t spoil the story with too many other details except to say that Nesta was one of those mistresses, taken by Henry and used for his pleasure. How does Nesta react to the death of her father and the loss of her family and everything that was familiar? How does she cope with Wales under the rule of Norman invaders?
Elizabeth Chadwick is known for transporting readers in time and place and The King’s Jewel is no exception. The author’s use of accurate details to set each scene, language that is time-appropriate and yet easy to read, and historical highlights to underpin the plot kept me turning the pages and reading well past my usual bedtime.
Chadwick’s characters are always a highlight – men and women facing challenges and dilemmas that we can still relate to. Nesta with all her strengths and compassion and flaws is superbly drawn. Gerald is equally engaging, a man of honour, duty and courage who deeply loves Nesta even though she pushes him away.
I’ve truly enjoyed many of Chadwick’s novels and highly recommend The King’s Jewel.
The warm, comfortable family life of young Nesta, daughter of Prince Rhys of Deheubarth is destroyed when her father is killed and she is taken hostage. Her honour is further tarnished when she is taken as an unwilling concubine by King William’s ruthless younger brother Henry, who later ascends the throne under suspicious circumstances.
Gerald FitzWalter, an ambitious young knight is rewarded for his unwavering loyalty to his new King with Nesta’s hand in marriage. He is delighted, having always admired her from afar, but Nesta’s only comfort is her return to her beloved Wales where cannot help but be tempted by the handsome, charismatic and dangerous son of the Welsh prince, Owain. When he offers her the chance to join him in his plan to overthrow Norman rule she must choose between her duty and her desire . . .
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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook or on her website www.mktod.com.
