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The Winter Mantle
Normandy 1067---William may have conquered England, but it is a conquest of a different kind that one English earl has in mind.
Fresh from his defeat of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy has returned home in triumph, accompanied by the English nobles he cannot trust to leave behind. For Waltheof of Huntington, however, rebellion is not at the forefront of his thoughts. From the moment he catches sight of Judith, daughter of the King’s formidable sister, he knows he has found his future wife.
When Waltheof saves Judith’s life, it is clear that the attraction is mutual. But marriage has little to do with love in medieval Europe. When William refuses to let the couple wed, Waltheof joins forces with his fellow rebels in an uprising against the King. William brutally crushes the rebellion, but realizes that Waltheof cannot be ignored. Marrying him to his niece, he decides, is the perfect way to keep him in check.
But is the match between the Saxon earl and Norman lady made in heaven or hell? As their children grow, Waltheof and Judith must choose between their feelings for each other and older loyalties. At the same time, the reputation of Waltheof’s Norman acquaintance Simon de Senlis continues to flourish. The son of William’s chamberlain, he shares a special bond with Waltheof, who rescued him from being trampled by a horse when he was a squire. Now Simon enjoys the confidence of both the King and the rebel earl. And when tension between the two ignites once more, it is Simon who is set to reap the reward.
Based on an astonishing true story of honor, treachery, and love, The Winter Mantle is historical fiction at its very best, reaching from the turbulent reign of William the conqueror to the high drama of the Crusades.
Fresh from his defeat of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy has returned home in triumph, accompanied by the English nobles he cannot trust to leave behind. For Waltheof of Huntington, however, rebellion is not at the forefront of his thoughts. From the moment he catches sight of Judith, daughter of the King’s formidable sister, he knows he has found his future wife.
When Waltheof saves Judith’s life, it is clear that the attraction is mutual. But marriage has little to do with love in medieval Europe. When William refuses to let the couple wed, Waltheof joins forces with his fellow rebels in an uprising against the King. William brutally crushes the rebellion, but realizes that Waltheof cannot be ignored. Marrying him to his niece, he decides, is the perfect way to keep him in check.
But is the match between the Saxon earl and Norman lady made in heaven or hell? As their children grow, Waltheof and Judith must choose between their feelings for each other and older loyalties. At the same time, the reputation of Waltheof’s Norman acquaintance Simon de Senlis continues to flourish. The son of William’s chamberlain, he shares a special bond with Waltheof, who rescued him from being trampled by a horse when he was a squire. Now Simon enjoys the confidence of both the King and the rebel earl. And when tension between the two ignites once more, it is Simon who is set to reap the reward.
Based on an astonishing true story of honor, treachery, and love, The Winter Mantle is historical fiction at its very best, reaching from the turbulent reign of William the conqueror to the high drama of the Crusades.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2002
157 people are currently reading
2514 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
48 books3,262 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
November 11, 2022
The first axiom: Elizabeth Chadwick's historical fictions are well researched, nicely balanced between historical details and an engaging story. The way she describes scenes causes I feel I am there, like I was in a room or on the battlefield.
The second axiom: She creates interesting characters. With strengths and shortcomings, of flesh and blood. And it applies all characters, main, supporting and episodic.
Here we have two main pairs.
The first story was rather sad. Waltheof was a truly good man. One couldn't dislike him. He was cheerful and sympathetic and he fell in love deeply. I think almost every woman wants to be loved so much. But... sometimes love it's not enough. Sometimes people differs from each other too much. Sometimes the world crushes good people...
The second story was more hopeful. They had to face many problems and build the bridge between their personalities to be able to find their happiness. But they did it! And their way was so... moving, real, fascinating.
The love stories in Chadwick's novels aren't stories of courtship. They are about creating/finding a strong, deep love which understands, forgives, supports.
The third axiom: Elizabeth Chadwick has an observant eye. Through her characters and their stories one can see how well she knows human nature.
P.S. All main (and probably all supporting) characters were historical figures. I have checked it now, the story of Waltheof of Huntingdon was almost the same as the known real version. But Chadwick changed a little the story of Simon and Matilda. Essentially, it was similar to the real one, she changed only dates of some events and so on.
The second axiom: She creates interesting characters. With strengths and shortcomings, of flesh and blood. And it applies all characters, main, supporting and episodic.
Here we have two main pairs.
The first story was rather sad. Waltheof was a truly good man. One couldn't dislike him. He was cheerful and sympathetic and he fell in love deeply. I think almost every woman wants to be loved so much. But... sometimes love it's not enough. Sometimes people differs from each other too much. Sometimes the world crushes good people...
He took every man and woman as he found them, and in the end his trust was his downfall. He had no shield and they cut him down
The second story was more hopeful. They had to face many problems and build the bridge between their personalities to be able to find their happiness. But they did it! And their way was so... moving, real, fascinating.
The love stories in Chadwick's novels aren't stories of courtship. They are about creating/finding a strong, deep love which understands, forgives, supports.
The third axiom: Elizabeth Chadwick has an observant eye. Through her characters and their stories one can see how well she knows human nature.
'No use wishing to be like other folks,' the maid said shrewdly. 'You have to learn to live at peace within your own skin.'
P.S. All main (and probably all supporting) characters were historical figures. I have checked it now, the story of Waltheof of Huntingdon was almost the same as the known real version. But Chadwick changed a little the story of Simon and Matilda. Essentially, it was similar to the real one, she changed only dates of some events and so on.
