Historian Wagner-Wright’s (Two Coins) latest historical fiction transports readers back in time to the late seventh century, chronicling the lives of several powerful women from Northumbria. A newly minted Christian queen, Ethelberga, must rely on her grit to navigate court intrigue as she tries to turn her pagan husband toward her new religion before battle while. Hildeburg, the abbess of Streoneshalh, is determined to unite the Columban and Roman churches for the good of the kingdom. And Queen Ethelberga’s daughter, Princess Enfleda, grows up to marry a Northumbrian king and bears him a long sought-after son–but must learn to balance the pull of her pagan beliefs with opposing Christian forces.
Wagner-Wright imbues her characters with life, conveying a sense of this far-off time and place through arresting, mystical language: “He’s giving Egfrid to the water. The nymphs will take him.” Moments of wry humour and elegant scene setting carry the story, a complex interwoven web threaded with religious conflict and criss-crossing the whole of Northumbria. It’s a well-researched tale but driven by character, with flashes of poignancy and charm making the royal, historical cast convincing and relatable.
The pacing of this novel may divide readers–though it is a fascinating story of upheaval in early Britain, the historical complexities make it difficult to keep track of everyone, especially with such similar character names. Wagner-Wright includes a list of primary characters at the start, in order of appearance, that will help readers trace the extensive genealogy. In the same vein, the glossary of names, terms, and places at the end of the novel–such as “Elf-shot"–lends authenticity to this portrait of a time when people believed that the onset of an unknown disease could be caused by elves firing arrows into the afflicted. Overall, Wagner-Wright’s deft characterization and intricate plotting make this an absorbing read that will appeal to fans of layered, detailed historical fiction.
Takeaway: Historical fiction readers will be absorbed by this intricate tale of memorable Northumbrian women fighting for change.