June 6, 2023
(4.5 stars) Elizabeth Chadwick is such a great storyteller that you don't even realize how much history you're learning as you read her books. Her earliest historical novels have as their protagonists fictional characters living in well-researched and well-described Medieval England. Her more recent, such as Lady of the English, have real historical characters and she makes them come alive by filling in gaps in the historical accounts with well-thought-out speculations that don't clash with established facts.
This story, published a decade ago, has as its characters real historical figures of the time just after William, Duke of Normandy, invaded England, defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, and the Normans took control with William as the new king. There are two love stories here. The first is that of Judith, niece of William the Conqueror, who married English earl Waltheof of Huntingdon. The English people, as is to be expected, resent the Norman invaders and the Norman invaders feel that the English are a barbaric, uncultured lot, so this love story is quite something to read.
The second love story involves Judith and Waltheof's daughter Matilda, who marries a Norman, Simon de Senlis. This is a book about people who actually lived so their romances aren't necessarily going to be of the fairy-tale, happy-ending variety. They are entertaining and satisfying to read, however, and Chadwick ends her story at a beautiful place in the relationship between Matilda and Simon.
As for the historical aspects, the book spans the years from 1067 to 1098, so you're going to get a lot of historical events along the way in addition to the personal stories. There are struggles between the Normans and the English Saxons, political intrigue both internal and international, skirmishes and battles, and even the Crusades figure into the story, all told in an entertaining style with great attention to detail in describing life as it was in the 11th century.
Great reading, as always, from Chadwick.
This story, published a decade ago, has as its characters real historical figures of the time just after William, Duke of Normandy, invaded England, defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, and the Normans took control with William as the new king. There are two love stories here. The first is that of Judith, niece of William the Conqueror, who married English earl Waltheof of Huntingdon. The English people, as is to be expected, resent the Norman invaders and the Norman invaders feel that the English are a barbaric, uncultured lot, so this love story is quite something to read.
The second love story involves Judith and Waltheof's daughter Matilda, who marries a Norman, Simon de Senlis. This is a book about people who actually lived so their romances aren't necessarily going to be of the fairy-tale, happy-ending variety. They are entertaining and satisfying to read, however, and Chadwick ends her story at a beautiful place in the relationship between Matilda and Simon.
As for the historical aspects, the book spans the years from 1067 to 1098, so you're going to get a lot of historical events along the way in addition to the personal stories. There are struggles between the Normans and the English Saxons, political intrigue both internal and international, skirmishes and battles, and even the Crusades figure into the story, all told in an entertaining style with great attention to detail in describing life as it was in the 11th century.
Great reading, as always, from Chadwick.
May 10, 2012
I love medieval historical fiction and this is another good one from Elizabeth Chadwick. Totally believable, apart from the way both the women in the story are teenage virgins when they marry and despite having to be 'deflowered' on their wedding nights and have the bloody sheet displayed the next morning, their warrior husbands (one Saxon, one Norman) are considerate and skillful lovers who bring them to orgasm first time they are penetrated! Mmmm... not very likely methinks. These quibbles apart, an enjoyable and quite educational fiction.
August 9, 2019
Honestly, not Chadwick's best.
October 8, 2013
I'm not sure what it is about Elizabeth Chadwick's work, but it never fails to mesmerize me, and transport me back in time. When I purchased this book I was not aware that it was one that I had obviously had missed somewhere along the path of reading Ms. Chadwick's work. It was originally published in 2002. I can't imagine that I would have forgotten reading it when it was new!
This book follows the path of William of Normandy and begins with the year 1067 following the great Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror is establishing his rule over Britain, and in doing so retains custody of many captured nobles, Earl Waltheof Siwardsson of Huntingdon being one of them. Although he did not fight in the war, Earl Waltheof retains his title but fights to regain his pride of place and his lands from William. Waltheof falls in love with one of Willaim's daughters, Judith.
Reluctantly, after the threat of an uprising against him, William restores Waltheof's lands and grants him marriage to his daughter,Judith. In the years that follow, Judith feels that Waltheof is engaged in some activities that are contrary to his fealty to William, and, through familial treachery, Waltheof is executed. His eldest daughter falls in love with the man who is sent by William to take control of Waltheof's earldom, one by the name of Simon de Senlis, who had been a long time friend, and former squire to, Waltheof. He is also a person for Judith, Matilda's mother, holds no love.
Simon follows the Crusade, leaving Matilda behind to question his fate. Simon;s first love had followed her husband on the Crusdae trail until he is drowns.A dire injury almost takes his life, and Simon is tended to by his first love, who he had taken under his wing. During his convalescence they have a one time resolution to the desire that was founded in their younger years.
After his return from the Crusade, his first love becomes a nun, and Simon returns to his lands and his family. Simon and Matilda long for peace, a commodity that is difficult to come by during this turbulent time. Tension builds in their marriage, but the truth of Simon's "one-night-stand" comes out due to the birth of his bastard child; a child that Matilda must accept and raise in their home after she meets with, and grudgingly accepts, the confession of Simon's early love.
The epilogues for Ms. Chadwick's books are always one of my favorite parts. There she provides the history behind her stories. Much of what she writes is structured on solid historical facts, and I find it utterly fascinating the she "fills in the blanks" so convincingly. Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my favorite historical fiction writers and this book is a credit to her!
Anyone who loves historical fiction, British historical fiction, the history of William the Conqueror, or just a great read, will undoubtedly enjoy this excellent book!
This book follows the path of William of Normandy and begins with the year 1067 following the great Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror is establishing his rule over Britain, and in doing so retains custody of many captured nobles, Earl Waltheof Siwardsson of Huntingdon being one of them. Although he did not fight in the war, Earl Waltheof retains his title but fights to regain his pride of place and his lands from William. Waltheof falls in love with one of Willaim's daughters, Judith.
Reluctantly, after the threat of an uprising against him, William restores Waltheof's lands and grants him marriage to his daughter,Judith. In the years that follow, Judith feels that Waltheof is engaged in some activities that are contrary to his fealty to William, and, through familial treachery, Waltheof is executed. His eldest daughter falls in love with the man who is sent by William to take control of Waltheof's earldom, one by the name of Simon de Senlis, who had been a long time friend, and former squire to, Waltheof. He is also a person for Judith, Matilda's mother, holds no love.
Simon follows the Crusade, leaving Matilda behind to question his fate. Simon;s first love had followed her husband on the Crusdae trail until he is drowns.A dire injury almost takes his life, and Simon is tended to by his first love, who he had taken under his wing. During his convalescence they have a one time resolution to the desire that was founded in their younger years.
After his return from the Crusade, his first love becomes a nun, and Simon returns to his lands and his family. Simon and Matilda long for peace, a commodity that is difficult to come by during this turbulent time. Tension builds in their marriage, but the truth of Simon's "one-night-stand" comes out due to the birth of his bastard child; a child that Matilda must accept and raise in their home after she meets with, and grudgingly accepts, the confession of Simon's early love.
The epilogues for Ms. Chadwick's books are always one of my favorite parts. There she provides the history behind her stories. Much of what she writes is structured on solid historical facts, and I find it utterly fascinating the she "fills in the blanks" so convincingly. Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my favorite historical fiction writers and this book is a credit to her!
Anyone who loves historical fiction, British historical fiction, the history of William the Conqueror, or just a great read, will undoubtedly enjoy this excellent book!
December 23, 2008
The Winter Mantle begins in 1067 after The Conquest as Waltheof of Huntingdon and several other English nobles are kept under William's close eye in Normandy. Waltheof desires William's haughty niece Judith and is torn between making his peace with William and pressing suit for her hand or participating in further rebellion against the Norman conquerors. After one rebellion in the north fails, William forgives Waltheof and marries him to Judith, although she is torn between pride in her Norman ancestry and desire for her husband, and this eventually leads to discord in the marriage. Waltheof allows himself to be convinces to participate in one last attempt at overthrowing William, and this time with drastic results.
The story then takes up with the second generation, Waltheof's beloved daughter Matilda and Norman courtier Simon de Senlis who at the behest of King William Rufus comes to take charge of the lands Judith inherited from Waltheof. Furious, the ever haughty Judith refuses to cooperate and wed Simon and he turns his eye to Matilda as a younger and more appealing choice. The story then continues as Matilda and Simon raise their children, and Judith finally comes to terms with her own guilt in Waltheof's fate and his death as a traitor, as well as the consequences to Simon and Judith's marriage from Simon’s actions on his return from the Crusades.
Based on true people, this was a lively entertaining tale and I very much enjoyed how the author was able to take such a snotty piece of goods like Judith and humanize her in the end - it really was a love/hate relationship between she and Waltheof and in many ways those two warring emotions are very much the same. As with all of her books, Chadwick has an amazing knack of bringing the medieval period to life, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothing and more. Highly recommended and a side note that the tiny baby at the very end of the book has his own story in The Falcons of Montabard.
The story then takes up with the second generation, Waltheof's beloved daughter Matilda and Norman courtier Simon de Senlis who at the behest of King William Rufus comes to take charge of the lands Judith inherited from Waltheof. Furious, the ever haughty Judith refuses to cooperate and wed Simon and he turns his eye to Matilda as a younger and more appealing choice. The story then continues as Matilda and Simon raise their children, and Judith finally comes to terms with her own guilt in Waltheof's fate and his death as a traitor, as well as the consequences to Simon and Judith's marriage from Simon’s actions on his return from the Crusades.
Based on true people, this was a lively entertaining tale and I very much enjoyed how the author was able to take such a snotty piece of goods like Judith and humanize her in the end - it really was a love/hate relationship between she and Waltheof and in many ways those two warring emotions are very much the same. As with all of her books, Chadwick has an amazing knack of bringing the medieval period to life, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothing and more. Highly recommended and a side note that the tiny baby at the very end of the book has his own story in The Falcons of Montabard.
March 6, 2016
I have read almost all of her books, and I do like how she take characters that makes you want to read more.
In this one we have Judith, she is the niece of William the Conqueror, and she married a Dane/Englisman, Earl Waltheof. We get to see those big events, and we are also on the side, which I liked. You do not have to be in the middle of things to get the picture.
Judith, oh she was nice and turned into a bit of a shrew. Waltheof was nice, but did not really see the big picture.
But yes I thought the book would be about them, nope after half the book we get the POV of their daughter Mathilda and her marriage to Simon de Senlis. And it ended before the good part! Well the good part for me, I wanted to know about her second marriage to King David of Scotland. She was just so old, I get that they wanted a connection, still so old, could have been too old for kids (but was not), and would have wanted to see the take on that.
Interesting, but still not one of her best. She has many books after all.
In this one we have Judith, she is the niece of William the Conqueror, and she married a Dane/Englisman, Earl Waltheof. We get to see those big events, and we are also on the side, which I liked. You do not have to be in the middle of things to get the picture.
Judith, oh she was nice and turned into a bit of a shrew. Waltheof was nice, but did not really see the big picture.
But yes I thought the book would be about them, nope after half the book we get the POV of their daughter Mathilda and her marriage to Simon de Senlis. And it ended before the good part! Well the good part for me, I wanted to know about her second marriage to King David of Scotland. She was just so old, I get that they wanted a connection, still so old, could have been too old for kids (but was not), and would have wanted to see the take on that.
Interesting, but still not one of her best. She has many books after all.
June 28, 2014
Set in 1067, with the Norman Conquest of England still a fresh and bleeding wound, this is the story of William the Conqueror's niece, Judith, and her marriage to the English nobleman Waltheof of Huntington.
The story can be broken down into two parts, the first comprising of Waltheof and Judith's stormy relationship and the second part skipping forward a generation. Their daughter, Matilda, marries a man from her parent's past, Simon de Senlis. Their marriage is very different to Judith and Waltheof's, especially since Matilda strives to make it so. She is haunted by the ghost of her father and the failure of her parent's marriage and Matilda must learn to live with the past in order to create a better future for herself.
Just because this isn't one of my favourite Elizabeth Chadwick novels does not mean that it is not a beautifully written novel. Ms. Chadwick is a brilliant writer and this book is no exception, I just didn't "click" with the characters in the same way that I have with some of her previously read novels.
Judith is a complex and contradictory character and I found her difficult to relate to, although I believe this may be because Ms. Chadwick wished to draw attention to her flaws so as to understand why her relationship with Waltheof was so rocky. They are portrayed as very different people with contrasting personalities that do not suit well together. Unfortunately in this novel we are shown that love doesn't always conquer all.
The story can be broken down into two parts, the first comprising of Waltheof and Judith's stormy relationship and the second part skipping forward a generation. Their daughter, Matilda, marries a man from her parent's past, Simon de Senlis. Their marriage is very different to Judith and Waltheof's, especially since Matilda strives to make it so. She is haunted by the ghost of her father and the failure of her parent's marriage and Matilda must learn to live with the past in order to create a better future for herself.
Just because this isn't one of my favourite Elizabeth Chadwick novels does not mean that it is not a beautifully written novel. Ms. Chadwick is a brilliant writer and this book is no exception, I just didn't "click" with the characters in the same way that I have with some of her previously read novels.
Judith is a complex and contradictory character and I found her difficult to relate to, although I believe this may be because Ms. Chadwick wished to draw attention to her flaws so as to understand why her relationship with Waltheof was so rocky. They are portrayed as very different people with contrasting personalities that do not suit well together. Unfortunately in this novel we are shown that love doesn't always conquer all.
January 14, 2019
Sooo......I started out really liking Waltheof and felt the same by the end of the book. Judith on the other hand started out great but as the book progressed, I disliked her more and more. I knew from the beginning that Judith and Waltheof were not for each other but I had no idea how much of an impact the ill-fated relationship would have on the story. Simon and Matilda were a more fitting match IMO but I did find that things were a bit rushed. I didn't expect the marriage to happen as fast as it did. I wanted to strangle both at different stages of the story.
I still don't quiet understand Simon and the adult character development still doesn't make a ton of sense but I liked him so I suppose it worked. I REALLY liked Matilda but didn't quiet understand why she lapsed into a shrew like the mom she sort of despised. I could have killed him when he --- there was no cause for that. I think what surprised me the most was the historical details of these characters. I didn't know much about them but I have done some research after reading the authors note--really interesting.
Lots of intrigue and great scene descriptions but had a tendency so drag on at times. Sometimes it felt like I'd missed a chapter or something. Narration was good. 3.5 story / 4 narration.
I still don't quiet understand Simon and the adult character development still doesn't make a ton of sense but I liked him so I suppose it worked. I REALLY liked Matilda but didn't quiet understand why she lapsed into a shrew like the mom she sort of despised. I could have killed him when he --- there was no cause for that. I think what surprised me the most was the historical details of these characters. I didn't know much about them but I have done some research after reading the authors note--really interesting.
Lots of intrigue and great scene descriptions but had a tendency so drag on at times. Sometimes it felt like I'd missed a chapter or something. Narration was good. 3.5 story / 4 narration.
August 3, 2013
Quite bad historical fiction - luckily, Elizabeth Chadwick has a quite catchy style that made me somehow finish this book despite it actually being so bad.
The first issue I have is with the portrayal of women - most of them are fickle, unpleasant and stressful for their husbands. I was particularly grossed out by a fragment where Judith's mum, very upset by the news of her daughter's future marriage with Waltheof, was made to feel significantly better after by just being promised new dresses.
So, all in all, this follows a typical romance plotline, where the main characters see each other and suffer instant attraction. There is little new to the scene, and in truth, little to the plot as well. The characters also lack complexity - they are quite clearly defined by one or two main characteristics but do not show any deeper sides. It seems as if the whole book is an enlarged story, rather than a novel.
But while the content lacked a lot, it was not completely unbearable, as Elizabeth Chadwick has a moderately enjoyable style. I just fail to understand all the rave reviews, since there are so many things of much higher quality on the literary scene of historical fiction and romance.
The first issue I have is with the portrayal of women - most of them are fickle, unpleasant and stressful for their husbands. I was particularly grossed out by a fragment where Judith's mum, very upset by the news of her daughter's future marriage with Waltheof, was made to feel significantly better after by just being promised new dresses.
So, all in all, this follows a typical romance plotline, where the main characters see each other and suffer instant attraction. There is little new to the scene, and in truth, little to the plot as well. The characters also lack complexity - they are quite clearly defined by one or two main characteristics but do not show any deeper sides. It seems as if the whole book is an enlarged story, rather than a novel.
But while the content lacked a lot, it was not completely unbearable, as Elizabeth Chadwick has a moderately enjoyable style. I just fail to understand all the rave reviews, since there are so many things of much higher quality on the literary scene of historical fiction and romance.
October 11, 2023
Loved the Medieval ambiance -- Chadwick's writing is as close as you'll get to literary time-travel. But the romance between Waltheof and Judith didn't do it for me. I didn't believe he would be so strongly motivated by this snooty Norman girl, especially when there were more credible and potentially more interesting motivations for his actions (e.g. conflict between his vow to King William and the terrible results of the Norman conquest on his own people).
Improved in the second half. I found the love story between Matilda (W&J's daughter) and Simon a lot more credible, and the conflicts they faced made more sense in the context of the period. I especially liked the scenes from the First Crusade.
Improved in the second half. I found the love story between Matilda (W&J's daughter) and Simon a lot more credible, and the conflicts they faced made more sense in the context of the period. I especially liked the scenes from the First Crusade.
June 21, 2013
Seriously, Elizabeth Chadwick pushes all my historical happy buttons and this one made me do a happy dance. She's got such a wonderful way of bringing these characters to life, flaws and all. Chadwick would make one hell of a history teacher. And while I loved reading about the medieval period, I still wouldn't want to live in it. Okay, maybe somewhere like Constantinople or parts of the East where they did practice decent medicine and sanitation. On the other hand, all the strictures placed on women do not sit well with my modern sensibility, though it is interesting how women used what they had to wield power in their own right. Poor Waltheof. What a fate for a good yet flawed man.
September 15, 2012
4.5/5
Oh no, I only have a couple of EC books left to read!
Oh no, I only have a couple of EC books left to read!
March 1, 2019
I have been putting off reading 'Winter Mantle' for some time, knowing the outcome of the first couple's story and hence my imaginings of how Chadwick would deal with the story head-on. This is some of her best work on that front. She has a brutally realistic way of portraying the politics and ruthlessness of this time period while weaving in detailed side stories and romances. At the same time she has a unique skill of taking historical characters, often those lost to popular history given the time that has passed, and really turning them into people with compelling personalities. Even when those personalities are terribly flawed.
The prominent female characters in this book were difficult to stomach at some points, all having some degree of shrew-like behavior. Judith (mom) and Maud (daughter) go through so many personality shifts individually and in their relationship -- for me it was truly fascinating read from that perspective. The male characters of Waltheof and Simon were equally enthralling. Their outward appearance (size/looks) in no way reflects their internal mental strength, sense of duty and resolve. The complexity of their relationship to one another is a really important part of this story. I would argue that it is even more important than their individual relationships to the women they love unconditionally.
It has been a long time since I found myself so completely immersed in a story. It honestly felt like reading a psychological case study of a dysfunctional family. Many of the developments along the way shocked me by how badly "people who love each other" can treat one another, because of their internal convictions.
Obviously because it is Elizabeth Chadwick ... all this is set against the most incredibly researched historical background of William I's years after the Battle of Hastings and the transition to William II's reign. The descriptions of Waltheof's participation in the attack on York and Simon's participation in the battle at Dorylaeum are not for the squeamish.
** If you would like to have more historical detail about Waltheof, I highly recommend the following online article written by Geoff Boxell ... 'Stolen Glory: Waltheof, Earl of Huntingdon and Northumberland'. It is well written in excellent detail and answered many questions Chadwick's book piqued. http://www.britannia.com/history/arti...
The prominent female characters in this book were difficult to stomach at some points, all having some degree of shrew-like behavior. Judith (mom) and Maud (daughter) go through so many personality shifts individually and in their relationship -- for me it was truly fascinating read from that perspective. The male characters of Waltheof and Simon were equally enthralling. Their outward appearance (size/looks) in no way reflects their internal mental strength, sense of duty and resolve. The complexity of their relationship to one another is a really important part of this story. I would argue that it is even more important than their individual relationships to the women they love unconditionally.
It has been a long time since I found myself so completely immersed in a story. It honestly felt like reading a psychological case study of a dysfunctional family. Many of the developments along the way shocked me by how badly "people who love each other" can treat one another, because of their internal convictions.
Obviously because it is Elizabeth Chadwick ... all this is set against the most incredibly researched historical background of William I's years after the Battle of Hastings and the transition to William II's reign. The descriptions of Waltheof's participation in the attack on York and Simon's participation in the battle at Dorylaeum are not for the squeamish.
** If you would like to have more historical detail about Waltheof, I highly recommend the following online article written by Geoff Boxell ... 'Stolen Glory: Waltheof, Earl of Huntingdon and Northumberland'. It is well written in excellent detail and answered many questions Chadwick's book piqued. http://www.britannia.com/history/arti...
December 14, 2025
The first half of the book is incredibly interesting, opening just before William the Conqueror’s triumphant return to Normandy after becoming King of England. Judith is William’s niece, so we have a front row seat to all that is going on. For the English perspective we have Waltheof, a captured English Earl forced to follow William to Normandy. Highly interesting and the connection between Judith and Waltheof was beautiful despite the tragedy that they get caught up in. Judith is one of my favourite characters and knowing that this is practically all a true account of what happened to these real historical figures is incredibly interesting. I can hardly blame Judith for becoming a cold-hearted bitch because look at the times that she had to survive in, not only that but bring up two daughters single-handedly.
The second half was my biggest let down. Knowing Simon’s character throughout the first half and then meeting him as a main character in the second half is jarring, he’s almost like two separate characters and I couldn’t gel the two together. His marrying Matilda is an historical fact, but I just didn’t like him. Maybe because I liked Judith more and he displaced her. Not to mention the whole fiasco of him going on crusade and then cheating on Matilda with Sabine. I know in the medival times adultery was just for women to uphold and men could do what and who they like but it’s still so damn annoying. I was glad Matilda went to confront Sabine and I was willing her to really tear her apart, even verbally.
The second half was my biggest let down. Knowing Simon’s character throughout the first half and then meeting him as a main character in the second half is jarring, he’s almost like two separate characters and I couldn’t gel the two together. His marrying Matilda is an historical fact, but I just didn’t like him. Maybe because I liked Judith more and he displaced her. Not to mention the whole fiasco of him going on crusade and then cheating on Matilda with Sabine. I know in the medival times adultery was just for women to uphold and men could do what and who they like but it’s still so damn annoying. I was glad Matilda went to confront Sabine and I was willing her to really tear her apart, even verbally.
March 24, 2018
A decent historical fiction from the 11th century. It follows two different sets of characters. The first is of Waltheof of Huntington a Norman captive and his love of Judith, the niece of William the conqueror. The second set of characters is their daughter Matilda and Simon de Senlis. I read this book quickly and even though it was a long book the pages did flow. I only gave it a 3 rating because I just didn't love the story. I especially didn't like Judith and the way things ended with her and Waltheof. The author had to stay true to history and I appreciate that but it wasn't my favorite story. Not a bad historical fiction book overall.
March 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book in the beginning but Judith eventually became such a shrew that I grew to not care about her at all. I just wanted to get past her sections and onto those featuring literally anyone else. I came to almost hate her and her nastiness. What a terrible person. Then her daughter became more of a main character and I thought "great, this will be a character I can root for" and she was for a decent chunk of the book. But then she completely turned into her mother and it was like reading Judith's chapters all over again. I can't believe the author couldn't make some of the people in this book likeable. It's not like she stuck so close to the history that she was forced to make them all awful. Even one of Judith's daughters has the wrong name. Clearly not working hard to stay true to facts. It just makes no sense why anyone would make a book with so many unlikeable characters. I'm glad I'm done with it.
December 20, 2022
I am saddened by Waltheof's story, but happy with Matilda and Simon's. (That is, I was until I read the Author's Note.) Ah well.
February 3, 2024
I tend to love Chandwick’s books about real people! She manages to convey who they are and the times they lived in so well. (Another way of saying, yes Judith did betray her husband and help get him executed. That’s a fact of history.) Although this one is not as polished as some of her later works its still a very enjoyable historical fiction read.
Part 1: Relationship of Waltheof, the Earl of Northumbria, and Judith, the niece of William the Conqueror.
Waltheof’s journey from a proud Anglo-Saxon noble to a man willing to be Norman for love of a woman; yet still torn between his loyalty to his heritage and the need to adapt to the new Norman rule. Judith, a very proud Norman and very strong character, is married to Waltheof as part of the Norman strategy to consolidate power in England. Just like her husband, Judith must reconcile Noman identity with her growing attachment to her AngloSaxon husband and her new life in England(Guess what, her Norman Heritage wins!) She loves him, yet their relationship is tumultuous. Despite a chance at love, their divided loyalties (and Waltheof flawed, indecisive personality) lead to a 2nd rebellion and Waltheof being executed. [While tear jerkingly sad, it’s a fabulous scene with Simon!!]
Part 2: Simon de Senlis and Watheof and Judith’s daughter Matilda
Simon de Senlis spouts the Norman perspective as the squire (and truly a friend to) Watheof. His interactions with Waltheof, who he deeply respects, as Simon climbs the ranks of the new Norman power structure, watching his once friend fall, highlight the interplay of power (gained and lost), loyalty, and ambition. When given the chance for his own mannor, Simon is willing to grab it!
Matilda (Judith and Watheof’s daughter)is more than just a figure in a political marriage; she sees a chance for her own life, and rebels against her mother. Her marriage to Simon de Senlis, [Simon was actually supposed to marry her mother Judith – but when Judith refuses Matilda jumps at the chance to create her own destiny] develops into a loving, respectful relationship that overcomes several serious surprises from Simon’s adventures while on crusade.
I think I liked the second half more. The death of Watheof was hard and Judith was difficult to like. Mathidla and Simon, on the other hand, built a relationship together.
Part 1: Relationship of Waltheof, the Earl of Northumbria, and Judith, the niece of William the Conqueror.
Waltheof’s journey from a proud Anglo-Saxon noble to a man willing to be Norman for love of a woman; yet still torn between his loyalty to his heritage and the need to adapt to the new Norman rule. Judith, a very proud Norman and very strong character, is married to Waltheof as part of the Norman strategy to consolidate power in England. Just like her husband, Judith must reconcile Noman identity with her growing attachment to her AngloSaxon husband and her new life in England(Guess what, her Norman Heritage wins!) She loves him, yet their relationship is tumultuous. Despite a chance at love, their divided loyalties (and Waltheof flawed, indecisive personality) lead to a 2nd rebellion and Waltheof being executed. [While tear jerkingly sad, it’s a fabulous scene with Simon!!]
Part 2: Simon de Senlis and Watheof and Judith’s daughter Matilda
Simon de Senlis spouts the Norman perspective as the squire (and truly a friend to) Watheof. His interactions with Waltheof, who he deeply respects, as Simon climbs the ranks of the new Norman power structure, watching his once friend fall, highlight the interplay of power (gained and lost), loyalty, and ambition. When given the chance for his own mannor, Simon is willing to grab it!
Matilda (Judith and Watheof’s daughter)is more than just a figure in a political marriage; she sees a chance for her own life, and rebels against her mother. Her marriage to Simon de Senlis, [Simon was actually supposed to marry her mother Judith – but when Judith refuses Matilda jumps at the chance to create her own destiny] develops into a loving, respectful relationship that overcomes several serious surprises from Simon’s adventures while on crusade.
I think I liked the second half more. The death of Watheof was hard and Judith was difficult to like. Mathidla and Simon, on the other hand, built a relationship together.
December 24, 2008
The Winter Mantle begins in 1067 after The Conquest as Waltheof of Huntingdon and several other English nobles are kept under William's close eye in Normandy. Waltheof desires William's haughty niece Judith and is torn between making his peace with William and pressing suit for her hand or participating in further rebellion against the Norman conquerors. After one rebellion in the north fails, William forgives Waltheof and marries him to Judith, although she is torn between pride in her Norman ancestry and desire for her husband, and this eventually leads to discord in the marriage. Waltheof allows himself to be convinced to participate in one last attempt at overthrowing William, and this time with drastic results.
The story then takes up with the second generation, Waltheof's beloved daughter Matilda and Norman courtier Simon de Senlis who at the behest of King William Rufus comes to take charge of the lands Judith inherited from Waltheof. Furious, the ever haughty Judith refuses to cooperate and wed Simon and he turns his eye to Matilda as a younger and more appealing choice. The story then continues as Matilda and Simon raise their children, and Judith finally comes to terms with her own guilt in Waltheof's fate and his death as a traitor, as well as the consequences to Simon and Judith's marriage from Simon's actions on his return from the Crusades.
Based on true people, this was a lively entertaining tale and I very much enjoyed how the author was able to take such a snotty piece of goods like Judith and humanize her in the end - it really was a love/hate relationship between she and Waltheof and in many ways those two warring emotions are very much the same. As with all of her books, Chadwick has an amazing knack of bringing the medieval period to life, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothing and more. Highly recommended and a side note that the tiny baby at the very end of the book has his own story in The Falcons of Montabard.
The story then takes up with the second generation, Waltheof's beloved daughter Matilda and Norman courtier Simon de Senlis who at the behest of King William Rufus comes to take charge of the lands Judith inherited from Waltheof. Furious, the ever haughty Judith refuses to cooperate and wed Simon and he turns his eye to Matilda as a younger and more appealing choice. The story then continues as Matilda and Simon raise their children, and Judith finally comes to terms with her own guilt in Waltheof's fate and his death as a traitor, as well as the consequences to Simon and Judith's marriage from Simon's actions on his return from the Crusades.
Based on true people, this was a lively entertaining tale and I very much enjoyed how the author was able to take such a snotty piece of goods like Judith and humanize her in the end - it really was a love/hate relationship between she and Waltheof and in many ways those two warring emotions are very much the same. As with all of her books, Chadwick has an amazing knack of bringing the medieval period to life, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothing and more. Highly recommended and a side note that the tiny baby at the very end of the book has his own story in The Falcons of Montabard.
November 14, 2013
As a general rule, I love historical fiction--and the more historically accurate, the better! This book was a fun glimpse into post-1066 England and just the kind of thing I was looking for when I asked a local librarian for a recommendation of adult historical fiction. I have read plenty of historical fiction for kids since we homeschool and I certainly love it, but I was on the hunt for something decent for grown ups along the same line. The BIG drawback for me, and one that gives me pause when I consider reading more of this author's books (or in asking that librarian for any more suggestions), is that in the middle of a really interesting story we are interrupted by cheap Harlequin Romance-esque smut. Out of 400 pages, probably 20 are devoted to this cheapening of an otherwise good story. There are ways to say that people are attracted to one another, or that they are engaging in marital (or extra-marital for that matter) relations without getting graphic, or tacky, about it. I think our culture is so dumbed down in this area (I'm thinking of some social media bill boards advertising Obamacare right about now) that I guess publishers urge their writers to throw in some "throbbing members" just to be sure there are sales for a 6th grade reading level public. I don't want 99% brownie and 1% dog poop!
October 30, 2024
Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera arrivata nelle nostre librerie e online.
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmela scappare? Assolutamente no.
Siamo nell'anno mille, in Normandia, quando Guglielmo di Normandia torna in patria dopo aver sconfitto Re Aroldo II.
Tra i nobili inglesi portati con sé come trofeo di battaglia, vi è Waltheof che nonostante tutte le aspettative finisce per innamorarsi della nipote del Re: Giuditta, arrivando addirittura a sposarla almeno sino a quando poi non viene giustiziato per tradimento. Passa il tempo e la storia si sposta sullo scudiero Simone e sulla figlia del defunto Conte: Matilde e anche loro si innamorano. Ma quasi come fosse una maledizione, anche il loro amore sembra non finire bene tra varie ingiustizie... ma non tutto va sempre per forza male.
Ho adorato questo libro seppur lo abbia sentito nel petto in modo straziante. Le opere storiche sono quasi sempre tutte tremende e cruenti, specialmente quelle che iniziano con una guerra, e la storia dei vari personaggi si è ripercorsa pagina dopo pagina con sempre più dolore.
Un libro intenso, fatale, ma che piacerà assolutamente a ogni appassionato del genere.
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmela scappare? Assolutamente no.
Siamo nell'anno mille, in Normandia, quando Guglielmo di Normandia torna in patria dopo aver sconfitto Re Aroldo II.
Tra i nobili inglesi portati con sé come trofeo di battaglia, vi è Waltheof che nonostante tutte le aspettative finisce per innamorarsi della nipote del Re: Giuditta, arrivando addirittura a sposarla almeno sino a quando poi non viene giustiziato per tradimento. Passa il tempo e la storia si sposta sullo scudiero Simone e sulla figlia del defunto Conte: Matilde e anche loro si innamorano. Ma quasi come fosse una maledizione, anche il loro amore sembra non finire bene tra varie ingiustizie... ma non tutto va sempre per forza male.
Ho adorato questo libro seppur lo abbia sentito nel petto in modo straziante. Le opere storiche sono quasi sempre tutte tremende e cruenti, specialmente quelle che iniziano con una guerra, e la storia dei vari personaggi si è ripercorsa pagina dopo pagina con sempre più dolore.
Un libro intenso, fatale, ma che piacerà assolutamente a ogni appassionato del genere.
March 12, 2014
I am happy to say that the second half of the book was well worth the struggle I had in getting through the first half! The book is divided into two stories, the first one being of Waltheof of Huntington and his ill fated marriage to William the Conqueror's niece, Judith. It was definitely not a romance/love story in any expected fashion? I struggled with it, but it did cause me to go do my own research on them!
The second half of the book was about their daughter Matilda and her marriage to Waltheof’s Norman acquaintance Simon de Senlis. This story kept my attention and did explain the underlying issues of Waltheof and Judith!
I gave it 4 stars...because of my difficulties with the first half. In the end, I was surprised and satisfied with the overall story! As usual, Elizabeth Chadwick did an excellent job of weaving history and fiction together even though I am sure that there was limited actual history for her to go on as she started this story! She inspires me to go on my own quests to find out more about the history that she presents in each book!
The second half of the book was about their daughter Matilda and her marriage to Waltheof’s Norman acquaintance Simon de Senlis. This story kept my attention and did explain the underlying issues of Waltheof and Judith!
I gave it 4 stars...because of my difficulties with the first half. In the end, I was surprised and satisfied with the overall story! As usual, Elizabeth Chadwick did an excellent job of weaving history and fiction together even though I am sure that there was limited actual history for her to go on as she started this story! She inspires me to go on my own quests to find out more about the history that she presents in each book!
February 8, 2014
I've been on a Ye Olde England kick, and somehow this came up in my reading queue so I downloaded to my kindle and enjoyed it quite a bit. It's not quite a romance, though it has some steamy bits--I'd say it deviates from romance in that there's no real hero or heroine--just people, in relationships, and some of them (Judith!) are not particularly likable. I liked that Waltheof was not the smartest tool in the shed, but Judith was still drawn to him. She was a shrew. The book did throw some light on the politics of the time and I enjoyed learning more about the conflicts between the Normans and the Saxons.
April 2, 2009
This read like a Mills & Boon - a lot of heaving bosoms, flushed cheeks and muscular thighs etc. I was reading it while having my hair cut and kept having to hastily turn pages for fear of embarrassment should my hairdresser happen to read anything over my shoulder. I was quite surprised as I'd heard great things about E. Chadwick and was severely disappointed - however I'm told she has written better ones so I'm giving her ONE more chance to redeem herself and reading "The Love Knot" next.
August 21, 2014
I loved it. This is a magnificent story and an interesting approach to a time where facts are not precisely documented. The art of Elizabeth Chadwick is superb. She takes an object, a cloak or mantle and weaves a story that reflects reality and serves to present facts. An easy reading, enthralling of a period of time of which I knew very little but has fascinated me. This book is a perfect complement to all the Sharon K. Penman books.
June 4, 2011
Another wonderful read by EC. I give this one a 4.5/5. The book is divided into two parts; one about Judith and Waltheof and the second about their daughter and her husband Simon. I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first half I think because I like the characters more in the second half. In any case, I really enjoyed the read!
September 6, 2013
Really enjoyed this read. A brilliant and too be honest one of the best historical novels I have read in a long time. There were three characters that I loved , Waltheof , the saxon Earl and his daughter Matilda and his friend and her husband in the latter end of the book Simon de Senlis.
The book had romance, lust and battle scenes that kept the book enthralling.
July 1, 2013
It's difficult not to like this book. Elizabeth Chadwick focusing on the time period right after the Norman conquest. This is an historical romance novel (versus historical fiction), one that is worth reading.
February 9, 2016
Are all the females in Chadwick's novels as infuriating as Adelaide, Judith, and Matilda? Good grief! If not for the men, I would have chucked this novel less than 100 pages in.
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